The 2023-24 NBA season has begun and we’re excited over here at VSiN. As always, Jonathan Von Tobel will be providing you with his exceptional coverage of the greatest league in the world. Just click here for all of his content. However, all of my picks will be featured in this daily column, which will combine my NBA best bets and NBA player props. So, keep reading to find out how I’m playing the NBA slate on Monday, February 5. Also, check out our NBA Odds page for the latest line movement.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on February 5
2023 Record: 194-178-2 (+11.77 units)
NBA Best Bets Today – February 5
Los Angeles Lakers at Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 pm ET
The Hornets have been one of the worst teams in basketball this season, and they’re also a little banged up. So, this isn’t the most inspiring team to bet on right now. However, I don’t think the Lakers should be laying double digits on the road. I know Los Angeles just earned a big win over the New York Knicks. However, the Knicks were short handed in that game. So, I don’t think we can learn much from it. And the reality is that this Los Angeles team has been inconsistent all year. The Lakers could also opt to rest LeBron James or Anthony Davis. Both are listed as questionable.
For as lousy as the Hornets can be, they shoot enough 3s to give the Lakers some issues. One of Los Angeles’ biggest flaws is that the team doesn’t take enough of them. So, if Charlotte can get it going from deep, the math alone will make it hard for the Lakers to pull away. Also, Brandon Miller is just playing some incredible basketball for the Hornets right now. He scored a career-high 35 points yesterday. He’s really starting to figure things out, which could make the Hornets a better against-the-spread bet down the stretch.
Overall, I think the Lakers will get this win. But I think the Hornets can keep it respectable. That’s why they’re one of my NBA best bets.
Bet: Hornets +12 (-112)
Los Angeles Clippers at Atlanta Hawks – 7:30 pm ET
I circled the last two games of this Clippers road trip as fade spots. Of course, Los Angeles ended up covering against the Miami Heat yesterday. But having to play a road back-to-back to end a seven-game road trip is rough. The Clippers have also just played a lot of basketball lately, and we know this is a team that needs some rest. That said, I really like Hawks to pull out a win at home.
Atlanta has quietly turned things around lately, with the team entering this one on a four-game winning streak. The Hawks have also beaten some solid teams in this stretch, with a nine-point win over the Phoenix Suns being a highlight. Trae Young has been playing out of this world lately. Over the last four games, he’s averaging 30.8 points and 11.8 assists per game. I like him to pick apart a tired Clippers defense, which can occasionally struggle to defend quicker guards.
Last week, it was reported that Quin Snyder was asking the front office not to trade Dejounte Murray. Perhaps the well-respected head coach sees something in this roster. This game will tell us a lot about Atlanta, but I’m keeping an eye on the Hawks moving forward. I was very high on them before the year. They could be a regular in these NBA best bets in the second half of the year.
Bet: Hawks ML (+130 – 2 units)
NBA Player Props Today – February 5
Sacramento Kings at Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:00 pm ET
In my long story on the Cavaliers last week, I mentioned Max Strus hasn’t been hitting shots. The 27-year-old is still spacing the floor, as opponents know they can’t leave him. But some positive regression is likely coming for the 27-year-old. And I like Strus to have a decent game here. Opponents are shooting 39.0% from 3 against the Kings this year. That’s the second-highest mark in the league. That makes them a good team to target with NBA player props. I just wouldn’t be surprised if Strus knocks down some triples. He should also score a bit when attacking closeouts. So, I’m going Over 9.5 points with Strus, but I’m also playing him to score 15 at absurd odds. He had a 19-point performance against the Kings on November 13.
Bet: Strus Over 9.5 Points (-113) & Strus Alt Points 15+ (+340 – 0.25 units)
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