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 29.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Pelicans +9 (-112 – 1.5 units) vs. Warriors
Pelicans at Warriors – 8:30 pm ET
The Warriors will be without Stephen Curry tonight. That’s the only consistent source of offense on a team that is just 23rd in the NBA in offensive rating (113.2). Without him, I’m not sure how a double-digit win can be expected. I know Golden State’s defense can be spectacular, and New Orleans isn’t the greatest team in the world. However, the Pelicans have been competitive lately. They have covered in four of their last six games, and one of the two non-covers was an overtime loss to the Grizzlies on Wednesday. I just like New Orleans’ pieces to figure this out, as the team has some very talented offensive players. Zion Williamson and Derik Queen should stand out with their ability to make things happen this evening. Plus, New Orleans’ lousy defense should be let off the hook against a Curry-less Golden State. Also, over the last three seasons, the Warriors are just 7-19 against the spread as home favorites of 6.5 to 12 points.
NBA Player Props Today
Ryan Rollins Over 22.5 Points + Assists (-111) vs. Nets
Nets at Bucks – 8:00 pm ET
Will Giannis Antetokounmpo play tonight? The Greek Freak is coming off an injury, so Milwaukee might be careful with him on the second leg of a back-to-back — especially with this being a game the team might be able to win without him. Well, if Antetokounmpo sits, we’re getting a great number on Rollins’ combined points and assists. Rollins is averaging 32.7 points and assists when Antetokounmpo doesn’t play, so he’d be a real threat to light up the scoreboard if he’s relied on to run the show. However, this total is also low enough for Rollins to go Over if Antetokounmpo does play. He has had at least 23 points and assists in six of the games he has played with Antetokounmpo this season, and this is a meeting with a miserable Brooklyn defense.
Collin Gillespie Over 14.5 Points (-104) vs. Nuggets
Nuggets at Suns – 9:00 pm ET
There’s a chance Gillespie doesn’t play tonight. He hurt his ankle late in Phoenix’s close loss to Oklahoma City last night. However, if Gillespie does suit up, he should score at least 15 points. Gillespie has scored at least 15 points in seven consecutive games, plus he has had at least 20 points in three of the last five. Gillespie is now starting for Phoenix, providing the team with some serious shot creation. I don’t see that slowing down, even if Grayson Allen returns to action here. Gillespie is awesome as a pick-and-roll ball handler, and he’s lighting opponents up from deep. Well, Denver is his former team, so he should be eager to play well tonight. The Nuggets are also missing some of their best defensive players.
Cooper Flagg Over 6.5 Rebounds (-110) vs. Clippers
Mavericks at Clippers – 10:00 pm ET
Flagg comes into this game having had at least seven rebounds in four straight games and five of the last six. He’s really doing a nice job on the glass, and he has been around the basketball a lot. Flagg is averaging 11.4 rebound chances per game over the last six contests, and I think tonight will be another solid rebounding game for him. There’s a good chance Anthony Davis sits out the second leg of this back-to-back, and Dallas is already without Dereck Lively II. That said, the Mavericks are going to need Flagg to hit the glass.
Added Plays
PARLAY: Timberwolves ML vs. Celtics & Heat Alt +5.5 vs. Pistons (-135)
PARLAY: Pacers Alt +10.5 vs. Bulls & Suns Alt +10.5 vs. Nuggets (-130)
