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 8.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Pelicans +11.5 (-112) vs. Spurs
Pelicans at Spurs – 8:00 pm ET
De’Aaron Fox will be making his debut for the Spurs tonight, but this is still a bit of a letdown spot for San Antonio. The team is coming off an emotional home win over Houston in the NBA Cup last night, and getting up for a meeting with a team like New Orleans could be tough. Meanwhile, the Pelicans actually come into this one after having covered in three of their last four, and they have had two full days of rest. That said, even without Zion Williamson, it isn’t crazy to think that New Orleans can keep this game close. Since the start of last season, the Spurs are just 4-7 against the spread when playing at home on the second leg of a back-to-back. They’re also 1-4-1 ATS as home favorites of 6.5 to 12 points.
Suns +5.5 (-115 – 1.5 units) & ML (+170 – 0.5 units) vs. Clippers
Suns at Clippers – 10:30 pm ET
James Harden and Kawhi Leonard were both out when the Suns beat the Clippers by 13 the other night. That game was also played in Phoenix. That said, with this game being played in Los Angeles, with Harden back in the lineup, it’s understandable the Clippers are favored by a healthy amount. However, this still feels like a game in which Phoenix could hang around. Expectations were very low for the Suns this season, but they’re playing good basketball under Jordan Ott. Phoenix is top-10 in the league in halfcourt defensive efficiency (93.8 points allowed per 100 possessions) and third in the league in 3-point makes (16.2) per game. Also, Jalen Green just returned to give the Suns’ mediocre offense a nice jolt. Green just had 29 points against this Clippers defense, and he should continue to look good playing alongside Devin Booker. But overall, Phoenix plays fast, has a good amount of athleticism, and takes the right shots. That should be enough against a struggling LA team.
NBA Player Props Today
Jerami Grant Over 17.5 Points (-121) & Alt 20+ Points (+130 – 0.5 units) vs. Heat
Blazers at Heat – 8:00 pm ET
Grant’s point totals have been some of the most profitable plays of the 2025-26 season. The 31-year-old is 8-0 to the Over this year, averaging 20.3 points per game on 50.0/42.2/86.0 shooting splits. Grant has also completely won over Tiago Splitter, playing at least 31 minutes in three consecutive games. With the wing’s role no longer in question, it’s hard not to like him to keep it up against the Heat. These two teams are at the top of the leaderboard in pace of play, with the Heat at 106.28 and the Blazers at 105.25. There should be plenty of buckets to go around, and our OptaAI player prop projections have Grant finishing with 20.02 tonight.
Jake LaRavia Over 19.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-114) vs. Hawks
Lakers at Hawks – 8:00 pm ET
LaRavia only had 15 combined points, rebounds, and assists last game, but he had gone Over tonight’s total of 19.5 PRA in four consecutive games before that one. LaRavia has been a revelation for the Lakers this season, and this feels like the type of uptempo game he should thrive in. Our projections have him finishing with 21.52 combined points, rebounds, and assists tonight. And really, with the Hawks having played last night, his activity and athleticism could lead to an even bigger performance than that.
Jarace Walker Over 3.5 Assists (-114) vs. Nuggets
Pacers at Nuggets – 9:00 pm ET
Walker has had at least five assists in four of the last five games, and he’s now averaging 4.4 assists per game on the season. Our projections have the big wing going for 4.99 assists tonight, which is a nice edge to the Over. We’ll just have to hope that this game doesn’t turn into a blowout. Last night, Minnesota’s lopsided win over Utah cost me two plays that looked like they were on their way to cashing. This game has similar blowout potential. Also, a return of Andrew Nembhard (questionable) could take the ball out of Walker’s hands. However, I’m willing to pay the small -114 price to find out. I think Rick Carlisle is going to continue to empower Walker, as developing him is best for Indiana’s long-term prospects.
Added Best Bets
Derik Queen Alt Assists 3+ (+180 – 0.5 units) vs. Spurs
2025-26 Overall Record: 51-48 (-2.90 units)
