Every night of the 2026-27 NBA season gives us a fresh set of games and numbers to pick apart. This daily column digs into the best sides and totals on the board, using in-depth basketball analysis, betting trends, and our VSiN NBA betting splits to spot value. We’ll also be tackling these slates relentlessly on our live VSiN programming, which is why basketball fans should really consider a VSiN Pro subscription. Below you’ll find some NBA picks and predictions for Monday, November 2.
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NBA Best Bets Today – Monday, November 2
Bulls +11.5 (-110) vs. 76ers
Bulls at 76ers – 7:30 pm ET
Chicago looks like one of the worst teams in basketball, but the team does come into this one having covered in back-to-back games. The Bulls played the Knicks tight in a 133-127 loss in Chicago, then they stayed within the 14.5 in a road game against the Celtics. Chicago will now look to hang around against Philadelphia, and it’s hard not to like the team’s chances.
The 76ers could be without Joel Embiid here, as the big man is currently listed as questionable as he deals with plantar fascia pain in his right foot. Well, either Embiid will be inactive for this one, or the Bulls will make him uncomfortable with their tempo. Chicago is currently No. 1 in the NBA in pace of play (107.0). Philadelphia has shown a willingness to run this year, as that style of play suits Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Also, LeBron James’ quick processing and still-impressive athleticism has made him dangerous as a small-ball five, so he has enjoyed running with his new teammates. However, without Embiid on the floor, the Sixers will have trouble guarding all of the Bulls’ perimeter options because of a lack of rim protection behind the guards. With Embiid, that speed Chicago plays with becomes a huge nuisance for Philadelphia, as the big man might not be able to physically handle it — and it completely changes the way the team wants to play. It’s a bit of a catch-22.
I’ll also note that the 76ers are just 13-14 against the spread as home favorites of 6.5 to 12 points under Nick Nurse. They’re also just 4-7 straight-up and 5-6 ATS under Nurse when facing teams that shoot at least 27.0 free throws per game. Well, it’s obviously very early in the season, but the Bulls are No. 1 in the NBA in free throw rate (38.3).
Heat ML (+114) vs. Lakers
Heat at Lakers – 10:00 pm ET
The Lakers pulled their starters in the fourth quarter of last night’s meeting with the Raptors. However, Toronto made a late run that forced JJ Redick to put his starting unit back in. That meant 35 minutes for Luka Doncic, 39 for Austin Reaves, and 31 for Walker Kessler. Obviously, this doesn’t matter as much this early in the season, but it’s still a back-to-back for Los Angeles, and this meeting with Miami was already going to be very tough.
The Heat started the season 0-4, but they’re 2-0 with an offensive rating of 129.9 over the last two games. Erik Spoelstra wasn’t going to sit around and allow things to spiral out of control without making some changes. Well, he made sweeping changes prior to Miami’s win over Atlanta two games ago. The Heat are now running a PnR-heavy offense, playing more like a Giannis Antetokounmpo team. So far, so good.
As far as tonight goes, it’s hard not to like Miami at plus-money odds. The Heat are playing at a high level offensively right now, so scoring against a mediocre Lakers defense should be quite easy. Considering Miami is the better defensive team, it’s hard not to view the Heat as the better bunch.
Added Plays (Late Picks, Parlays, Teasers, Futures)
PARLAY: Pelicans Alt +12.5 vs. Grizzlies & Suns Alt +10.5 vs. Warriors (-116)
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