After just 1 game last night, the NBA returns with a bang to start off the weekend. The 11-game slate on our hands tonight sees both conference-leading teams in action as they look to maintain their top spot with the NBA Emirates Cup getting underway. You can find out our expert NBA picks throughout the season, but for now, let’s break down my NBA best bets for every game tonight.
Celtics vs Magic best bet: Magic -3.5 (-110)
The Magic should be able to dominate the battle in the paint here. They rank in the top 10 in rebounding percentage and points in the paint. The Celtics are dead last in the latter category and that disparity should be too much for them to cover.
Read our full Celtics vs Magic prediction
Cavaliers vs Wizards best bet: Under 241 (-110)
So far this season these offenses rank 22nd and 29th in offensive rating, hardly the recipe for a high scoring encounter, especially with the visiting Cavaliers also being 9th in defensive rating.
Read our full Cavs vs Wizards prediction
Pistons vs Nets best bet: Michael Porter Jr. over 20.5 points (+100)
Cam Thomas is unavailable for the Nets meaning there will be just one chucker in the starting lineup tonight. Look for Michael Porter Jr. to get more touches than usual. He already averages 22.4 points per game as is, this should come easy to him.
Read our full Pistons vs Nets prediction
Rockets vs Spurs best bet: Rockets -3.5 (-110)
The Rockets are leading the NBA in net offensive and defensive rating. They are riding a 5-game win streak and should cover against a Spurs team that has seen Wembanyama hit a poor patch of form. He has failed to crack the 20-point mark in 2 straight games.
Mavericks vs Grizzlies best bet: Mavericks +4.5 (-110)
There is a lot of turmoil with Ja Morant at the moment and his level of play has dropped off, hitting under 32% of his field goal attempts and just 1 of 17 from deep in his last 3 games. With what is supposed to be their superstar playing at this level, it’s hard to see them being able to cover a spread here.
Read our full Mavericks vs Grizzlies prediction
Raptors vs Hawks best bet: Raptors ML (+114)
The Raptors dominated this matchup to open the season, winning by 20 points. They are now riding a 3-game win streak and are 7th in offensive rating. They are on a roll and should have too much firepower for the Hawks.
Hornets vs Heat best bet: Under 241.5 (-110)
The Heat will be without both Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo here while the visitors have LaMelo Ball listed as questionable. Too many key kogs could be missing for these offenses to be flowing smoothly, so the under on a high 241.5 line looks a good option.
Read our full Hornets vs Heat prediction
Bulls vs Bucks best bet: Bulls +5 (-110)
The Bucks have been just 17th in net offensive and defensive rating. The number of players who can create a shot for themselves behind Giannis Antetokounmpo also seems to be lacking, and they should struggle to dominate an in-form Bulls team as a result.
Jazz vs Timberwolves best bet: Timberwolves -12 (-110)
The Jazz offense has fallen apart, with the team 28th in offense over the last 5 games. That has led to 3 double-digit losses out of their last 4 games. If Aanthony Edwards is cleared to play, a similar fate should await them on the road tonight.
Warriors vs Nuggets best bet: Nuggets -10 (-110)
With both Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry out for this game, its hard to see the visitors generating enough offense through Jonathan Kuminga to keep pace with a team led by Nikola Jokic. The Serbian has the Nuggets 3rd in offensive rating and has had a triple-double in all but 2 games this season.
Thunder vs Kings best bet: Russell Westbrook over 6.5 rebounds (+120)
Russell Westbrook proclaimed himself the best rebounding guard in history and the last 2 games confirm it. He pulled down a total of 28 over those contests and should be motivated to build on that against his former team.
Read our full Thunder vs Kings prediction
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