NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (11/15)
Let’s break down some key matchups today in the NBA. Below are our top NBA picks & predictions for Saturday, November 15th.
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Saturday’s NBA Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Oklahoma City Thunder (-15.5) vs. Charlotte Hornets | O/U 228.5 (-108/-112)
We haven't seen repeat champions in the NBA since the Golden State Warriors in the 2016-17 season. The way Oklahoma City is playing this season, they could win it all again. They have been dominating their opponents, leading the league with a +15.5 average point differential and a +9.6 adjusted net rating.
Their high-level defense is helping them, supported by their top defensive efficiency (1.014). Their half-court defense focuses on applying pressure and forcing turnovers, ranking second in opponents’ turnovers per game (17.2).
Speaking of repeats, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the defending MVP, and given his strong start to the season, he appears ready to win the award again. He has scored over 30 points in 11 out of 13 games.
It looks like another brutal season for the Hornets, who have won fewer than 40 games in eight out of their last nine seasons. They're starting the season 4-8 with two separate three-game losing streaks. They're 11th in offensive efficiency (1.141), but it will be challenging for them to go against this Thunder defense.
Pick: Thunder -15.5 (-110)
Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (-2.5) | O/U 234.5 (-108/-112)
This could be the game of the night, featuring two Western Conference teams with high aspirations.
The Nuggets are hot, coming into this game with a six-game winning streak. They are playing well and sport one of the better offenses, leading the league with a 50.9% field goal rate and ranking third with 124.5 points per game.
They have a trio of stellar scorers, including Jamal Murray, who is averaging 22 points per game, and Aaron Gordon at 19.6, but this team is led by Nikola Jokic. The Joker is putting up another MVP-esque season, as he's once again a triple-double machine. With six already, he's averaging a triple-double on the season with 28.8 points, with a league-leading 13.1 rebounds and 10.9 assists.
The Timberwolves have also put together a winning streak of their own, as they've won four straight. The offensive prowess is propelling this team, as they rank fourth with a 1.167 offensive efficiency. Minnesota is also stacked with stars, including Julius Randle, who they acquired in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade. He is averaging 25.4 points per game. Superstar Anthony Edwards has been a significant contributor to this recent run; during the four-game winning streak, he has scored at least 30 points three times.
Their last matchup went over the total. Both teams are in the top seven in points scored, and even with playing the night before, they could put up another high-scoring contest.
Pick: Over 234.5 Points (-108)