Every night of the 2025-26 NBA season gives us a fresh set of games and numbers to pick apart. This daily column digs into the best sides and totals on the board, using in-depth basketball analysis, betting trends, and our VSiN NBA betting splits to spot value. We’ll also be tackling these slates relentlessly on our live VSiN programming, which is why basketball fans should really consider a VSiN Pro subscription. Below you’ll find some NBA picks and predictions for November 5.
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Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings – 10:00 pm ET
The Warriors were able to beat the Suns by double digits last night, but Jimmy Butler hurt his back in that game. Butler is now expected to miss tonight’s meeting with Sacramento, meaning he’ll join Stephen Curry (rest) on the injury report. The Warriors still have some talent in the rotation, and this is the type of game in which Steve Kerr can lean heavily on Jonathan Kuminga. However, the Kings are good enough to win this one as long as they’re somewhat healthy. That said, keep an eye on the status of Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, who are both questionable this evening. But I’m going to hope for the best and play Sacramento to cover.
Even if LaVine can’t go in this one, an argument can be made that DeMar DeRozan still has more firepower than anybody on the court. Combining that with the fact that Sacramento didn’t play last night should give the team an edge over the version of Golden State we’ll see tonight.
The Kings have also been a little more competitive lately, as they covered in three of the four games they played on their recent road trip. Returning home should give them the lift they need to get in the win column. Under Doug Christie, Sacramento is 7-5-1 against the spread when coming off three consecutive road games. The team is also 7-3-1 ATS when facing teams with winning percentages between 60% and 70% in that time.
Bet: Kings -2.5 (-115)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Portland Trail Blazers – 10:00 pm ET
After winning last year’s NBA title, the Thunder are 8-0 and have the league’s best net rating (13.7) once again. Oklahoma City has had no problems maintaining the fire that helped them win the ultimate prize, and it’s clear this young team is eager to win back-to-back championships. However, the Thunder are going to lose at some point this season, and it shouldn’t surprise anybody if it happens tonight.
This is the second night of a back-to-back for Oklahoma City, meaning we could see some rest for the team’s stars. Also, the players that will be out there could be a little fatigued. That might make life difficult against a Portland team that currently sits at ninth in the NBA in raw defensive rating (111.7). This Blazers team can really defend, with Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan all being plus-level defenders in the starting five. Holiday will be especially important here, as it’ll be his job to hound Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But overall, regardless of who handles each assignment, Portland should be able to do a decent job of keeping OKC in check.
The Blazers have also performed like a top-15 offense since Tiago Splitter took over as interim coach, which isn’t surprising considering his background as an offensive-minded head coach. And I do think Portland will be able to find some success against Oklahoma City, especially with some of the team’s players being very good at attacking downhill.
Realistically, if the Blazers just have a decent day with the 3-ball, this is a game they can win. Since the start of last season, Portland is 12-7 straight-up and 15-4 ATS as a home underdog of 6 or fewer points. The Moda Center isn’t an easy place for opponents to play. Also, there’s a reasonable price out there on Blazers +5.5, which gets you through a key number and adds a little cushion.
Bet: Blazers +5.5 (-133 – 1.5 units) & Blazers ML (+164 – 0.5 units)
Added Plays
PARLAY: Pistons ML vs. Jazz & Timberwolves Alt +10.5 vs. Knicks (-123): Detroit is up to fifth in the NBA in raw defensive rating (110.8), making it hard to imagine Utah getting going offensively. The Jazz are just 24th in the NBA in raw offensive rating (112.7). Also, Utah is pretty miserable defensively, meaning Detroit shouldn’t have many problems creating good looks. Meanwhile, in the second game, it seems like Anthony Edwards will be returning for Minnesota. That should mean the Timberwolves will give the Knicks a game. While this one will be played at Madison Square Garden, an argument can be made that Minnesota is better on both ends of the floor.
Grizzlies +7.5 (-105) vs. Rockets
2025-26 Sides/Totals: 20-17 (0.44 units)
