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, October 31.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today
Hornets ML (+110) vs. 76ers
76ers at Hornets – 6:00 pm ET
I feel like I have to play Charlotte tonight. This has very little to do with what I think of these two teams. It’s simply a lack of trust in Philadelphia’s roster on the second leg of a back-to-back. Jaylen Brown sat out last night’s game, so there’s a slight chance he’ll miss another game this evening. I also can’t imagine we’ll see Joel Embiid after a 33-minute outing last night, and I wouldn’t be surprised if LeBron James joins him on the inactive list. That said, I’m taking the Hornets at plus-money odds against a potentially depleted team. And what I like about this play is that I won’t feel screwed in the event the 76ers are healthy. The Hornets have been solid to start the year, so it’s not like this game isn’t winnable.
NBA Player Props Today
Scoot Henderson Over 13.5 Points (-120 – 1.5 units) & Alt Points 18+ (+195 – 0.5 units) & Alt Points 22+ (+475 – 0.25 units) vs. Jazz
Trail Blazers at Jazz – 3:00 pm ET
With Ja Morant out for a couple of weeks, we should see plenty of Henderson. While Damian Lillard is having a great season, he’s thriving operating off the ball a bit more — and that’s something that should keep him healthy. That should mean that Henderson and Jrue Holiday will have their chances to shine, but I like the former here. Henderson’s quick first step should allow him to live in the paint against a poor defensive backcourt, and Utah really doesn’t have anyone to challenge him at the rim. This team is 28th defending around the floater range, where Henderson does a good bit of his work.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 19.5 Points (-105 – 1.5 units) & Alt Points 24+ (+205 – 0.5 units) & Alt Points 28+ (+450 – 0.25 units) & Alt Points 30+ (+700 – 0.1 units) vs. Pelicans
Hawks at Pelicans – 7:00 pm ET
I attacked the Pelicans with Darius Acuff props the other night, and I think doing the same with Alexander-Walker makes a lot of sense. Only three teams are doing a worse job of defending the point guard position than New Orleans, according to PropsMadness’ numbers. The Pelicans are miserable defending in the paint (28th in the NBA), and they play at the third-fastest pace in the league. That said, while Alexander-Walker is definitely someone who likes to knock down jumpers off the bounce, there could be some easy buckets available for him here. That could set up for a massive game.
Zach Edey Over 17.5 Points + Rebounds (-103) & Double-Double (+390 – 0.25 units) vs. Kings
Kings at Grizzlies – 8:00 pm ET
Edey’s minutes have prevented him from putting a double-double on the board this season, as the big man is averaging only 20.8 minutes per game. However, even with a limited workload, I like his chances of flirting with a double-double here. Sacramento is 25th in the NBA when it come to rebounding, and no team in basketball does a worse job of defending inside 10 feet. Edey should dominate while he’s out there tonight.
Additional Plays (Late Adds, Teasers, Parlays, Futures)
PARLAY: Blazers ML vs. Jazz & Cavaliers ML vs. Bucks & Spurs ML vs. Timberwolves (-111 – 1.5 units)
