NBA Best Bets for October 28: Expect a Magical Pace
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Spread Astaire
- October 28, 2024
Top NBA Pick: Orlando Magic -6 (-112) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
This first week of the NBA concludes with a packed slate of Monday Night action. There are plenty of exciting games and plenty of exciting spots to bet at the top-rated sportsbooks.
Let’s take a look at two of the best spots on the board to find winning NBA picks.
Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic
Monday, October 28, 2024 – 07:00 PM ET at Kia Center
The Indiana Pacers are off to a rough start this season at 1-2.
The Pacers opened the year with a late win over the Detroit Pistons, in a game in which they definitely underperformed. They followed that up by getting smacked by the New York Knicks 123-98. Then they traveled to Philadelphia to take on the winless Sixers and the Sixers got their first win of the season by defeating the Pacers in overtime 118-114.
Orlando’s Rise and Indiana’s Fall
After ending last season on a high note, Indiana is struggling this year. The major cause for concern is that of All Pro Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton is shooting 23% from the field and 6% from three-point range. The Pacers are going to need Tyrese Halliburton to find his shot if they’re going to have a chance to get better this season.
The Orlando Magic are showing the world that they should be considered a contender in the Eastern Conference. The Magic opened the season with two Eastern Conference wins before losing to Memphis in Memphis. Now the Magic host the Indiana Pacers and they will have an extra day of rest.
These could not be two more opposite teams. The Orlando Magic are a defense-first team that can get stops even against the best opponents. The Indiana Pacers rarely play defense, they prefer to try to outscore their opponents. When the Pacers are on fire they are a joy to watch. However, when the Pacers’ shots aren’t falling, they have no chance to win because they can’t get the stops they need.
The Pick
I like the Orlando Magic here to get the win and the cover.
The Magic are a much better defensive team and the Pacers are not playing near their top level. The Pacers will turn things around eventually, but for right now, this is a team in disarray. The Orlando Magic will look dominant at home.
Take the Orlando Magic -6.
NBA Pick: Orlando Magic -6 (-112) at BetOnline
Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks
Monday, October 28, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at State Farm Arena
The Washington Wizards are off to a slow start this season dropping their first two games at home. Now they hit the road to take on the Atlanta Hawks.
The Wizards are arguably the worst team in the league. The Wizards have lost their first two games against Cleveland and Boston by a combined 39 points. The Wizards have given up 122 and 135 points in their first 2 games. The Wizards are one of the worst defensive teams in the league and are a marginal offensive team.
High-Scoring Outing
The Atlanta Hawks won their first two games in the season before losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. There’s no shame in losing to the Thunder; they are arguably the best team in the West. Now the Hawks get a chance to turn things around quickly when they head home to host the hapless Washington Wizards.
Right now the Hawks are averaging 122.5 points per game. They are shooting 48% from the field, 35% from three, and 79% from the free throw line. The shooting can get even better, especially when they are back at home.
The Hawks are led by the electric point guard Trae Young. Young plays at a high pace and is an excellent passer as well as a great shooter. With Young on the floor, games are most likely to go Over because, not only is he a great offensive player, he plays fast as well. And like most point guards in the current NBA, his defense leaves a lot to be desired.
The Pick
This will be a high-paced game between two teams who do not put a lot of effort in defensively.
I like this game to go over. The Hawks and the Wizards have gone over this total in four of the last five times they played. When the Hawks and Wizards get together, they get up and down the floor and put up shots with reckless abandon.
I expect more of this high-paced action tonight, which will push the game over the total of 231.5.
NBA Pick: Wizards/Hawks Over 231.5 (-110) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
