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The NBA delivers a packed 14-game schedule on Thursday, November 5, with several intriguing matchups featuring early-season conference leaders, unbeaten home teams and struggling sides desperate to turn their fortunes around.
Philadelphia and Detroit headline the East action in a meeting between two of the league’s strongest defensive teams, while Boston looks to maintain its perfect home record against a Milwaukee outfit that has lost six of its opening seven games.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS @ DETROIT PISTONS
Odds: PHI $2.10 / DET $1.77
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| PHI | 7 | 1 | 4-1 | 3-0 |
| DET | 6 | 1 | 2-0 | 4-1 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| PHI | 110.9 | 105.1 | +5.8 | 216.0 |
| DET | 111.9 | 100.3 | +11.6 | 212.2 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| DET | UNDER | |
| -2.5 | 217.5 |
Detroit will be looking to continue their dominance over Philadelphia when they host the 76ers at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday night. The Pistons won their first meeting 106-93 on October 25, extending their winning streak against the Sixers to six games, although Philadelphia were without Joel Embiid that night.
Detroit are coming off an absolute demolition of Charlotte, cruising to a 124-91 victory behind Cade Cunningham’s outstanding 33 points, 7 assists and 5 steals on 13-of-20 shooting. The Pistons have now won six straight when Cunningham scores at least 20 points.
Philadelphia knocked off Chicago 126-107, with Tyrese Maxey delivering 26 points and 11 assists on 10-of-15 shooting. Jaylen Brown added 25 points and 11 rebounds as the Sixers improved to 14-1 in their last 15 games when Maxey shoots at least 55% from the field. Isaiah Joe remains out for Detroit, but the Pistons will be confident of extending their winning streak against Philadelphia.
PICK – Detroit Pistons ML
ATLANTA HAWKS @ WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Odds: ATL $1.68 / WAS $2.24
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| ATL | 4 | 4 | 1-2 | 3-2 |
| WAS | 4 | 3 | 2-1 | 2-2 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| ATL | 115.3 | 114.0 | +1.3 | 229.3 |
| WAS | 109.4 | 107.4 | +2.0 | 216.8 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| WAS | UNDER | |
| +2.5 | 231.5 |
Atlanta and Washington will both be looking to build on recent victories when they meet at Capital One Arena on Wednesday night. Both teams have four wins this season, although the Hawks won three of their four meetings last year, with the Wizards splitting their two home games.
Washington are coming off an impressive 103-94 win over Orlando, with Anthony Davis putting up 27 points and 4 steals on 12-of-17 shooting. The Wizards got the job done without Alex Sarr, who remains questionable. Their home form is still a major concern, having lost 13 of their last 15 games in Washington.
Atlanta beat Indiana 108-104 behind a massive performance from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who dropped 34 points, 4 steals and a career-high-tying 9 threes. The Hawks have now won eight of their last 10 games when Alexander-Walker scores at least 25 points. Jalen Johnson is questionable, but Atlanta will fancy their chances against Washington’s poor home record.
PICK – Washington Wizards +2.5 ($1.90)
CHICAGO BULLS @ NEW YORK KNICKS
Odds: CHI $5.60 / NY $1.16
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| CHI | 1 | 6 | 0-2 | 1-4 |
| NY | 3 | 4 | 2-2 | 1-2 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| CHI | 112.6 | 128.9 | -16.3 | 241.5 |
| NY | 106.4 | 105.1 | +1.3 | 211.5 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| CHI | UNDER | |
| +12.5 | 234.5 |
New York will be looking to continue their strong run against Chicago when they host the Bulls at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night. The Knicks won their first meeting 133-127 last week, extending their winning streak against Chicago to four games, and they’ll be confident of making it five.
The Knicks are coming off a comfortable 103-90 victory over Brooklyn, marking their 18th win from their last 23 games. New York have been putting together some impressive results lately, and their recent form is a major advantage heading into this matchup.
Chicago suffered another disappointing defeat, going down 126-107 to Philadelphia despite Caleb Wilson putting up 24 points and 4 steals. The Bulls have now lost eight of their last nine games, which is pretty ugly form. Nicolas Claxton is questionable to make his Chicago debut, while Josh Hart is questionable for New York. With the Bulls struggling badly, the Knicks will fancy their chances at home.
PICK – Chicago Bulls +12.5
MILWAUKEE BUCKS @ BOSTON CELTICS
Odds: MIL $4.75 / BOS $1.20
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| MIL | 1 | 6 | 1-3 | 0-3 |
| BOS | 5 | 2 | 4-0 | 1-2 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| MIL | 111.1 | 124.1 | -13.0 | 235.2 |
| BOS | 115.0 | 109.1 | +5.9 | 224.1 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| BOS | UNDER | |
| -11.5 | 224.5 |
Boston will be looking to bounce back when they host Milwaukee at TD Garden on Wednesday night. The Celtics won three of four meetings against the Bucks last season, with the now-departed Jaylen Brown averaging 28.7 points across three appearances.
