With nine games on tonight’s NBA slate, the board has plenty of value. I looked through the AI Model’s predictions for tonight’s games and decided on the best three bets you should consider at the top-rated sportsbooks. Let’s get right to it!
Picks Summary
- Pelicans +4.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
- Timberwolves -4.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
- Thunder/Blazers Over 220.5 (-110) at Bet365
Indiana Pacers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Friday, November 01, 2024 – 08:00 PM ET at Smoothie King Center
The AI Model believes the Pelicans will only lose to the Pacers, 118-115, as 4.5-point underdogs at home. I’ve never had a problem betting on the home team in a potentially tight matchup. The value is on the Pelicans!
Indiana Might Be Overrated
The Indiana Pacers haven’t done much right on the offensive end this season. Yes, the Pacers have shot a 55.1% effective field goal percentage. But they’ve also scored just 110.5 points per 100 possessions with a below-average amount of free throws, offensive rebounds, and a high amount of turnovers.
The Pelicans should be able to force turnovers at a high rate and limit the Pacers from getting to the foul line again. That should hold off the Pacers, especially on the road.
Better Scoring At Home?
The New Orleans Pelicans are no better offensively. However, they’ll be at home and should end up with more offensive rebounds and free-throw attempts.
The Pacers are currently dead last in defensive rebounding and 27th in free throw rate defensively. Therefore, the Pelicans should do enough of the little things to squeak by the Pacers at home.
The Pick
The Pacers have listed Myles Turner and Andrew Nembhard as game-time decisions. If those two can’t go, the Pelicans will have an even better chance at winning tonight’s game.
NBA Pick: Pelicans +4.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Friday, November 01, 2024 – 09:30 PM ET at Target Center
Our AI Model likes the Timberwolves to add a 114-108 win over the Nuggets tonight. However, the Timberwolves are just 4.5-point favorites. The Model believes we’ll have a six-point victory. Therefore, taking Minnesota against the spread looks to be the way to go.
Denver Isn’t Shooting Well
The Denver Nuggets have played in four games this season. In those four games, the Nuggets have shot a 50.5% effective field goal percentage, which has led to the Nuggets only scoring 114.4 points per 100 possessions.
That’s still average but not up to par for the Nuggets, who have championship aspirations again this year.
Trust Minnesota At Home
The Minnesota Timberwolves have shot much better. They’ve shot a 56.6% effective field goal percentage and will likely feel more comfortable at home.
After all, Denver has allowed a 53.9% effective field goal percentage, forcing just 12.8% of turnovers. The Nuggets have been below-average defensively.
The Pick
Take the Timberwolves at -4.5 while you can!
NBA Pick: Timberwolves -4.5 (-110) at Bet365
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Friday, November 01, 2024 – 10:00 PM ET at Moda Center
The AI Model likes the Thunder and Trail Blazers to combine for 223 points. That said, you can find the Over 220.5 at Bet365, which is 2.5 points less than the AI Model. Therefore, the Over is the bet you’ll want to make in this game.
Few Turnovers For Oklahoma City
The Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t shooting the ball very well to begin the season. The Thunder have shot a 51.3% effective field goal percentage and have failed to get to the foul line much.
However, they’re still 4-0 because of the low turnover percentage. Oklahoma City has turned the ball over just 10.7% of the time. Even with a poor field goal percentage, they’re taking so many shots, which still results in points.
Portland Should Get Plenty of Opportunity, Too
The Trail Blazers are also another team that has shot poorly from the field. They’ve even turned the ball over at a super high rate, which won’t help them against Oklahoma City.
That said, the Blazers have earned 34% of offensive rebounds, and the Thunder have given up 32.3%. The Blazers should dominate in the second-chance points category, allowing them to keep up with the Thunder.
The Pick
Let’s grab the Over, thanks to the AI Model.
NBA Pick: Thunder/Blazers Over 220.5 (-110) at Bet365
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