NBA Cup Predictions Today: 3 NBA Picks and Best Bets for Friday, Nov. 13

Today’s Best NBA Picks at a Glance

• Orlando Magic -8.5 (-118)
• Memphis Grizzlies -2.5 (-110)
• Cleveland Cavaliers Moneyline (+114)

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Friday’s nine-game NBA slate offers several intriguing betting opportunities. With NBA Cup action on tap, we’re targeting two spreads and one underdog moneyline backed by current team efficiency, recent form, and injury news.

Which NBA odds from FanDuel Sportsbook look like the best bets today?

All NBA odds come from FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change after this article is published. You can also check out our player news page to stay up to date with injury news.

NBA Predictions for Today: Picks and Best Bets

Orlando Magic -8.5 (-118)

Milwaukee Bucks at Orlando Magic — 7:00 p.m. ET

The Milwaukee Bucks have been among the NBA’s worst teams, bringing a 1-11 record and a -14.5 net rating into Friday. Milwaukee has scored only 106.2 points per 100 possessions while allowing 120.7, reflecting major problems at both ends of the floor.

The Orlando Magic are also below .500, but their -5.0 net rating and 114.6 defensive rating are substantially better than the Bucks’ marks. The Bucks have surrendered 121.3 points per game, creating an opportunity for the Magic to have a big night offensively.

Orlando comes in off consecutive wins against Sacramento and Utah. Franz Wagner scored 33 and 38 points in those games, respectively, giving the Magic a dependable creator while Paolo Banchero remains sidelined.

Milwaukee’s poor efficiency and Orlando’s improving form make the home favorite an enticing spread bet.

Memphis Grizzlies -2.5 (-110)

Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans — 8:00 p.m. ET

The Memphis Grizzlies have posted a +5.8 net rating, scoring 116.4 points per 100 possessions and allowing 110.6. That two-way profile stands in stark contrast to the New Orleans Pelicans, who own a -7.1 net rating with a 119.2 defensive rating.

New Orleans is also dealing with significant availability concerns. Trey Murphy III, Bennedict Mathurin and Yves Missi are doubtful while Trendon Watford is out. That could leave the Pelicans short on scoring and frontcourt depth.

Memphis will be without Zach Edey and Scotty Pippen Jr., as well, so availability matters on both sides.

Still, the Grizzlies’ advantage in net rating and defense is substantial enough to make the modest road spread interesting.

Cleveland Cavaliers Moneyline (+114)

Cleveland Cavaliers at Miami Heat — 8:00 p.m. ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers enter with a +2.1 net rating, compared with a -4.6 clip for the Miami Heat. Cleveland owns a 115.6 offensive rating against Miami’s 111.3 mark while the Heat have allowed 115.9 points per 100 possessions.

The Cavaliers average 15.3 made three-pointers per game, a promising strength against a Miami defense that has allowed opponents to shoot 39.3% from deep. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 22.8 points and 5.5 assists, and James Harden adds 16.7 points and 5.6 assists per outing.

There is a meaningful concern: Evan Mobley is out with a toe injury, weakening Cleveland’s interior defense against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. That’s not ideal. But the Cavaliers’ overall offensive and net-rating advantages give them a path to the road win at plus money.

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NBA Betting -- Frequently Asked Questions

What does the point spread mean in NBA betting?

The point spread is a margin set by oddsmakers to level the playing field between two unevenly matched teams. For example, if the Golden State Warriors are listed at -7.5, they need to win by 8 or more points for a bet on them to cash. Conversely, a bet on their opponent at +7.5 wins if that team loses by 7 or fewer points — or wins outright.

What is the moneyline?

The moneyline is a straight-up bet on which team wins the game, with no spread involved. Favorites carry a negative number (e.g., -200, meaning you must risk $200 to win $100), while underdogs carry a positive number (e.g., +170, meaning a $100 bet returns $170 profit).

How does the over/under (game total) work?

Oddsmakers set a projected combined score for the game, and bettors wager on whether the actual total will go over or under that number. For instance, if the total is set at 224.5 points, an over bet wins if both teams combine for 225 or more points. NBA totals can swing based on pace of play, rest situations, and injuries, so it's worth tracking those factors before placing a total bet.

What are NBA player props?

Player props are bets tied to an individual player's statistical performance rather than the game's outcome. Common prop bet markets include points scored, assists, rebounds, three-pointers made, and combinations of those stats.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.