Jordan Horrobin, Author at The Boost

NBA schedule, odds and betting lines Nov. 27: Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray probable to play vs. Raptors

Before the NBA goes dark for U.S. Thanksgiving, fans and bettors are treated to a smorgasbord of games on Wednesday night.

The latest: The NBA’s top squad, the Cleveland Cavaliers, put their 10-0 home record on the line against the underwhelming Atlanta Hawks. Elsewhere, the New Orleans Pelicans get some much-needed help against the Toronto Raptors and Victor Wembanyama looks to stay on fire against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Check out today’s basketball betting lines and our NBA schedule for Nov. 27.

NBA schedule: Nov. 27

Visit all of tonight’s NBA markets.

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets
ML odds: Miami -167, Charlotte +137
Spread: Heat -3.5 (-110)

Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
ML odds: Atlanta +375, Cleveland -500
Spread: Cavaliers -10 (-110)

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Indiana Pacers
ML odds: Portland +400, Indiana -550
Spread: Pacers -10.5 (-110)

Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic
ML odds: Chicago +375, Orlando -500
Spread: Magic -10.5 (-110)

Houston Rockets vs. Philadelphia 76ers
ML odds: Houston -223, Philadelphia +180
Spread: Rockets -5 (-110)

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Washington Wizards
ML odds: Los Angeles -550, Washington +400
Spread: Clippers -10.5 (-110)

New York Knicks vs. Dallas Mavericks
ML odds: New York -175, Dallas +145
Spread: Knicks -4 (-110)

Detroit Pistons vs. Memphis Grizzlies
ML odds: Detroit +300, Memphis -400
Spread: Grizzlies -8.5 (-110)

Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
ML odds: Sacramento +145, Minnesota -175
Spread: Timberwolves -3.5 (-110)

Toronto Raptors vs. New Orleans Pelicans
ML odds: Raptors +120, Pelicans -143
Spread: New Orleans -2.5

Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs
ML odds: Los Angeles -150, San Antonio + 125
Spread: Lakers -2.5 (-110)

Brooklyn Nets vs. Phoenix Suns
ML odds: Brooklyn +300, Phoenix -400
Spread: Suns -9 (-110)

Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz
ML odds: Denver -450, Utah +333
Spread: Nuggets -9.5 (-110)

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors
ML odds: Oklahoma City -138, Golden State +115
Spread: Thunder -2.5 (-110)

Betting insights

Some notable names on the 8:30 a.m. injury report include Trae Young (questionable), Joel Embiid (out), Paul George (out), Norman Powell (questionable), Klay Thompson (questionable), Brandon Ingram (questionable) and Steph Curry (questionable).

Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its past five games, losing each of its past three by 10-plus points. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s margin of victory at home this year is +14.7 points. This one could be ugly.

How does Dejounte Murray fit into the Pelicans’ game plan? We don’t really know, given that he broke his hand on opening night. But after averaging 20-plus points in each of his previous three seasons, Murray should be a focal point for a New Orleans squad that is still depleted.

Keep an eye on the injury report to see whether or not Wembanyama plays tonight on a back-to-back. If he does, he’ll look to build on a remarkable run: 32.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 3.5 blocks over his past six games.

The most consistent thing about the Nuggets so far has been their trend of hitting the over. This season, overs are 11-5 (68.8%) in Nuggets games, which is the second-highest rate in the NBA. Denver and Utah hit the over when they played back on Nov. 2 (a 129-103 win for Denver).

NBA schedule, odds and betting lines Nov. 27: Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray probable to play vs. Raptors

Before the NBA goes dark for U.S. Thanksgiving, fans and bettors are treated to a smorgasbord of games on Wednesday night.

The latest: The NBA’s top squad, the Cleveland Cavaliers, put their 10-0 home record on the line against the underwhelming Atlanta Hawks. Elsewhere, the New Orleans Pelicans get some much-needed help against the Toronto Raptors and Victor Wembanyama looks to stay on fire against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Check out today’s basketball betting lines and our NBA schedule for Nov. 27.

NBA schedule: Nov. 27

Visit all of tonight’s NBA markets. Click on game odds below to bet now.

Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets

Embed: #101690

Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Embed: #101692

Portland Trail Blazers vs. Indiana Pacers

Embed: #101687

Chicago Bulls vs. Orlando Magic

Embed: #101689

Houston Rockets vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Embed: #101691

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Washington Wizards

Embed: #101688

New York Knicks vs. Dallas Mavericks

Embed: #101693

Detroit Pistons vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Embed: #101695

Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Embed: #101694

Toronto Raptors vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Embed: #101696

Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs

Embed: #101697

Brooklyn Nets vs. Phoenix Suns

Embed: #101698

Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz

Embed: #101699

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors

Embed: #101700

Betting insights

Some notable names on the 8:30 a.m. injury report include Trae Young (questionable), Joel Embiid (out), Paul George (out), Norman Powell (questionable), Klay Thompson (questionable), Brandon Ingram (questionable) and Steph Curry (questionable).

Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its past five games, losing each of its past three by 10-plus points. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s margin of victory at home this year is +14.7 points. This one could be ugly.

How does Dejounte Murray fit into the Pelicans’ game plan? We don’t really know, given that he broke his hand on opening night. But after averaging 20-plus points in each of his previous three seasons, Murray should be a focal point for a New Orleans squad that is still depleted.

Keep an eye on the injury report to see whether or not Wembanyama plays tonight on a back-to-back. If he does, he’ll look to build on a remarkable run: 32.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 3.5 blocks over his past six games.

The most consistent thing about the Nuggets so far has been their trend of hitting the over. This season, overs are 11-5 (68.8%) in Nuggets games, which is the second-highest rate in the NBA. Denver and Utah hit the over when they played back on Nov. 2 (a 129-103 win for Denver).

College football Week 14 betting guide: Players to watch, key trends and best NCAAF matchups

The final week of college football’s regular season is here, and the best action runs from U.S. Thanksgiving through Saturday night.

The latest: Most of the College Football Playoff spots in the new 12-team system are still up for grabs, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to a slate loaded with rivalry games. From the Egg Bowl and The Game, to the Iron Bowl and Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate, there are plenty of important matchups on deck.

Check out our college football Week 14 betting guide to get ready for this weekend’s action.

College football betting guide: Week 14

Three of the top-10 teams from last week’s CFP rankings went down in Week 13, causing quite a shakeup to the latest playoff picture.

Two teams that seem perfectly safe are the No. 1 Oregon Ducks and the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes.

Both squads are massive favourites in their annual rivalry games this weekend against Washington and Michigan, respectively.

Washington and Michigan were last year’s national championship finalists, but extensive roster turnover has taken the teeth out of both teams. Still, anything goes in a rivalry game.

Go to full NCAA football betting markets

Key college football matchups

Oregon State Beavers vs. No. 11 Boise State Broncos

Embed: #101484

This game is all about Ashton Jeanty, whose Heisman odds are on the line. Jeanty’s 11-game numbers are insane: 2,164 scrimmage yards, 28 total touchdowns, 7.5 yards per rush.

Three other running backs have won the Heisman since 2000 (Reggie Bush, Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry), and none of them had more than 2,100 scrimmage yards or 23 TDs.

Boise also controls its playoff destiny. Wins on Black Friday and in the Mountain West championship game would likely put the Broncos in the No. 4 spot of the College Football Playoff bracket.

Oregon State’s defence ranks 100th in points allowed (29.5/game) and 102nd in rush yards allowed (178.2/game).

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. No. 6 Georgia Bulldogs

Embed: #101492

This should be a blowout, but annual rivalry games can get hairy. And Georgia Tech already has one notable upset on its ledger this year, knocking off then-No. 4 Miami.

Georgia is 6-0 against Georgia Tech since 2017, but the Yellow Jackets have covered the spread in back-to-back seasons.

This year, UGA is only 3-8 ATS … including a 1-6 ATS record when favoured by 10 or more points.

No. 16 South Carolina Gamecocks vs. No. 12 Clemson Tigers

Embed: #101489

Clemson (9-2) needs help elsewhere to get into the ACC championship game, but a quality win over the Gamecocks would still go a long way to get the Tigers into the CFP.

