Now that the weekend is here, it’s time to simplify the grind. Instead of splitting sides/totals and player props into separate pieces, my weekend columns will bring everything under one roof — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s record. Fewer words, hopefully the same results. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Saturday, October 31.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more picks from our great VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today
Hornets ML (+110) vs. 76ers
76ers at Hornets – 6:00 pm ET
I feel like I have to play Charlotte tonight. It has very little to do with what I think of these two teams. It was simply a lack of confidence in Philadelphia’s roster in the second leg of a back-to-back. Jaylen Brown sat out last night’s game, so there’s little chance he’ll miss another game tonight. I also don’t think we’ll see Joel Embiid after a 33-minute outing last night, and I wouldn’t be surprised if LeBron James puts him on the inactive list. That said, I’m taking the Hornets at plus-money odds against a potentially depleted team. And what I love about this play is that I won’t be broken if the 76ers are healthy. The Hornets have been solid to start the year, so it’s not like this game isn’t winnable.
Today’s NBA Player Props
Scoot Henderson Over 13.5 Points (-120 – 1.5 units) and Alt Points 18+ (+195 – 0.5 units) and Alt Points 22+ (+475 – 0.25 units) vs. Jazz
Trail Blazers at Jazz – 3:00 pm ET
With Ja Morant out for a few weeks, we’ll be seeing a lot of Henderson. While Damian Lillard is having a good season, he’s improving his ball handling — and that’s something that should keep him healthy. That means Henderson and Jrue Holiday will have their chances to shine, but I like the former here. Henderson’s quick first step should allow him to live in the paint against a weak defensive backcourt, and Utah really doesn’t have anyone to challenge him on the rim. This team is 28th defensively around the floater range, which is where Henderson does his job.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 19.5 Points (-105 – 1.5 units) and Alt Points 24+ (+205 – 0.5 units) and Alt Points 28+ (+450 – 0.25 units) and Alt Points 30+ (+700 – 0.1 units) vs. Pelicans
Hawks at Pelicans – 7:00 pm ET
I attacked the Pelicans with Darius Acuff props the other night, and I think doing the same with Alexander-Walker makes a lot of sense. Only three teams do a worse job of defending the point guard position than New Orleans, according to PropsMadness numbers. The Pelicans are miserable defending in the paint (28th in the NBA), and they play at the third-fastest pace in the league. That said, while Alexander-Walker is definitely someone who likes to knock down jumpers off the bounce, there could be some easy buckets available for him here. That could set up for a huge game.
Zach Edey Over 17.5 Points + Rebounds (-103) and Double-Double (+390 – 0.25 units) vs. Kings
Kings at Grizzlies – 8:00 pm ET
Edey’s minutes have prevented him from putting a double-double on the board this season, as the big man has only averaged 20.8 minutes per game. Still, even with a limited workload, I like his chances of wooing a double-double here. Sacramento is 25th in the NBA in rebounding, and no team in basketball does a worse job of defending within 10 feet. Edey should dominate while he is out tonight.
Additional Games (Late Adds, Teasers, Parlays, Futures)
PARLAY: Blazers ML vs. Jazz & Cavaliers ML vs. Bucks & Spurs ML vs. Timberwolves (-111 – 1.5 units)