NBA Picks & Predictions: Monday (10/26)
Nine NBA games are scheduled for this evening, and we have plenty of betting options. Here are my two best NBA picks for Monday, October 26th.
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Monday’s Best NBA Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Minnesota Timberwolves at Cleveland Cavaliers
Minnesota couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season, winning its first three games by at least 22 points. The Timberwolves are coming off an impressive 117-94 win over Toronto on Sunday, with Anthony Edwards leading with 26 points. Their defense has been outstanding, but Cleveland presents a much tougher test.
The Timberwolves will play their second game in as many nights, while the Cavaliers had a day off after Saturday’s 125-121 win over Brooklyn. Minnesota’s biggest concern is Edwards, who’s listed as questionable with a right knee issue. He appeared to be dealing with discomfort against Toronto, so the Timberwolves could decide to rest their superstar guard.
Cleveland hasn’t looked particularly sharp despite entering this matchup with a 1-1 record. The Cavaliers blew a 29-point lead in their opener against Philadelphia before nearly squandering a 22-point advantage against Brooklyn. However, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen give Cleveland plenty of firepower, and I expect a much better performance with the rest advantage.
Minnesota has been dominant defensively, but playing its third game in four days on the road is a tough assignment, especially if Edwards is sidelined. Even if he plays, his knee could limit his effectiveness. I like Cleveland to take advantage of the scheduling spot and hand Minnesota its first loss of the season.
Pick: Cavaliers -5.5 (-110)
Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets
The Golden State Warriors have gotten off to a rough start, losing their first three games while allowing 123 points per contest. The Lakers blew out Golden State in its opener before it lost to Memphis and Phoenix. The Warriors have struggled defensively, and things won’t get any easier against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets in Denver.
Golden State was without Steph Curry and Draymond Green in Saturday’s 131-122 loss to Phoenix, though both are expected back today. That’s obviously a boost, but the Warriors are still missing Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody and Kristaps Porzingis. Without those players, this team simply doesn’t have the same depth or defensive presence.
Denver is coming off an impressive 141-135 overtime victory over New Orleans, overcoming a 23-point deficit behind a huge performance from Jamal Murray. The veteran guard finished with 42 points, while Jokic added 35 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Those two should have their way with a Golden State defense that has struggled to stop the ball.
I also love Denver’s home-court advantage. The altitude is never easy for visiting teams, especially an older Warriors squad still searching for its first win. Golden State has enough offensive firepower to keep things interesting, but I don’t trust its defense to contain Jokic and Murray. I expect Denver to control this matchup and pull away for a comfortable victory.
Pick: Nuggets -7.5 (-106)