Now that the weekend is here, it’s time to simplify the grind. Instead of splitting sides/totals and player props into separate pieces, my weekend columns will bring everything under one roof — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s slate. Fewer words, hopefully the same results. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Saturday, November 15.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Pacers +7.5 (-120 – 1.5 units) & Pacers ML (+225 – 0.5 units) vs. Raptors
Raptors at Pacers – 7:00 pm ET
This season has been a nightmare for Indiana. The team also just lost Aaron Nesmith to a knee injury, meaning another key player on the injury report. However, it still feels like the Pacers are getting a good amount of points in this one. The Raptors are just 9-16 straight-up and 11-14 against the spread when playing three consecutive road games, and they could be tired here. The Pacers also happen to have a strong home-court advantage. Indiana is also 11-8 ATS as a home underdog of 6.5 to 12 under Rick Carlisle. I think the Pacers can get some things going offensively here, taking advantage of a Raptors defense that has been a little disappointing to start the year. And defensively, Indiana might not be hurting too bad against a Toronto offense that could be due for a poor outing.
Lakers ML (-106) vs. Bucks
Lakers at Bucks – 8:00 pm ET
The Lakers are a slightly better team than the Bucks, plus they could be aided by what happened last night. While Los Angeles played in New Orleans and has to make the trip over to Milwaukee, the Bucks are coming off an overtime game against the Hornets. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who doesn’t always play back-to-backs, was out there for 40 minutes in that one. It now feels like there’s a real possibility he’ll miss this game. The Lakers are also 16-8 SU in games with lines of +3 to -3 under JJ Redick, and they’re also 11-4 SU when coming off three straight road games. They’re a real threat to end this road trip with a bang, and they’re also 13-5 SU against teams with winning percentages of 60% to 70% under Redick. Meanwhile, the Bucks are just 20-32 SU as underdogs under Doc Rivers.
NBA Player Props Today
Santi Aldama Over 12.5 Points (-114 – 1.5 units) & Alt Points 15+ (+148 – 0.5 units) vs. Cavaliers
Grizzlies at Pacers – 5:00 pm ET
There’s a chance Zach Edey returns for Memphis today, but that shouldn’t stop Aldama from doing some good work as a scorer. The stretch four has scored at least 16 points in three of the last five games, and he has had at least 14 points in four of the last five. Tonight, Aldama goes to work against a Cleveland team that is 30th in the NBA against spot-up shooters. He should get some quality looks in this one. Plus, the Grizzlies will be even more eager to get Aldama some touches outside the 3-point line, as that’ll pull Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley away from the basket.
Andrew Nembhard Over 25.5 Points + Assists (-115) vs. Raptors
Raptors at Pacers – 7:00 pm ET
The Raptors were expected to be a good defensive team with a shaky offense, but they have actually been the opposite. They’re tied for sixth in the NBA in offensive rating (118.0), but they’re just outside the top-15 in defensive rating (114.4). They’re also playing at a very fast pace — which the Pacers like to do as well. That should mean this will be a game in which Nembhard will have opportunities to make plays. Nembhard has had at least 28 combined points and assists in three of the last four. That’s where I’m going tonight, taking the Over on 25.5.
Isaiah Joe Over 12.5 Points (-106 – 1.5 units) & Alt Points 15+ (+150 – 0.5 units) vs. Hornets
Thunder at Hornets – 7:00 pm ET
Joe is averaging 19.5 points per game over the last two contests. He has also scored at least 13 points in seven of the eight games he has played this year. And with Aaron Wiggins and Jalen Williams out — and Lu Dort questionable — this should be another game in which Joe sees big minutes. In fact, even if this turns into a blowout, Mark Daigneault could leave him out there. And a blowout is definitely on the table against Charlotte. Well, Joe is averaging 16.3 points per game and shooting 40.8% from 3 on 8.9 attempts per game. Against a Hornets defense that can be a little unorganized, he should get plenty of good looks. I like him to go Over the number tonight, and I also think he’s a threat to score 15+.
Added Plays
PARLAY: Grizzlies Alt +20.5 vs. Cavaliers & Timberwolves Alt +7.5 vs. Nuggets (-149 – 1.5 units)
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2025-26 Overall Record: 75-77 (-8.05 units)
