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 Sunday, November 2.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
PARLAY: Jazz Alt +7.5 vs. Hornets & Knicks ML vs. Bulls (-116 – 1.5 units)
Jazz at Hornets – 6:00 pm ET
Bulls at Knicks – 7:00 pm ET
I’m taking another two-team parlay today, hoping for Utah to keep things close against Charlotte and for New York to get revenge against Chicago. With the first game, there’s just very little that suggests the Hornets are a better team than the Jazz right now, and I actually believe this is a game Utah can win. Brandon Miller is out for Charlotte, plus LaMelo Ball was questionable on the front end of this back-to-back. I’m not sure the talented guard will suit up here, and it’s not like the Hornets will blow the Jazz out if he does. Utah has a huge advantage in the frontcourt, even with Walker Kessler out. And I like the Jazz guards to hold their own here; Keyonte George has been remarkable for Utah early in the season. As far as the other game goes, New York is just a better team than Chicago, making it hard to believe the Bulls will beat them twice in a row — especially with the Knicks playing at Madison Square Garden.
Suns +5.5 (-105 ) vs. Spurs
Spurs at Suns – 8:00 pm ET
Traditional numbers don’t tell a great story about the Suns, so it might seem odds backing them to keep things tight against the undefeated Spurs. However, Phoenix has quietly moved into the league’s top-10 in halfcourt defensive rating, giving up only 94.0 points per 100 possessions. The Suns are playing some sound defense when they’re not getting beat in transition, and Devin Booker is also starting to be more aggressive offensively. That said, even with Phoenix being without Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green, the team should like its chances against a San Antonio team that is a little overhyped right now. The Spurs also remain without De’Aaron Fox, Jeremy Sochan, and Luke Kornet, so it’s not like they’re healthy. San Antonio is also just 3-5-1 as a road favorite since the start of last season, and the team is also just 1-9-1 ATS off a win by six or less since then.
NBA Player Props Today
Jordan Poole Over 15.5 Points (-109) vs. Thunder
Pelicans at Thunder – 3:30 pm ET
Our OptaAI projections have Poole going for 19.23 points against the Thunder today. Poole is currently averaging 19.8 points per game, and he’s coming off a 30-point performance against the Clippers on Friday. Naturally, things will be a bit tougher against a Thunder team that is tremendous defensively. However, Oklahoma City will be missing Jalen Williams, one of their best perimeter defenders, and Chet Holmgren, their elite rim protector. Buckets should be a little easier to come by for everyone on New Orleans, and I like Poole’s irrational confidence in a game like this.
Collin Gillespie Over 4.5 Assists (-135) vs. Spurs
Spurs at Suns – 8:00 pm ET
Gillespie is averaging 5.7 assists per game in 25.8 minutes per game this season, serving as a major offensive spark off the Phoenix bench. Gillespie has actually had at least five assists in three consecutive games, and it’s just clear that Jordan Ott trusts the 26-year-old to initiate the Suns offense. In addition to Gillespie having strong traditional assist numbers, he’s also averaging 9.3 potential assists and 6.5 adjusted assists per game. Well, considering I like Phoenix to give San Antonio a game tonight, I can’t say I see Gillespie disappearing as a playmaker. If anything, his fearless play will be needed against a Spurs team that has some good athletes defending guards.
Added Plays
Jake LaRavia Over 7.5 Points (-102) vs. Heat
2025-26 Overall Record: 33-27 (+4.04 units)
