The start of the 2024-25 NBA season is officially here. Make sure you check out the fantastic work of Jonathan Von Tobel, who will be writing NBA features for us twice per week this year. Also, try and listen to A Numbers Game every morning, as Kelley Bydlon often dishes out his favorite NBA picks. But I’ll be giving out NBA best bets and player props here as often as possible, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on big news that shakes up the league. So, make sure you check out my work throughout the season. With that out of the way, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Thursday, November 7th.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on November 7th
NBA Best Bets Today – November 7th
Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs – 8:00 pm ET
This is a brutal scheduling spot for the Spurs. They just played on the road against the Rockets last night, making this the second night of a back-to-back. However, it’s also San Antonio’s third game in four nights, plus it’ll be the team’s sixth game since October 30. For Portland, this is a third consecutive road game, but the Blazers have had two days to rest after an 18-point win over the Pelicans in New Orleans on Monday. Portland simply should have a lot more juice in its legs, especially with Jeremy Sochan, a good two-way energy guy, out for the Spurs. And then you have to add all of that to the fact that this team is dealing with an emotional situation with legendary head coach Gregg Popovich dealing with what has been called a “serious” health issue.
On the court, this is not the right game for Sochan to be missing. The Spurs could have used him to defend Jerami Grant. I’m also a little worried about how San Antonio’s perimeter defense will look against Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson. Those two will look very quick compared to what the Spurs will have on the floor. Portland also happens to be a little better defensively than people think. The Blazers are 18th in the league in defensive rating, looking much better than they did in 2023-24. So, they could stifle a Spurs team that is just 27th in the league in offensive rating.
I also like that Portland is 19-14 against the spread when playing with two days of rest under Chauncey Billups. The Blazers are also 22-12 ATS in road games with totals of 210 to 219.5, so they cover in games that are expected to be ugly.
Bet: Blazers +4 (-108)
NBA Player Props Today – November 7th
Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls – 8:00 pm ET
It’s not definite that Zach LaVine will play tonight. He has been a little banged up for Chicago, and he even missed the team’s game against Dallas on Wednesday. However, I’m taking the Over on his point total against the Timberwolves. If he ends up sitting, you’ll be refunded for betting his player props. So, it’s not like there’s a massive risk from the standpoint of him being active.
Of course, LaVine is playing a very good defensive team this evening. But this is a guy that is averaging 22.7 points per game and has had at least 19 points in five of the six games he has played this season. LaVine has just been dialed in as a scorer, and his 45.8% shooting from 3 is the best mark of his career.
There are also some more minutes to go around at guard for Chicago, as Lonzo Ball is dealing with a sprained wrist. On top of that, the Timberwolves have had some trouble with players like LaVine this season. Even though he’s not a traditional small forward, that’s the spot that Minnesota has had issues with. Realistically, any minutes LaVine plays with Nickeil Alexander-Walker on the bench should go well for him. Alexander-Walker is Minnesota’s best perimeter defender.
Bet: LaVine Over 18.5 Points (-118)
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2024-25 NBA Record: 39-29 (+9.95 units)