South Carolina (8-3), likewise, would put some pressure on the playoff committee with a win. The Gamecocks are 4-1 ATS as underdogs this year. Their only losses came against three teams ranked inside the top 20 at the time of the game (LSU, Ole Miss, Alabama).

Kansas State Wildcats vs. No. 17 Iowa State Cyclones

Embed: #101483

The Big 12 is a mess right now, as the conference has identified 256 tiebreaker scenarios that could be in play depending on how this weekend’s action goes. Iowa State (6-2 conference record) is almost certainly through to the title game with a win, but even that isn’t guaranteed.

Iowa State is 1-4 ATS in its past five games, losing two of those matchups straight up as the favourite. But the Cyclones are on a four-game ATS win streak against the Wildcats.

Kansas State (5-3 conference record) lost at Houston earlier this month as a 13-point favourite. By comparison, Iowa State beat Houston, 20-0. Then again, K-State beat Kansas last month while ISU lost to Kansas, 45-36, three weeks ago.

No. 3 Texas Longhorns vs. No. 20 Texas A&M Aggies

Embed: #101482

Texas A&M soiled its playoff chances with a loss against unranked Auburn last week. The Aggies are 1-4 ATS in their past five games (all as favourites), losing two of those matchups straight up.

Texas suffered an ugly loss to Georgia last month but has otherwise handled its business in a watered-down SEC schedule. The Longhorns’ matchup against Georgia was their only game against a top-25 school based on the latest AP poll.

Saturday’s matchup renews an old rivalry between Texas and Texas A&M from their days together in the Big 12. The game was played every year from 1915 through 2011.

On the injury front, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is questionable with an ankle injury. He has multiple TD passes in five straight games. Meanwhile, Texas A&M tailback Le’Veon Moss (6.3 yards/rush, 10 TDs) is out with a leg injury.

College football betting guide: Players to watch

WR Cayden Lee (Ole Miss): Mississippi’s top receiving target, Tre Harris, has missed three-plus games with a hamstring injury this year. And when Harris is out, the Rebels’ explosive passing offence tends to run through Lee.

From Oct. 12 through last week, a period in which Harris missed all or part of Ole Miss’ five games, Lee had 28 catches for 493 yards. In six games before that, Lee had just 18 catches for 297 yards.

Mississippi State ranks 127th in total defence, so this should be a matchup for Lee and others to take advantage of.

https://twitter.com/OleMissFB/status/1860385591424352747

RB TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State): Henderson has been an efficient running back all year, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. But now his receiving work is ticking up, too, and he looks like the primary goal-line back for the Buckeyes.

Henderson has rushed for 227 yards and two TDs over the past three games (8.7 YPC), adding in eight catches for 67 yards. He’d only had nine catches over the previous eight games combined.

Michigan is known for a stout run defence (3.1 YPC allowed), but the Buckeyes should find ways to get the ball into Henderson’s hands — especially if the game turns into a laugher, as the spread (Ohio State -20.5) indicates.

NCAAF national championship odds

Betting trends

The Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn has featured plenty of offensive fireworks in recent seasons. Overs are 4-2 in their past six meetings, averaging 65.7 points per game. Alabama has averaged 43.2 PPG in six home games this season.

Should the No. 8 Miami Hurricanes be on upset watch again? Miami has multiple one-score wins as a double-digit favourite this year, and it lost outright as a 9.5-point favourite the last time it played on the road. Syracuse, meanwhile, has four straight-up wins as an underdog this season.

The Houston vs. BYU matchup is a real battle of scoring styles. Unders are 10-1 in Houston games this year, but overs are 8-3 in BYU games. Eight of the Cougars’ 11 games have finished under Saturday’s projected total (41.5 points).

Raptors vs. Pistons same-game parlay predictions Nov. 25: Bet on Barnes, Poeltl and a Toronto alt spread

After a loss in Cleveland last night, the Toronto Raptors are in Detroit on Monday to face the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.

The pregame narrative: Detroit won’t have Cade Cunningham tonight, which is part of the reason I like Toronto on an alt spread. This +400 SGP also features prop picks on Jaden Ivey, Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl.

Check out my Raptors vs. Pistons same-game parlay predictions for Nov. 25.

