NBA Best Bets Today: October 25 Picks & Predictions
The first week of the new season ends in the NBA with a seven-game slate coming our way. We have an early tip-off in Salt Lake City with the Jazz vs. Lakers clash, but the highlight of the night is in Minnesota where we have the Raptors vs. Timberwolves game at 7:00 pm ET on NBA TV.
Our NBA Picks will cover all seven games, with predictions on the side and total. I’m highlighting my top three bets for Sunday’s slate, focusing on the best value I could find. Read on to see which picks stood out for me!
NBA Best Bet: Wendell Carter Jr. (ORL) over 11.5 Points vs Knicks (-128)
Optimism has already faded away in the Orlando Magic camp after an 0-2 start to their new season. Paolo Banchero hast just been ruled out for four-to-six weeks due to an ankle injury, and the Magic could find themselves in a difficult spot before their best player returns to the lineup. However, if there is one positive to take away from the first two games, it is Wendell Carter Jr. and his play.
He’s currently second on the team in scoring behind Banchero, shooting over 84% from the field and also a threat from the perimeter at 57% efficiency on two makes per game. His numbers against the Knicks have also been consistent – he averages 13 PPG in five meetings with impressive efficiency both from the field and the perimeter (64%). With the Knicks also getting off to a somewhat sluggish start this season, I like Carter's chances of clearing this mark. The Magic will be in trouble if he doesn't.
Read our full Orlando Magic vs New York Knicks Predictions
NBA Best Bet: Rui Hachimura (LAC) to score 15+ Points vs Thunder (-170)
I always felt that Rui Hachimura never got enough credit for his ability to score in a limited role on those LeBron led Lakers teams. As soon as LA ran out of cap space, they got rid of him, which is puzzling considering he averaged 17.5 PPG in the 2026 playoffs on efficient shooting. Playing for the Clippers is an ideal scenario for him from an individual perspective, as he will get a lot more shooting opportunities than he ever did with the purple and gold.
His first two games are a clear indicator of that; he’s put up 13 and 14 shots versus the Kings and Lakers. Sunday sees him take on the OKC Thunder, and he cleared this line in all four games of the 2026 playoffs against them, while shooting 55% from the field and 57% from three. On paper, OKC is a massive favorite here, but Hachimura's scoring efficiency and growing role give me optimism he can do some damage here. At -170, the price isn't cheap, but I'm backing him to score 15 points or more.
Our LA Clippers vs OKC Thunder Predictions are also live
NBA Best Bet: Detroit Pistons +2.5 over Philadelphia 76ers (-110)
A lot of people have underestimated the Pistons coming into this season, calling their 60-win campaign from a year ago a fluke. However, this team has come out firing in the first two games, beating two East rivals and dropping 120+ points on both the Celtics and Heat. That offensive momentum has carried over from the preseason – Detroit has now scored 120+ in four consecutive games. Sunday sees them taking on a 76ers team that’s playing on the second night of a back-to-back, which should be an advantage for Cade Cunningham and his teammates.
Philly did win their game on Saturday against the Bucks, but they got destroyed on the boards, 62-40, while giving up 17 of them on the offensive end. This being a second game in two nights, Joel Embiid might take the night off here, which further decimates the Sixers at the center position. Adem Bona is his replacement; I think we can all agree he just isn’t on the level of Jalen Duren. I’m taking my chances with the Pistons here, they’ve looked sharp offensively, and the scheduling spot works in their favor.
Check out my Detroit Pistons vs Philadelphia 76ers Predictions