Boston are coming off a disappointing 109-93 loss to Houston, with Jayson Tatum struggling badly on 5-of-16 shooting. The Celtics were without Paul George, who’s available to return, while that defeat snapped their five-game winning streak.
Milwaukee had another frustrating loss, going down 112-100 to Minnesota with Brayden Burries managing just 4-of-15 from the field. The Bucks have now lost nine straight road games, their longest such losing streak since December 2015. Tatum and Payton Pritchard are both questionable for Boston, which could make things interesting. However, with Milwaukee struggling so badly away from home, the Celtics will be confident of getting back on track.
PICK – Under 224.5 Total Points
CHARLOTTE HORNETS @ BROOKLYN NETS
Odds: CHA $1.63 / BKN $2.33
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| CHA | 3 | 5 | 2-3 | 1-2 |
| BKN | 1 | 6 | 0-3 | 1-3 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| CHA | 97.4 | 108.6 | -11.2 | 206.0 |
| BKN | 105.6 | 114.1 | -8.5 | 219.7 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| BKN | UNDER | |
| +3.5 | 213.5 |
Charlotte and Brooklyn will both be desperate to turn things around when they meet at Barclays Center on Wednesday night. The Hornets won their first meeting 110-103 back on October 21, but neither team has been playing particularly well since.
Brooklyn are coming off another disappointing defeat, going down 103-90 to New York with Julius Randle struggling badly on 5-of-16 shooting. The Nets have now lost nine of their last 10 games, and their early-season form has been pretty ugly.
Charlotte were smashed 124-91 by Detroit on Monday, extending their losing streak to four games. The Hornets could get a much-needed boost with Kon Knueppel listed as probable to make his season debut, while Egor Demin remains out for Brooklyn. With both teams struggling for wins, this is shaping up as a difficult matchup to predict, although Charlotte will be hoping to repeat their earlier success against the Nets.
PICK – Brooklyn Nets +3.5
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS @ OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Odds: CLE $2.14 / OKC $1.74
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| CLE | 4 | 3 | 3-1 | 1-2 |
| OKC | 5 | 2 | 3-0 | 2-2 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| CLE | 119.7 | 116.1 | +3.6 | 235.8 |
| OKC | 108.0 | 107.7 | +0.3 | 215.7 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| OKC | UNDER | |
| -2.5 | 227.5 |
Oklahoma City will be looking to make it five straight wins over Cleveland when they host the Cavaliers at Paycom Center on Wednesday night. The Thunder took the first game of this home-and-home series 117-112 on Monday, extending their recent dominance over Cleveland.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was absolutely outstanding in that victory, dropping 43 points and 8 assists. Oklahoma City dominated inside, outscoring Cleveland 50-30 in the paint, while their free-throw shooting made a massive difference. The Thunder hit 21-of-23 from the line compared to Cleveland’s poor 14-of-24 effort.
Oklahoma City now sit at 5-2 for the season, while Cleveland have slipped to 4-3. The Cavaliers remain without Peyton Watson and Jaylon Tyson, while the Thunder could welcome back Alex Caruso after a three-game absence. Jaylin Williams is also questionable. With home-court advantage and recent history on their side, Oklahoma City will be confident of completing the sweep.
PICK – Under 227.5 Total Points
UTAH JAZZ @ NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Odds: UTA $2.73 / NO $1.48
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| UTA | 1 | 6 | 1-4 | 0-2 |
| NO | 3 | 4 | 2-2 | 1-2 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| UTA | 107.0 | 118.9 | -11.9 | 225.9 |
| NO | 121.9 | 120.1 | +1.8 | 242.0 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| NO | UNDER | |
| -5.5 | 234.5 |
New Orleans will be looking to get some revenge when they host Utah at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night. The Jazz edged the Pelicans 120-119 in their first meeting back on October 23, although Utah have lost five straight road games against New Orleans.
The Pelicans are coming off a thrilling 135-134 overtime victory over Memphis, with Zion Williamson delivering 25 points and 11 rebounds on 9-of-15 shooting. Karlo Matkovic added a career-high 25 points, while Derik Queen chipped in with 20 points and 5 assists. New Orleans have now won three straight despite the continued absence of Dejounte Murray.
Utah lost big 119-97 by San Antonio, with Keyonte George struggling badly on 3-of-12 shooting. The Jazz have now lost an incredible 20 straight road games against Western Conference opponents. Jordan Poole is probable to return for New Orleans, who will be feeling confident against a Utah side struggling badly away from home.