Raptors vs. Pistons predictions

Go to full NBA betting markets

Parlay: Raptors +10.5 + Ivey over 18.5 points + Barnes over 16.5 points + Poeltl over 10.5 rebounds (+400)

Embed: #101460

Raptors +10.5 (-278): The Raptors are at a rest disadvantage tonight on a back-to-back, but that doesn’t worry me too much.

Toronto is 3-1 ATS on zero rest this season, per Team Rankings, and it’s up against a team that isn’t accustomed to playing the role of a favourite.

Detroit is just 5-10 ATS as a favourite since the start of last season. Last week, the Pistons went 0-3 ATS, which included a pair of straight up losses as favourites.

On Nov. 15, Toronto lost by four points as a home underdog against Detroit. I don’t expect a vastly different result tonight — especially without Cunningham, Detroit’s top scorer and passer.

SGP legs

Ivey over 18.5 points (-177): Cunningham’s absence means someone else will have to step up for Detroit. Ivey’s role is growing in the Motor City anyhow, so I think he has a good chance for an uptick in scoring volume.

In Year 3, Ivey has enjoyed growth in overall scoring (18.1 PPG) and 3-point effectiveness (36.6%). He’s gone over 18.5 points in eight of 17 games, landing on exactly 18 points two other times.

And his numbers with/without Cunningham since the start of last season are notable.

With Cunningham: 15.0 PPG, 12.1 FGA, 19+ points in 18/73 games
Without Cunningham: 18.9 PPG, 16.2 FGA, 19+ points in 10/21 games

Barnes over 16.5 points (-205): Barnes is only two games removed from an 11-game injury absence, but he managed to cash this prop in both games since his return.

He’s now hit this over in five of six games on the year. After averaging 19.9 PPG last season, that shouldn’t really surprise anyone.

Barnes is doing a nice job of getting to the free-throw line, but he’s struggling to score efficiently from the field. To me, that just means there’s potential for him to score at an even greater clip (unless you expect his 22.7% 3-point shooting to hold up).

Last year, Barnes scored 22 points and added nine rebounds when the Raptors played in Detroit.

Poeltl over 10.5 rebounds (-134): This is absolutely playable as a single. Poeltl is a vacuum on the glass.

The eighth-year centre is averaging 12.3 rebounds per game and has cashed this bet in 10 of 17 matchups this season.

Poeltl matched a season-high with 19 rebounds last time out, marking his fifth straight game with 12 or more.

Oh, and he had 18 boards against the Pistons earlier this month.

Detroit and Toronto both rank in the top five in rebounding rate this season, so this isn’t a pushover matchup. But Poeltl has dominated against Detroit once before and I don’t see why it’d be different this time.

Picks made at 11:39 a.m. on 11/25/24.

Ravens vs. Chargers Week 12 MNF prop picks: Bet on Lamar Jackson to score, Will Dissly to stay involved

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are on the road to face Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers in a Grade-A matchup on Monday Night Football.

The pregame narrative: Jackson hasn’t found the end zone often this year, but I like his anytime touchdown price in a game with a high scoring upside. I’m also backing a pair of tight ends — Mark Andrews and Will Dissly — to clear their respective yardage totals.

Check out my Ravens vs. Chargers prop picks for Monday Night Football on Nov. 25.

Ravens vs. Chargers prop picks

Go to full NFL betting markets

Embed: #101437

Best Bet: Andrews over 29.5 receiving yards (-127)

A yardage total like this would’ve seemed mysteriously low for Andrews in any of his previous five seasons.

The three-time Pro Bowler averaged 50+ yards per game over each of those years.

All told from 2019-23, Andrews averaged 4.9 catches and 60.6 yards.

This year, Andrews is only averaging 2.9 catches and 34.5 yards through 11 games.

I like this as a buy-low spot for Andrews, especially because his season-long dips are a bit misleading. What it really comes down to is some puzzlingly low usage from Weeks 1-4.

Andrews only had 65 total yards in that four-game span. He was held without a catch in Weeks 3-4 while seeing just two total targets.

From Week 5 onward, Andrews has looked more like his old self: 3.7 catches/game, 44.9 yards/game and a 21.0% target rate per route.

