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 October 30.
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Orlando Magic at Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 pm ET
I liked Orlando to beat Detroit last night, but the Magic got completely outplayed from the second quarter on. Orlando now sits at 27th in the NBA in raw offensive rating (109.4) and 23rd in raw defensive rating (118.3). Not only has the Desmond Bane acquisition not helped them out offensively, but they appear to have sacrificed some of their defensive toughness.
As of right now, Charlotte has a better statistical profile than Orlando, plus the Magic are playing the second leg of a back-to-back. That sets up nicely for the Hornets to find a way to keep this game close — even with Brandon Miller dealing with an injury.
This is also an Orlando team that isn’t very strong at the center position, which is where Charlotte is weakest. That said, this is a game that can be won in the backcourt, and I expect LaMelo Ball to play very well here. In fact, last year, Ball wasn’t bothered by the Magic’s tough perimeter defense, averaging 34.7 points, 7.7 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game in three meetings with them.
Orlando is also just 11-23 straight-up and 11-21-2 against the spread in road games with lines between +3 and -3 under Jamahl Mosley. Meanwhile, Charlotte is 7-4 ATS when playing games with lines of +3 to -3 under Charles Lee. The Hornets are also 6-2 ATS versus teams that average 7.0 or fewer steals per game in that span.
Bet: Hornets +3.5 (-115 – 1.5 units)
Miami Heat at San Antonio Spurs – 8:30 pm ET
Norman Powell is doubtful for Miami in this one, which definitely takes away from what should have been a great early-season matchup. The Heat have been one of the best offensive teams in basketball to start the year, but Powell’s 24.0 points per game will be missed. Still, I can’t help but think Miami is getting a few too many points in this game.
Erik Spoelstra has clearly heard all the noise about his offenses in recent seasons, and the Heat have really leaned into modernizing things. And one thing that stands out here is that Miami is making 16.0 triples per game, which is tied for fourth in the NBA. Meanwhile, San Antonio is knocking down only 11.5 per game. Well, if the Heat can win the 3-point battle in this one, that should be enough for them to avoid a lopsided loss.
Slowing down Victor Wembanyama obviously seems impossible at this point, but you can do worse than having Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware in the paint. That duo has been highly productive defensively ever since Spoelstra decided to play them together last year. Plus, Miami has some tough on-ball defenders to throw on San Antonio’s young guards.
I’d just say to keep an eye on the injury status of Nikola Jovic. I already locked this play in, so I’m hoping for the best. However, it’ll be hard for Miami to come up with enough offense without him.
Bet: Heat +6.5 (-115)
2025-26 Sides/Totals: 12-10 (+0.95 units)
