Last week’s NBA picks went 7-6, with the best bets going 2-1. Let’s see if we can keep the momentum going with the massive 14-game slate on Wednesday, November 8th. Let’s preview all 14 games before choosing the three best NBA bets.
All the lines are taken from FanDuel.
NBA Bets for November 8, 2023
Washington Wizards @ Charlotte Hornets: CHA -4 -110
The Wizards are wholly and utterly hopeless. They were blown out in all five losses, their only win coming against the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies at home. The Hornets aren’t exactly world-beaters, but it’s impossible to pick the Wizards to be competitive as long as they continue to have one of the worst defenses of all time.
Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ers: O226 -110
These are two of the top four offenses in the league, both scoring over 120 points per 100 possessions. They are also in the league’s top half in terms of pace. Boston and Philadelphia both like to always play five shooters, stretching opposing defenses. They will have a difficult time stopping one another.
Utah Jazz @ Indiana Pacers: IND -5.5 -110
The Pacer’s offense has been unstoppable to start the season. They currently rank first in offensive rating, while the Jazz ranks 28th in defensive efficiency. Indiana should have no trouble scoring on the porous Utah defense.
LA Clippers @ Brooklyn Nets: BKN +4 -114
The Clippers are still trying to figure out their rotations after acquiring James Harden and P.J. Tucker. Starting Harden and Russell Westbrook together alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul George is probably not an ideal fit. The growing pains should continue against the solid, competitive Brooklyn Nets.
San Antonio Spurs @ New York Knicks: U224.5 -108
The Knicks rank second in defensive efficiency and 28th in offense. Julius Randle has started the season miserably. San Antonio has trouble scoring consistently, especially with Devin Vassell out. Victor Wembanyama’s length should bother the Knicks’ rim-attacking style. It should be a low-scoring affair.
Phoenix Suns @ Chicago Bulls: PHX +1.5 -110
The Suns have been underwhelming to start the season, but there is a chance both Devin Booker and Bradley Beal will play for the first time against the Bulls. Even if only one of them plays, Phoenix has enough talent to beat the Bulls in Chicago.
Detroit Pistons @ Milwaukee Bucks: DET +12.5 -110
Milwaukee is another team that is dealing with growing pains. The change in the defensive scheme has resulted in a leaky Bucks defense, preventing them from blowing teams out. Detroit is short-handed and bereft of high-end offensive talent, but they may have enough defensive juice to stick with Milwaukee and keep things close.
Miami Heat @ Memphis Grizzlies: U221.5 -110
Both teams struggle to score the ball. Memphis simply doesn’t have enough offensive production due to Ja Morant’s absence, and Miami hasn’t been able to fill the holes created by the departures of Max Strus and Gabe Vincent. They like to play slow, half-court offense, lowering their offensive efficiency. A physical, grit-and-grind style game is a likely scenario.
LA Lakers @ Houston Rockets: HOU +3.5 -110
All three of Lakers’ wins this season came in nail-biters. They can’t hit a three-pointer to save their lives, ranking second-last in three-point percentage. Their offense struggles to generate enough points. Austin Reaves hasn’t hit his stride yet, and Anthony Davis had to leave the last game due to a hip injury. Houston, on the other hand, is on a roll and won three straight. It will not be easy for the Lakers.
Cleveland Cavaliers @ OKC Thunder: CLE -1.5 -110
This one is the hardest game to predict. Cleveland is finally healthy and hard to beat when they are at full strength. The Thunder play well at home and were competitive in every game this season except for their loss to the Denver Nuggets. Cleveland’s two big lineups may be a big advantage against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren. They may be slightly favored to cover, albeit by the skin of their teeth.
New Orleans Pelicans @ Minnesota Timberwolves: U221.5 -110
As it seemingly happens every year, the Pelicans can’t catch a break with injuries. They continue to be short-handed, with CJ McCollum being out indefinitely. They don’t have enough perimeter creation without him, and the Timberwolves currently have the best defense in the league by a significant margin. It’s difficult to see how New Orleans can score enough in this game.
Toronto Raptors @ Dallas Mavericks: DAL -5.5 -114
The Mavericks’ shooters are on fire, Luka Doncic is playing at an MVP level, and the vibes look solid in Dallas. On the other hand, the Raptors offence is a mess, especially in the half-court. Dallas doesn’t turn the ball over and score very efficiently, meaning they will likely not allow Toronto to get out in transition. This will limit their scoring chances, paving the way for a relatively easy Mavericks win.
Portland Trail Blazers @ Sacramento Kings: POR + 8.5 -110
Sacramento is struggling with De’Aaron Fox’s absence, not being able to create good looks offensively. If he returns, Sacramento can cover, but unless that is announced, it’s hard to pick them to beat any team by nine or more points, even if that team is the short-handed Trail Blazers.
GS Warriors @ Denver Nuggets: DEN -3 -112
This is the last game of a four-game road trip for the Golden State Warriors, and it’s the hardest arena to play in as the opposing team. Denver is on a roll, beating teams by double digits without much sweat. They will likely be extra motivated against a Western Conference contender. Jamal Murray will likely miss the game, but it’s difficult to pick against the Nuggets at home even then.
Best NBA Bets:
- Washington Wizards @ Charlotte Hornets: CHA -4 -110
- Boston Celtics @ Philadelphia 76ers: O226 -110
- New Orleans Pelicans @ Minnesota Timberwolves: U221.5 -110