Isaiah Likely isn’t going anywhere, but Andrews no longer appears to be ceding all the tight end work to his younger teammate. Andrews has had a higher snap share than Likely in each of the Ravens’ past four games.

Andrews will only need a couple of catches to at least have a shot at this over. He’s caught multiple passes in seven straight games and has a high enough floor for me to find some value here.

Key stat: Andrews has accrued 30-plus receiving yards in five of his past seven games (and he has 20-plus receiving yards in all seven).

Quick pick

Dissly over 39.5 receiving yards (-134): Dissly’s involvement in the Chargers’ offence exploded after their Week 5 bye, and now he’s drawing a great matchup. I want in.

Check out Dissly’s per-game averages before and after L.A.’s bye week:

Pre-bye (four games): 2.5 targets, 2.3 catches, 21.3 yards, 11.1% target share
Post-bye (six games): 6.3 targets, 4.7 catches, 44.5 yards, 21.7% target share

An overwhelming increase in route involvement has directly correlated to across-the-board statistical improvements. Go figure.

For context, Dissly ran 27 total routes in Weeks 1-4 and has averaged 22.5 routes/game since the bye. A target share about 20.0% and above puts him in the same realm as A.J. Brown, Cooper Kupp and Terry McLaurin.

Now, Dissly faces a Ravens squad that allows the second-most receiving yards per game to opposing tight ends (66.9). This should be a smash play.

Jackson anytime TD (+165): Jackson only has two rushing touchdowns this year, but they both came in the past four weeks. In a game with a sky-high over/under (50.5 points), he should be in a position to score.

Typically, when the Ravens are near the goal line, they just give the ball to Derrick Henry. And who am I to fault them for that?

But the Chargers have only allowed three rushing TDs all year (least in the NFL), so the Ravens might have to be a bit more creative to get the ball across the line.

Also, Jackson’s rushing volume has still been solid this season despite a lack of scores. He has 40-plus rush yards in nine of 11 games.

The goal line carries have been lacking, but Jackson does have 14 red zone carries so far. His opportunities are more fruitful than it seems.

Picks made at 10:10 a.m. ET 11/25/2024.

Best NBA prop bets Nov. 23: Bet on LeBron, Wembanyama to shine on Saturday

It’s a star-studded cast for my NBA prop bets on Saturday night.

The pregame narrative: Both LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama are facing teams that are on road back-to-backs, and I like them to take advantage. Also, read why I expect Jaren Jackson Jr. to swat a couple of shots.

Check out the best NBA prop bets on Nov. 23.

NBA prop bets

Go to full NBA betting markets

Best bet: LeBron over 17.5 rebounds/assists (-112)

LeBron is an ageless, position-less superstar who somehow can still do whatever he wants at damn near 40 years old.

The 21-year veteran is averaging 17.6 rebounds/assists per game, which is notably above his career average (14.9 RA). He’s still an elite scorer — especially from 3-point land — but he’s backed off on shot volume in favour of helping the Los Angeles Lakers in other ways.

Shooting a career-low 17.0 FGA per game

His 9.3 APG is the second-highest average of his career

LeBron has 10+ assists in 8/15 games and 10+ rebounds in 6/15 games

The Denver Nuggets play at the sixth-fastest pace in the NBA, averaging 101.1 possessions per game. With more possessions comes more opportunities for rebounds and assists.

At 6-foot-9, LeBron is tall enough (and athletic enough) to be a factor on the glass every night. But where he’s really shining this year is as a passer.

LeBron is averaging 16.0 potential assists per game, according to NBA.com, which accounts for all passes that immediately lead to a shot. Next on the list for L.A. is Austin Reaves at 10.1, so it’s a sizeable gap.

Denver is playing a back-to-back, so perhaps a fatigued Nikola Jokic will cede some rebounding opportunities to LeBron.

The King is averaging 20.0 RA over his past nine games, and I like him to stay active in those stat categories tonight.

Key stat: In his past 12 games against the Nuggets (since May 2023, playoffs included), LeBron is averaging 16.6 RA and has cashed this bet six times.

