We are one full week into the 2025-26 NBA season, and there have been plenty of surprises and plenty of action so far. Monday offers a deep 11-game menu that sees action across the country. Headlining the slate this evening is a divisional rivalry renewed with the Pistons and Bulls ,along with a playoff rematch between the Warriors and Grizzlies in the Western Conference. Let’s dive in!
You can find out our NBA picks for all of tonight’s matchups along with EVERY GAME this season, but for now, let’s get into tonight’s NBA best bets for every game on Monday’s slate.
Cavaliers vs Pistons best bet: Pistons ML (+120)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing
We dove into this a bit deeper in the analysis, but the story here is Cleveland’s dominance in this rivalry series and their recent accolades as the East’s top side in last season’s playoffs. Though they lost their opener to the Bulls, Detroit has since knocked off Houston on the road, as well as Boston at home. After losing to the Knicks, the Cavs squeaked by the Nets and beat Milwaukee who is still trying to figure itself out. This Pistons are the better side at the better price, so let’s back Detroit on the money line.
Read our full Cavaliers vs Pistons prediction
Magic vs 76ers best bet: 76ers ML (+180)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing
The Sixers opened as a modest 3.5-point dog until the market stepped in and hammered Orlando to where the Magic are laying 5.5 points. We could scoop up the points but given how low the initial offering was, there is inclination to take Philly outright. After all, Orlando is a team that leads with defense and Philadelphia has won its first 2 games by tight margins to kick off its season. This will then be a game of possessions and if that is the case, holding a near 2-to-1 ticket on what is a toss-up game is inherently a valuable ticket.
Read our full Magic vs 76ers prediction
Hawks vs Bulls best bet: Hawks -1.5 (-110)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing
Chicago’s 2–0 start looks strong on the surface, but dig deeper and it’s smoke and mirrors — the Bulls nearly blew a 23-point lead to Detroit and were bailed out by Orlando’s ice-cold shooting. Despite the optics, Atlanta is the favorite, a sign that oddsmakers see through the façade. The Hawks are the undervalued side in a spot designed to trap Bulls bettors chasing early success. Lay the points with Atlanta.
Read our full Hawks vs Bulls prediction
Celtics vs Pelicans best bet: Pelicans -1.5 (-110)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing
The Pels favored against the Celtics? There is not much more to digest here than the fact that New Orleans is listed as the chalk. Expanding further on this idea, Boston has won the last 8 meetings between both parties. Jason Tatum-less or not, Boston as an underdog sets off red flags and this is Zion Williamson and company’s best chance to sway the momentum in this series.
Read our full Celtics vs Pelicans prediction
Raptors vs Spurs best bet: Raptors +5.5 (-110)
Odds available at BetMGM at time of publishing
No team has started off hotter than the San Antonio Spurs. A pair of road games at Dallas and New Orleans, followed by Brooklyn? No problem. San Antonio has handled business and covered their last 4 dating back to last season. Against the Raptors, the Spurs have also won the last three which makes Toronto who was marginal throughout 2024-25, an afterthought here. However, all of this makes the Raptors susceptible to taking back an inflated number. Grab the points.
Read our full Raptors vs Spurs prediction
Nets vs Rockets best bet: Over 226 (-110)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing
Who is going to do all the scoring here? Houston. Well, the price says that the Rockets should roll here, with Houston laying 15.5 points. However, unless the Nets get rolled over without resistance, it will be hard to imagine this total coming in on the under. Houston’s offensive pyrotechnics are certainly feasible but even if they get up big, Brooklyn will be looking to make the most of their minutes and create opportunities to score. Should that happen, the over will cash.
Read our full Nets vs Rockets prediction
Thunder vs Mavericks best bet: Thunder -8.5 (-110)
Odds available at BetMGM at time of publishing
Despite the pre-season hype, Dallas has done nothing to show it deserves it. The Mavs have been blown out by San Antonio, upset by Washington of all teams and barely scraped by Toronto, where they needed nearly 140 points to get a win. Now, they’ll face the best team they’ve seen all year in the defending champs themselves. Oklahoma City is fresh off a dominant win over Atlanta and finally playing to its potential. Lay the points and don’t look back.
Read our full Thunder vs Mavericks prediction
Suns vs Jazz best bet: Jazz ML (+100)
Odds available at BetMGM Sportsbook at time of publishing
If there was a best bet on Mondays card, this is it. Phoenix hasn’t looked right, dropping two straight by 20+ points, while Utah has shown legitimate improvement — blowing out the Clippers and narrowly losing at Sacramento. The only reason the Suns are favored is history; they’ve beaten the Jazz 10 straight times. But trends don’t win games — current form does. Utah is playing the better basketball and should be the favorite here.
Read our full Suns vs Jazz prediction
Nuggets vs Timberwolves best bet: Over 229 (-110)
Odds available at BetMGM at time of publishing
Forget about the bright lights and the superstars on display in this affair. Let’s talk scoring. Denver has been doing plenty of it out of the gate. The Nuggets are putting up 132 points per game, and now they’ll be up against an immovable object in Minnesota’s defense. The Wolves have shown vulnerabilities in defending against potent offenses, and they did give up 128 to the Lakers. On average, this is an outfit scoring at least 110 points per game in their first 3 outings. So unless, Denver gets clamped down, this should go over fairly comfortably.
Read our full Nuggets vs Timberwolves prediction
Grizzlies vs Warriors best bet: Warriors -8 (-110)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing
This number looks far too friendly to Memphis backers. After all, the Grizzlies can cook when firing on all cylinders. The problem is what happens with the defense melts down? 146 points given up to Miami, that’s what happens. Buying the Warriors here isn’t simply backing Curry and a red-hot Golden State offense, it’s investing in what can happen if the Warriors start shooting and Memphis has nothing to return fire. Lay the points with the home team.
Read our full Grizzlies vs Warriors prediction
Trail Blazers vs Lakers best bet: Under 227 (-110)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing
Neither team is built for pace right now. On one side, the Lakers are banged up and short on scorers, while Portland, missing its head coach and is leaning on defense to stay competitive. Expect long possessions, plenty of missed shots, and both teams grinding for every bucket. The tempo and circumstances scream under. The best part is that this line was at 225 earlier this morning, so now we have another bucket to work with. Dig your heels in and take the under.
Read our full Trail Blazers vs Lakers prediction
Click here to add us to your Google preferred sources and never miss a story
