NBA Predictions Today: 3 NBA Picks and Best Bets for Thursday, Oct. 29

Today’s Best NBA Picks at a Glance

• Hawks Moneyline (-108)
• Kings-Pelicans Under 237.5 (-110)
• Grizzlies +7.5 (-110)

Thursday's NBA schedule features only three games, but there are still several betting opportunities across the slate.

With two games tipping off at 8:00 p.m. ET before Grizzlies-Trail Blazers wraps up the night, where can we find value in the moneyline, spread, and game-total markets?

Here are three NBA best bets for Thursday, October 29, with one pick from every game on tonight's schedule.

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

Hawks Moneyline (-108)

Cavaliers at Hawks — 8:00 p.m. ET

I'm willing to back the Atlanta Hawks at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Both teams are playing on the second night of a back-to-back, but Atlanta has the benefit of staying home after Wednesday's loss to Miami while Cleveland has to travel after beating Washington last night in Cleveland. The Hawks have still been one of the league's more productive offenses early in the season, averaging 120.2 points and an NBA-best 32.2 assists per game through five contests.

Cleveland enters at 3-1, but the Cavs haven't exactly dominated defensively, allowing 120.0 points per game through their first three games before Wednesday's win.

Donovan Mitchell gives Cleveland plenty of offensive firepower, but Atlanta's combination of home court, travel advantage, ball movement, and a basically pick'em price makes the Hawks my preferred side.

Kings-Pelicans Under 237.5 (-110)

Kings at Pelicans — 8:00 p.m. ET

The Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans have both struggled to start the season, and I like this matchup to finish below 237.5 points.

Sacramento is 0-4 while averaging only 107.8 points per game. The Kings have failed to reach 113 points in three of their four contests, including a 103-point showing against San Antonio on Tuesday. Even with Domantas Sabonis available, Sacramento hasn't generated consistent offense.

New Orleans is also 0-4 and is playing the second half of a back-to-back after scoring just 91 points in Wednesday's 104-91 loss to Denver. The Pelicans are averaging 116.3 points per game, but that figure is inflated by the 135 they scored in an overtime game against Denver earlier in the season.

With New Orleans dealing with the rest disadvantage and Sacramento ranking near the bottom of the league offensively, 237.5 is a high bar to clear.

Grizzlies +7.5 (-110)

Grizzlies at Trail Blazers — 10:00 p.m. ET

The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the NBA's early surprises, making +7.5 points attractive against the undefeated Portland Trail Blazers.

Memphis enters Thursday at 4-0 and has already won three games away from home. The Grizzlies are averaging 116.8 points while surrendering only 107.0 per game, giving them an average scoring margin of nearly +10 points. They've also won their last three games by 3, 11, and 5 points, showing they can handle both close contests and more comfortable victories.

Portland has been outstanding, too, going 3-0 while averaging an NBA-best 129.3 points per game, so I don't necessarily want to fade the Blazers outright. But asking Portland to win by eight against another undefeated team is a different proposition — even with the game in Portland.

Memphis' defense has held every opponent its faced to 112 points or fewer, and they’ve won three straight road games coming into today. I think they can keep it close and cover at Portland.

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.