Quick picks

Wembanyama over 35.5 points/rebounds (-125): Wembanyama has missed three straight games with a knee injury and is questionable tonight. But if he plays, I like his chances of putting up big numbers against a Golden State Warriors team that likes to run.

Golden State ranks fifth in the NBA in pace (102.3 possessions/game)

Golden State allows the most rebounds per game to opposing centres, according to Betting Pros

Last year, Wembanyama had 41 points/rebounds in both home games against the Warriors

Wemby was on a tear right before his injury, averaging 34.0 points and 12.5 rebounds in a four-game span. Here’s hoping he can pick that back up in a favourable matchup.

Jackson over 1.5 blocks (-134): You don’t get the nickname of “Block Panther” by playing passive defence.

Jackson, a two-time block champion, has averaged 1.6 blocks per game or better in every season since 2019-20.

This year, the Michigan State product has multiple blocks in eight of 14 games — including four in a row.

Jackson had three blocks against the Chicago Bulls back on Oct. 28, and that’s who he’ll face tonight.

It’d make sense for Jackson to continue seeing ample shot-blocking opportunities against Chicago, given that the Bulls play at the fastest pace in the NBA (104.9 possessions/game).

Picks made at 2:05 p.m. ET on 11/23/2024.

NBA parlay picks Nov. 23: Bet on Rockets to dominate, Grizzlies/Bulls to score in bunches

Today’s NBA parlay picks include a team total, a game total and a spread.

The pregame narrative: Fading anybody on the road against the Orlando Magic has been a winning recipe, so I’m sticking to that by fading the Detroit Pistons’ team total. Elsewhere, the Houston Rockets should remain dominant at home while there should be ample scoring when the Memphis Grizzlies face the Chicago Bulls.

Check out the full NBA parlay picks for Nov. 23.

NBA parlay picks

Go to full NBA betting markets

Parlay: Pistons under 100.5 points + Rockets -9.5 + Grizzlies/Bulls over 233.5 points (+250)

Pistons under 100.5 points (-167): No team is defending its home court better than Orlando right now.

The Magic are 7-0 inside Kia Center with league-best marks in:

Opponent PPG (94.7)
Opponent FG% (41.6)
Defensive rating (97.4)
Net rating (17.4)

Each of the Magic’s past five opponents at home finished below 95 points, and I can’t see the Pistons bucking that trend.

Detroit is 22nd in the NBA in points per game on the road, averaging 109.0. That might make this under look questionable, but opponent and pace of play are paramount.

The Pistons and Magic are both among the seven slowest teams in terms of possessions per game. Orlando is happy to turn this into a slog against a Detroit squad that ranks 20th in offensive efficiency.

Last season, Detroit finished with just 91 points apiece in two road games at Orlando.

Other picks

Rockets -9.5 (-182): Are the Rockets the biggest surprises of the season? At 12-5, they’re at least in the conversation.

Houston, seeking its first playoff berth since 2020, ranks fifth in the NBA in net rating (+9.7)

The Rockets rank second in opponent eFG% (49.6) and third in opponent PPG (105.1)

At home, the Rockets are 8-2 this season with an average victory margin of 13.7 points. When they’re on the road to victory, they tend to bury the opposition.

Houston is also 8-2 ATS at home this season and 12-5 ATS overall.

Just last night, the Rockets beat the Portland Trail Blazers by 28 points. In Saturday’s rematch, another double-digit-point win should be in order.

Grizzlies/Bulls over 233.5 points (-239): Overs are 10-7 in Chicago games this year and 11-5 for Memphis. Get these two squads on the same court and watch the points pile up.

Tonight’s showdown is a melding of styles. The Bulls and Grizzlies rank first and third, respectively, in possessions per game, which means both are content to lace up for a track meet.

Last month, the Grizzlies hosted the Bulls at FedExForum and the teams shot a combined 45.5% from the floor. That’s nothing special, but since they played at such a frantic pace, they still combined for 249 points without needing overtime.

This over is 7-2 in Chicago’s past nine games, and seven of those went over this number.

Picks made at 2:00 p.m. on 11/23/2024.

