Top NBA Pick: Rockets +2.5 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
There’s tons of NBA on the slate tonight. With 14 games, I’ve gone through all of them and picked out my favorite three bets on the slate. Let us know if you’re tailing along!
Washington Wizards vs. Charlotte Hornets
Wednesday, November 08, 2023 – 07:00 PM ET at Spectrum Center
Two of the Worst Defenses
We’ve got a matchup between two of the worst defenses in the NBA tonight. The Washington Wizards have allowed 118.2 points per 100 possessions, while the Charlotte Hornets have given up a league-worst 126.3 points per 100 possessions.
Washington has also allowed a league-worst 62.9% effective field goal percentage.
Meanwhile, the Hornets have shot a 53.5% effective field goal percentage, which is only 18th best in the league. Still, Charlotte has been above average in points per 100 possessions, thanks to a low turnover rate, a solid offensive rebounding percentage, and many trips to the foul line.
On the other hand, Washington has shot a 55.8% effective field goal percentage. But if they have a poor shooting night, the Wizards will be toast. They’ve earned just 20.4% of offensive rebounds and have a 15.2 free throw rate. The Wizards will solely rely on their shooting to win games. On the road, that’s probably not feasible.
Charlotte won’t have Terry Rozier for multiple games due to an injury. That will hurt the Hornets a little bit moving forward. But they’ll just slot in second-overall selection Brandon Miller into the starting lineup.
The Pick
Miller added seven points and shot just 3-for-12 in his start against the Mavericks on Monday. But he’s got plenty of potential and will only get better as the season progresses. Let’s take the Hornets -3.5 at the top sportsbooks.
NBA Pick: Hornets -3.5 (-110) at BetOnline
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets
Wednesday, November 08, 2023 – 08:00 PM ET at Toyota Center
Rockets’ Advantage
The Houston Rockets have surprised defensively to begin the year. At 3-3, the Rockets have already started to exceed expectations.
Houston is led by Jalen Green, who has averaged 18.2 points per game. However, he’s also shot just 41.2% from the field. That’ll need to be cleaned up.
Anyway, on the defensive end, the Rockets are in the top ten in points per 100 possessions, effective field goal percentage, and turnover percentage. That’s an area where the Rockets can take advantage of the Lakers, who are below-average offensively in those areas.
Los Angeles has also earned just 22.7% of offensive rebounds to begin the season. While the Lakers will get to the foul line at a solid rate, everything else the Lakers do isn’t very impressive.
On the other hand, the Rockets won’t attack the offensive glass, either. They also won’t see the foul line as much as the Lakers. But they’re shooting the ball at a higher rate, scoring 113.7 points per 100 possessions this season.
The Pick
With the Rockets on their home floor, I’ll take the points here at -110 betting odds. Houston’s on a three-game winning streak, while the Lakers have lost back-to-back games.
NBA Pick: Rockets +2.5 (-110) at BetOnline
Miami Heat vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Wednesday, November 08, 2023 – 08:00 PM ET at FedExForum
Miami’s Struggles
The Miami Heat have only scored 106.8 points per 100 possessions to begin the season. Sitting at 3-4, it’s been a disappointing start to the season. The Heat have struggled to earn offensive rebounds and aren’t getting to the foul line at a high rate. Nothing on the offensive end is really working.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have held opponents to an average rate of 111.7 points per 100 possessions defensively. They’ve also earned 15.6% of turnovers and have allowed only 26.5% of offensive rebounds.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies are 1-6 on the season. They’ve been just as bad offensively as the Heat right now.
Memphis has earned 104.9 points per 100 possessions while shooting a 51.5% effective field goal percentage. The Grizzlies continue to turn the ball over quickly and rarely get to the foul line.
With Miami allowing a 15 free throw rate, Memphis won’t see the foul line much in this game, either. The Heat have also limited teams to 24.8% of offensive rebounds and have earned over 17% of turnovers.
The Pick
The Heat should escape this game on the road with more turnovers, a higher rebounding percentage, and more free throw attempts. Give me the Heat.
NBA Pick: Heat -2.5 (-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.
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