The start of the 2024-25 NBA season is officially here. We have been waiting for this moment for quite some time, but we haven’t just been sitting on our butts. A couple of weeks ago, we dropped the 2024-25 VSiN NBA Betting Guide, complete with previews of all 30 teams, general NBA betting strategies and some of our favorite season-long futures. Make sure you check that out for some fantastic work from Jonathan Von Tobel, who writes up his best bets daily, and Kelley Bydlon, who constantly dishes out NBA picks as co-host of A Numbers Game. However, now that the real games are starting, you can expect a lot of NBA content from me. I’ll be giving out NBA best bets and player props as often as possible, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on big news that shakes up the league. With that in mind, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Sunday, October 27th.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on October 27th
NBA Best Bets Today – October 27th
Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors – 8:30 pm ET
The Clippers are playing the second leg of a back-to-back tonight, while the Warriors had a day to rest after smacking the Jazz in Utah. So, Golden State, which is 2-0 and eighth in the league in net rating this season, has a great shot at winning this game. That’s reflected in the spread. However, my play here is on the Under.
While Los Angeles is just 14th in the league in defensive rating so far, that number is bound to come down soon. This Clippers team is relentless when defending the perimeter, and we saw that in large chunks of games against the Suns and Nuggets. Now, Los Angeles will look to disrupt a new-look Golden State team. And while the Warriors have looked good with the pieces they have added around Steph Curry, this will be the first time they face a competent defense.
However, the Clippers should also struggle to score here. The Warriors are fifth in the league in adjusted defensive rating this season, and I’m not sure that they’ll be outside the top 12 or so at any point this season. This Golden State team has a lot of plus-level defenders scattered throughout the rotation. And while I do think Los Angeles will be a competitive team this season, the offense is a little too reliant on James Harden. So, if the Warriors can do a good job of defending him, the Clippers could struggle to score efficiently.
I also can’t imagine Ty Lue allowing his team to play at Golden State’s pace here. The Clippers are 24th in the league in pace of play, and they are very much trying to win with their defense and a half-court offensive style. Meanwhile, the Warriors are fourth in the league in pace. Los Angeles is going to try its best to slow this down.
Bet: Under 221.5 (-109)
NBA Player Props Today – October 27th
Portland Trail Blazers at New Orleans Pelicans – 6:00 pm ET
Deandre Ayton is off to a slow start this season, as he’s averaging just 10.0 points per game on 38.5% shooting. However, Ayton is playing 32.0 minutes per game and he’s shooting about as much as he did last season. The difference is that he’s down from 57.0% shooting last year, and that was the lowest mark he has had since 2019-20. That said, Ayton is due for some good games soon, and I do like this matchup for him. Sure, Ayton didn’t play well against New Orleans on Friday, but this is still a team that lacks size. So, Ayton should be able to get some things going around the basket. And if he has his jumper working, he’ll be able to shoot right over the top of several Pelicans players. Ayton also averaged 22.7 points per game in three meetings with New Orleans last season, and that was when the Pelicans were in better shape at the center position. So, I’m not overreacting to a slow start. Instead, I’m looking at it as an opportunity.
Bet: Ayton Over 14.5 Points (-120 – 1.5 units)
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2024-25 NBA Record: 13-12 (1.50 units)