Nuggets vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions Nov. 23: Jokic, Murray should contribute in +255 SGP

The Denver Nuggets have dominated the Los Angeles Lakers in recent matchups, but the Lakers are the favourites in tonight’s contest at Crypto.com Arena.

The pregame narrative: My +255 SGP for Saturday’s game features a trio of prop bets. I like Nikola Jokic to put up big numbers as a scorer, Austin Reaves to can multiple 3s and Jamal Murray to stay productive as a passer.

Check out my Nuggets vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions for Nov. 23.

Nuggets vs. Lakers predictions

Go to full NBA betting markets

Parlay: Jokic over 25.5 points + Reaves over 1.5 threes + Murray over 5.5 assists (+255)

Embed: #101277

Jokic over 25.5 points (-175): Denver’s rotation looks a bit thinner this year than we’ve grown accustomed to, and that has forced Jokic to become even more of a do-it-all star than he already was.

Jokic is averaging a 30-point triple-double so far through 11 games. It’s no mystery why Jokic is the MVP frontrunner as we approach December.

My favourite way to back the Joker tonight is as a scorer. He’s gone over this point total in nine of 11 games so far.

The Lakers allow the seventh-most points per game (116.2), and Jokic is averaging 28.6 PPG against them in eight matchups since the start of last season.

SGP legs

Reaves over 1.5 threes (-295): This is the safest leg of the three, and for good reason. Reaves is having another solid year from beyond the arc on a healthy volume of shots.

On a career-high 7.5 attempted 3s per game, Reaves is shooting 36.3%. That equates to 2.7 makes per game, and he’s canned multiple 3s in eight of his past nine.

Simply put, this just isn’t much of an ask for a guy attempting more than seven 3s per night.

Last season — including the playoffs — Reaves cashed this bet in three of four home matchups against the Nuggets.

Murray over 5.5 assists (-130): I like this play as a straight wager, but it also fits nicely into this SGP (especially if Jokic is filling the net).

Murray had a slow start as a passer, averaging just 4.4 APG in his first five games. But he’s cashed this prop in all six games since.

Over his past eight matchups against the Lakers, Murray has averaged 8.0 APG. This year, L.A. has allowed the third-most assists per game to its opponents.

In November, Murray is averaging 11.0 potential assists per game.

Picks made at 1:20 p.m. on 11/23/24.

NBA parlay picks Nov. 23: Bet on Rockets to dominate, Grizzlies/Bulls to score in bunches

Today’s NBA parlay picks include a team total, a game total and a spread.

The pregame narrative: Fading anybody on the road against the Orlando Magic has been a winning recipe, so I’m sticking to that by fading the Detroit Pistons’ team total. Elsewhere, the Houston Rockets should remain dominant at home while there should be ample scoring when the Memphis Grizzlies face the Chicago Bulls.

Check out the full NBA parlay picks for Nov. 23.

NBA parlay picks

Go to full NBA betting markets

Parlay: Pistons under 100.5 points + Rockets -9.5 + Grizzlies/Bulls over 233.5 points (+266)

Embed: #101271

Pistons under 100.5 points (-162): No team is defending its home court better than Orlando right now.

The Magic are 7-0 inside Kia Center with league-best marks in:

Opponent PPG (94.7)
Opponent FG% (41.6)
Defensive rating (97.4)
Net rating (17.4)

Each of the Magic’s past five opponents at home finished below 95 points, and I can’t see the Pistons bucking that trend.

Detroit is 22nd in the NBA in points per game on the road, averaging 109.0. That might make this under look questionable, but opponent and pace of play are paramount.

The Pistons and Magic are both among the seven slowest teams in terms of possessions per game. Orlando is happy to turn this into a slog against a Detroit squad that ranks 20th in offensive efficiency.

Last season, Detroit finished with just 91 points apiece in two road games at Orlando.

Other picks

Rockets -9.5 (-177): Are the Rockets the biggest surprises of the season? At 12-5, they’re at least in the conversation.

Houston, seeking its first playoff berth since 2020, ranks fifth in the NBA in net rating (+9.7)

The Rockets rank second in opponent eFG% (49.6) and third in opponent PPG (105.1)

At home, the Rockets are 8-2 this season with an average victory margin of 13.7 points. When they’re on the road to victory, they tend to bury the opposition.

