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 9.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Kings +5.5 (-110 – 1.5 units) & Kings ML (+185 – 0.5 units) vs. Timberwolves
Timberwolves at Kings – 9:00 pm ET
The Timberwolves are coming off a blowout win over the Jazz, but they’re still 3-6 against the spread this season. They’re also down at 22nd in the league in raw defensive rating (116.1). This Minnesota team just hasn’t looked right all year, and Sacramento has been playing a little better over the last week or so. That makes it pretty easy to envision a scenario in which the Kings keep this game close — and possibly even win it.
Under Doug Christie, Sacramento is actually 20-16-1 ATS when facing teams with winning records. The Kings are also 12-9-1 ATS when facing teams that average at least 116.0 points per game with Christie on the sidelines.
This is also a game in which Sacramento’s ability to run, especially with Russell Westbrook playing a bigger role (more on that below), could be big. The Kings might be able to get some easy buckets before the Wolves set their defense — which is more possible now that Rudy Gobert looks a step slow.
I just like Sacramento to keep this game close, but sprinkling the moneyline is a good move too. Favorites of -165 to -500 with winning percentages of 51% to 60% off a win over a division rival are 10-18 straight-up when facing teams with winning percentages between 25% and 40% since 2022.
NBA Player Props Today
Josh Hart Over 9.5 Points (-104) vs. Nets
Nets at Knicks – 6:00 pm ET
Hart has had at least 12 points in each of the last three games, and there’s a good chance he plays some good basketball against the Nets tonight. Hart takes 44% of his shots at the basket, where the Nets are 29th in the league in opponent’s shot frequency (37.9%). Hart is also good in transition, where Brooklyn can also be a bit lazy defensively. We have also seen some similar players take advantage of this matchup this season. Athletic play-finishers like Keldon Johnson and Kelly Oubre Jr. both went well Over their points props against the Nets. Johnson had 19 points against Brooklyn; Oubre had 29. Both players are probably better shooters than Hart, but the Knicks wing is 6 of 9 from deep over the last two games. He’s on a bit of a heater as a spot-up guy. We’ll just have to hope that Hart plays enough to go Over this mark. If this is a blowout, his night could get cut short pretty early.
Jalen Duren Over 18.5 Points (-104) vs. Sixers
Pistons at Sixers – 7:30 pm ET
Duren just had 30 points in a win over the Nets, marking the fourth time in five games that the big man has gone Over tonight’s total of 18.5 points. Duren has also scored at least 30 in two of the last four. Duren is simply looking like a force finishing around the rim, plus he’s cashing in at the free throw line when teams put him there. Tonight, Duren is going up against a Sixers team that is 21st in the NBA in opponent’s shooting percentage at the rim (69.4%). Duren is also working against a Sixers team that gave up 19 to Nic Claxton and 24 to Jarrett Allen. Those are similar rim-running types, but Duren is way more talented than both of them. Our OptaAI player prop projections also happen to have Duren going for 18.58 tonight, so they agree with an Over.
Russell Westbrook Over 26.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-125) vs. Timberwolves
Timberwolves at Kings – 9:00 pm ET
I have cashed with Westbrook PRAs the last couple of nights, so I’m going back to it in a game that I think the Kings can win. Sacramento might get Domantas Sabonis back here, meaning Westbrook’s role could be decreased a little. However, the energetic guard has had at least 40 combined points, rebounds, and assists in each of the last three games. He has also gone Over tonight’s total of 26.5 in six of the last seven. Doug Christie has unleashed the triple-double machine, and it feels like there’s no turning back with Sacramento looking more competitive than ever the last couple of games. The Wolves have also struggled against pick-and-roll ball handlers this year, and their overall defense has looked miserable. Westbrook should be able to take advantage — especially if he continues to knock down 3s.
2025-26 Overall Record: 57-50 (+1.71 units)
