NBA Opening Night - Lakers, Celtics and Cavs in Action

The NBA opens its doors on the 2009-10 season on Tuesday night. Basketball betting has four games to choose from as the schedule gets underway. Here's a look . . .

Boston Celtics at Cleveland Cavaliers (-5, 187)

Both of the Eastern Conference's top contenders will be debuting brand new big men. Boston added veteran forward Rasheed Wallace to boost the frontcourt and join a healthy Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce. The Celtics haven't covered a spread against the Cavaliers in their last five meetings.

Cleveland officially welcomes Shaquille O'Neal on Tuesday night. The future Hall-of-Fame center gives the Cavaliers the presence in the paint that has been the team's biggest weakness in recent seasons. LeBron James remains the focal point of the offense and is looking to add a title to his MVP honors.

Washington Wizards at Dallas Mavericks (-8, 205)

Washington has been waiting a long time to have Gilbert Arenas at 100 percent; the prolific scorer missed all but two games last season. However, the Wizards will be without another top talent in Tuesday's opener, as small forward Antawn Jamison is expected to miss three to five weeks after suffering a shoulder injury.

Dallas has a defensive mindset this season, with players like Shawn Marion and Drew Gooden giving the Mavericks some toughness. Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, and Jason Kidd are all back, while wild card Josh Howard can lift the team into contention in the West – if he can stay healthy. Dallas took both games vs. the Wizards last season, covering as a favorite in both wins.

Houston Rockets at Portland Trail Blazers (-9.5, 187)

The Rockets begin life without Yao Ming, as the All-Star center was ruled out for the season with nagging foot injuries. Houston will be turning to a roster of role players to keep the team in playoff contention. Luis Scola should be back from an ankle injury while Tracy McGrady is still rehabbing his bad back. The team waived veteran guard Brent Barry earlier this week.

The Blazers continue to grow into one of the NBA's most promising franchises. However, with a new point guard in Andre Miller at the wheel, Portland has suffered some growing pains. There are chemistry issues heading into Tuesday's opener. The Blazers won just three of their nine meetings with the Rockets last season, but managed to cover in five of those games.

Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers (-10, 208)

Like in past seasons, the Clippers are hoping to shed the franchise's losing aura. First-round draft pick Blake Griffin is a step forward. Unfortunately, the Oklahoma product could miss his NBA debut after injuring his knee last Friday. The Clippers have covered just twice in their last eight games against their L.A. brothers.

The Lakers take the first step in defending their NBA title, but they might be without two members of their starting frontcourt against the Clippers. Center Andrew Bynum is nursing an injured shoulder and Achilles' tendon, but is expected to play. Forward Pau Gasol injured his hamstring during preseason play and is listed as questionable.