Houston is also 8-2 ATS at home this season and 12-5 ATS overall.

Just last night, the Rockets beat the Portland Trail Blazers by 28 points. In Saturday’s rematch, another double-digit-point win should be in order.

Grizzlies/Bulls over 233.5 points (-230): Overs are 10-7 in Chicago games this year and 11-5 for Memphis. Get these two squads on the same court and watch the points pile up.

Tonight’s showdown is a melding of styles. The Bulls and Grizzlies rank first and third, respectively, in possessions per game, which means both are content to lace up for a track meet.

Last month, the Grizzlies hosted the Bulls at FedExForum and the teams shot a combined 45.5% from the floor. That’s nothing special, but since they played at such a frantic pace, they still combined for 249 points without needing overtime.

This over is 7-2 in Chicago’s past nine games, and seven of those went over this number.

Picks made at 11:33 a.m. on 11/23/2024.

Best NBA prop bets Nov. 23: Bet on LeBron, Wembanyama to shine on Saturday

It’s a star-studded cast for my NBA prop bets on Saturday night.

The pregame narrative: Both LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama are facing teams that are on road back-to-backs, and I like them to take advantage. Also, read why I expect Jaren Jackson Jr. to swat a couple of shots.

Check out the best NBA prop bets on Nov. 23.

NBA prop bets

Go to full NBA betting markets

Embed: #101248

Best bet: LeBron over 17.5 rebounds/assists (-113)

LeBron is an ageless, position-less superstar who somehow can still do whatever he wants at damn near 40 years old.

The 21-year veteran is averaging 17.6 rebounds/assists per game, which is notably above his career average (14.9 RA). He’s still an elite scorer — especially from 3-point land — but he’s backed off on shot volume in favour of helping the Los Angeles Lakers in other ways.

Shooting a career-low 17.0 FGA per game

His 9.3 APG is the second-highest average of his career

LeBron has 10+ assists in 8/15 games and 10+ rebounds in 6/15 games

The Denver Nuggets play at the sixth-fastest pace in the NBA, averaging 101.1 possessions per game. With more possessions comes more opportunities for rebounds and assists.

At 6-foot-9, LeBron is tall enough (and athletic enough) to be a factor on the glass every night. But where he’s really shining this year is as a passer.

LeBron is averaging 16.0 potential assists per game, according to NBA.com, which accounts for all passes that immediately lead to a shot. Next on the list for L.A. is Austin Reaves at 10.1, so it’s a sizeable gap.

Denver is playing a back-to-back, so perhaps a fatigued Nikola Jokic will cede some rebounding opportunities to LeBron.

The King is averaging 20.0 RA over his past nine games, and I like him to stay active in those stat categories tonight.

Key stat: In his past 12 games against the Nuggets (since May 2023, playoffs included), LeBron is averaging 16.6 RA and has cashed this bet six times.

Quick picks

Wembanyama over 34.5 points/rebounds (-113): Wembanyama has missed three straight games with a knee injury and is questionable tonight. But if he plays, I like his chances of putting up big numbers against a Golden State Warriors team that likes to run.

Golden State ranks fifth in the NBA in pace (102.3 possessions/game)

Golden State allows the most rebounds per game to opposing centres, according to Betting Pros

Last year, Wembanyama had 41 points/rebounds in both home games against the Warriors

Wemby was on a tear right before his injury, averaging 34.0 points and 12.5 rebounds in a four-game span. Here’s hoping he can pick that back up in a favourable matchup.

Jackson over 1.5 blocks (-125): You don’t get the nickname of “Block Panther” by playing passive defence.

Jackson, a two-time block champion, has averaged 1.6 blocks per game or better in every season since 2019-20.

This year, the Michigan State product has multiple blocks in eight of 14 games — including four in a row.

Jackson had three blocks against the Chicago Bulls back on Oct. 28, and that’s who he’ll face tonight.

It’d make sense for Jackson to continue seeing ample shot-blocking opportunities against Chicago, given that the Bulls play at the fastest pace in the NBA (104.9 possessions/game).

Picks made at 9:40 a.m. ET on 11/23/2024.