PICK – New Orleans Pelicans -5.5
INDIANA PACERS @ MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Odds: IND $3.20 / MEM $1.37
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| IND | 2 | 6 | 0-4 | 2-2 |
| MEM | 6 | 1 | 2-1 | 4-0 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| IND | 111.8 | 115.6 | -3.8 | 227.4 |
| MEM | 123.0 | 110.1 | +12.9 | 233.1 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| MEM | OVER | |
| -6.5 | 229.5 |
PICK – Memphis Grizzlies -6.5
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES @ HOUSTON ROCKETS
Odds: MIN $3.25 / HOU $1.36
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| MIN | 5 | 3 | 3-1 | 2-2 |
| HOU | 7 | 1 | 4-0 | 3-1 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| MIN | 119.0 | 107.6 | +11.4 | 226.6 |
| HOU | 119.3 | 106.4 | +12.9 | 225.7 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| MIN | OVER | HOU |
| +8.5 | 220.5 | 115-110 |
PICK – Minnesota Timberwolves +8.5
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS @ PHOENIX SUNS
Odds: POR $1.68 / PHX $2.25
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| POR | 5 | 1 | 1-1 | 4-0 |
| PHX | 1 | 4 | 1-1 | 0-3 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| POR | 120.2 | 109.3 | +10.9 | 229.5 |
| PHX | 112.2 | 122.8 | -10.6 | 235.0 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| POR | OVER | POR |
| -3.5 | 227.5 | 121-112 |
PICK – Over 227.5 Total Points
TORONTO RAPTORS @ DENVER NUGGETS
Odds: TOR $2.62 / DEN $1.52
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| TOR | 4 | 3 | 2-1 | 2-2 |
| DEN | 3 | 3 | 1-2 | 2-1 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| TOR | 119.1 | 111.4 | +7.7 | 230.5 |
| DEN | 113.3 | 115.7 | -2.4 | 229.0 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| TOR | UNDER | |
| +4.5 | 230.5 |
PICK – Toronto Raptors +4.5
DALLAS MAVERICKS @ SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Odds: DAL $4.85 / SA $1.20
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| DAL | 4 | 3 | 2-2 | 2-1 |
| SA | 5 | 2 | 3-2 | 2-0 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| DAL | 112.3 | 112.3 | 0.0 | 224.6 |
| SA | 117.6 | 108.3 | +9.3 | 225.9 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| DAL | UNDER | |
| +11.5 | 227.5 |
PICK – Dallas Mavericks +11.5
LOS ANGELES LAKERS @ SACRAMENTO KINGS
Odds: LAL $1.19 / SAC $5.00
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| LAL | 6 | 2 | 4-1 | 2-1 |
| SAC | 1 | 6 | 0-2 | 1-4 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| LAL | 122.5 | 115.3 | +7.2 | 237.8 |
| SAC | 110.1 | 124.3 | -14.2 | 234.4 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| LAL | OVER | |
| -11.5 | 234.5 |
The Lakers will be looking to continue their strong run against Sacramento when they visit Golden 1 Center on Wednesday night. Los Angeles won three of four meetings last season, although the Kings did manage to split their two home games. Luka Doncic was a nightmare for Sacramento in that series, averaging 34.7 points across three appearances.
Sacramento are coming off a much-needed 115-100 upset over Dallas, with Darius Acuff Jr. leading the way with 25 points. That victory finally snapped an ugly seven-game losing streak, giving the Kings something to build on as they return home.
The Lakers absolutely smashed Miami 138-117 behind another monster performance from Doncic, who dropped 42 points, 7 rebounds, 13 assists and 6 threes on 14-of-24 shooting. Austin Reaves added 27 points as Los Angeles improved to an incredible 21-1 in their last 22 games when the pair combine for at least 60 points. The Lakers will be feeling confident heading into this one.
PICK – Over 234.5 Total Points
MIAMI HEAT @ LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Odds: MIA $1.50 / LAC $2.66
WIN/LOSS
| TEAM | W | L | HOME | ROAD |
| MIA | 2 | 5 | 1-3 | 1-2 |
| LAC | 1 | 6 | 1-2 | 0-4 |
SEASON POINTS +/-
| TEAM | PPG | OPPG | DIFF | TOT.AV. |
| MIA | 118.1 | 123.9 | -5.8 | 242.0 |
| LAC | 108.1 | 115.4 | -7.3 | 223.5 |
PICKS ATS
| SPREAD | POINTS | RESULT |
| MIA | OVER | |
| -4.5 | 233.5 |
Miami will be looking to continue their recent success against the Clippers when they visit Intuit Dome on Wednesday night. The Heat swept both meetings last season, including a narrow 120-119 road victory, with Bam Adebayo averaging an impressive 26 points and 12 rebounds across the series.
The Clippers are coming off another frustrating defeat, blowing a 16-point lead in a 125-118 loss to Toronto. Kobe Sanders delivered career highs of 26 points and 5 threes, but it wasn’t enough. Los Angeles have now lost six straight games, matching their longest losing streak since November 2017.
Miami lost big 138-117 by the Lakers despite Giannis Antetokounmpo putting up 30 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists. The Heat have now lost six straight against Western Conference opponents. Rui Hachimura and Derrick Jones Jr. are both available to return for the Clippers, who will be desperate to finally end their losing streak.
PICK – Miami Heat -4.5
