NBA Picks Today: NBA Predictions and Best Bets for Thursday, Nov. 5

Today’s Best NBA Picks at a Glance

• Magic Moneyline (-104)
• Heat +7.5 (-110)

If you want more FanDuel Research content, be sure to add FanDuel as a preferred source on Google.

The NBA has a two-game slate on Thursday, November 5, with the Orlando Magic visiting the Phoenix Suns and the Miami Heat squaring off with the Golden State Warriors.

Both matchups offer opportunities in the betting market, including a tightly lined contest in Phoenix and a sizable spread in Golden State.

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.

What are the top NBA player props for today?

NBA Predictions for Today: Picks and Best Bets

Magic Moneyline (-104)

Magic at Suns — 9:00 p.m. ET

Neither the Orlando Magic nor the Phoenix Suns have enjoyed a strong start to the season, but there are reasons to favor Orlando in this matchup.

Phoenix enters Thursday with a 1-5 record and has dropped four straight games. The Suns have been particularly vulnerable defensively, allowing 121.7 points per 100 possessions, the worst defensive rating in the NBA entering today's action.

Orlando has struggled offensively, too, but the Magic have some encouraging individual performances to build around. Franz Wagner is averaging 20.3 points and 7.6 assists per game while the team has multiple perimeter scoring threats capable of exploiting Phoenix's defense.

The scheduling situation also favors the visitors. The Suns are playing the second night of a back-to-back after allowing 132 points in Wednesday's loss to Portland whereas Orlando hasn't played since Monday. Although the Magic are dealing with injuries of their own (namely Paolo Banchero), Phoenix's defensive struggles and rest disadvantage make Orlando an appealing moneyline pick in a near-pick'em matchup.

Heat +7.5 (-110)

Heat at Warriors — 10:00 p.m. ET

The Golden State Warriors have won five straight games to improve to 5-3, but this spread looks a little too large against a Miami Heat team that's starting to find its rhythm — even if Miami is coming off a Wednesday night OT game.

Miami has won three of its last four games, most recently overcoming a 20-point deficit to defeat the Clippers 117-116 in overtime on Wednesday. The Heat received impressive performances from their top offensive weapons — Giannis Antetokounmpo totaled 21 points, 14 boards and six assists while Klay Thompson nailed eight triples en route to a 30-point night — and have scored at least 117 points in each of their last four games.

Golden State's offense has been productive, ranking fifth in offensive rating (119.2) entering tonight. However, the Warriors are just 22nd in defensive rating (116.2), giving Miami a reasonable path to keeping this contest competitive. The Heat also play at one of the league's fastest paces, which should provide plenty of scoring opportunities.

The biggest concern is Miami playing the second night of a back-to-back, particularly after Wednesday's overtime thriller. Still, the Heat have shown enough offensively to warrant consideration as a 7.5-point underdog, especially against a Golden State defense that has been vulnerable early in the season.

Take advantage of today’s FanDuel NBA profit boost!

Get a 30% Profit Boost Token to use on a 3+ Leg Parlay/SGP/SGP+ wager for any NBA Games on November 5th, 2026! See here for full terms and conditions.

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.

New customers can get $200 in Bonus Bets -- guaranteed -- when you bet $5 each day for four days. Place your first wager now! See here for full terms and conditions. Learn about today's other offers at FanDuel Sportsbook Promos.

Looking for the latest NBA odds? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and check out all of the NBA betting options.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

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.