The first night of the NBA’s 2025-26 regular season has a matchup between Golden State and Los Angeles, with the Lakers looking to upset the hometown crowd in the Warriors. With LeBron James on the bench with sciatica, the pressure is on Luka Dončić to carry Los Angeles to victory against the trio of Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler. 

Meanwhile, SoCal’s two hockey teams will compete in their own respective contests—the Anaheim Ducks visiting the Nashville Predators, and the St. Louis Bills facing off against the Los Angeles Kings. While bettors and gamblers have their picks to make, tonight’s games will determine team chemistry and early-season momentum going forward. Here are tonight’s best bets brought to you by BetOnline.ag. Click here to join. All new players get a 50% welcome bonus and up to $250 in free bets.

Warriors vs. Lakers Moneyline 

As the Lakers come into the Bay the underdogs against Golden State, Los Angeles has their backs against the wall as their defense is stretched thin. With Dončić having to shoulder most of the offense for this game, the Lakers are going to have to rely on him to rack up points and assists. Because of Golden State’s advantage of being home for this opener, this combined with their veteran experience make them a safe pick to win. 

However, opening night and early-season games are often unpredictable, with teams often playing defensively to start. A low-scoring outcome with both teams being safe will most likely happen, going under a combined 224.5 total points between Golden State and Los Angeles. Also, Dončić is predicted to be the showstealer for Los Angeles as he is expected to score the most points for his team. An over for 31.5 points for Dončić is a fair estimate as the Lakers are going to have to rely on his offensive prowess to win. 

Ducks vs. Predators Moneyline 

The Anaheim Duck’s bring their youth to music city as they face a tough test against the Nashville Predators. With Juuse Saros as their goaltender, the Predators’ defense could prove challenging for the less experienced Ducks. 

With experience and home-field advantage in favor of Nashville, both teams are reliant on solid goaltending that is especially prevalent in the regular season as less than six goals combined is expected. With the Predators’ best sniper giving them options, Anaheim’s defense will be put to the test on the ice. 

Blues vs. Kings Moneyline 

Historically, St. Louis well against the Los Angeles Kings, with their defensive nature being difficult to get past. 

The Blues’ improved goaltending and forechecked structuring give them an advantage, with history being an indication of this. Under 5.5 total goals seems to be the story of the series as recent games between St. Louis and Los Angeles often coming down to the last goal. 

Also, The Blues’ Jordan Kyrou provides an offensive edge that is necessary as the game goes on, as this is expected to be a close chess match.