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 February, February 3. 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 3
2023 Record: 187-171-2 (+12.09 units)
NBA Best Bets Today – February 3
Sacramento Kings at Chicago Bulls – 8:00 pm ET
The Kings are coming off an 11-point win over the Indiana Pacers. However, De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and Harrison Barnes all played at least 35 minutes in that game. The Kings now have to travel to Chicago for a meeting with a well-rested Bulls team. Chicago actually hasn’t played since Wednesday, so there’s a big rest advantage here. I’d also argue that the Bulls are every bit as good as the Kings on a good day. That said, I’m keeping this simple and playing Chicago to win at home. Since November 30, the Bulls have a better net rating than the Kings. And they’re 11th in defensive rating in that span, so they’ll be ready to lock in and defend Sacramento.
Bet: Bulls ML (-130 – 2 units)
Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks – 8:30 pm ET
It’s no secret that I’ve been fading the Knicks to disappointing results. I’m actually rather high on this New York team, as I think there’s a path to this group making the Eastern Conference Finals. However, I don’t think it’s realistic for this team to continue winning without Julius Randle. And his absence could be felt against a Los Angeles team that will likely have LeBron James and Anthony Davis back tonight. And the two of them should be fresh and ready to go after missing the win over the Boston Celtics the other night. If both of them are out there, the Knicks will be fighting an uphill battle when it comes to talent.
For as good as Jalen Brunson has been this season, LeBron has been a bit better. And nobody on the Knicks is nearly as good as Davis. Even the Los Angeles supporting cast looks better than New York’s with everybody on the Knicks being asked to do a little more. That said, I’m taking the spread and hoping for some good injury report luck with tonight’s NBA best bets. I’m also sprinkling the moneyline.
Bet: Lakers +5 (-110 – 1.5 units) & Lakers ML (+168 – 0.5 units)
NBA Player Props Today – February 3
Milwaukee Bucks at Dallas Mavericks – 8:30 pm ET
The Mavericks are likely going to be without Dereck Lively II tonight. That’s one of the only guys on the team that is capable of keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo from scoring at the rim. That said, I’m playing some Overs on Giannis’ point totals for tonight’s NBA player props. I’m going with the Over on his normal 32.5-point total. However, I’m also sprinkling Giannis to have at least 40. I just don’t think Dallas will have an answer for Giannis in the paint. And the Mavericks would be wise to try and limit the damage that the other Bucks do. They’re better off letting Giannis take tough, contested 2s than other guys shooting open 3s.
Bet: Antetokounmpo Over 32.5 Points (-104) & Alt Points 40+ (+260 – 0.5 units)
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