NBA Picks & Predictions: Sunday (10/25)

Seven NBA games are scheduled for this evening, and we have plenty of betting options. Here are my two best NBA picks for Sunday, October 25th.

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Sunday’s Best NBA Picks & Predictions

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Detroit Pistons at Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia is coming off Saturday’s 127-116 win over Milwaukee, improving to 3-0. Joel Embiid recorded a triple-double with 28 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, but he played 36 minutes and is expected to sit out the second half of the back-to-back. LeBron James missed Saturday with a back issue, although his status for Sunday remains uncertain.

Detroit is also unbeaten at 2-0, but the Pistons have their own injury concerns. Jalen Duren is expected to miss this game with a hamstring injury, while Ausar Thompson is dealing with an ankle issue. That would typically make Philadelphia an attractive home favorite, but the spread tells a different story.

The line is what really catches my attention. Philadelphia opened as a favorite, but the spread has moved toward Detroit despite the Pistons playing on the road without Duren. The 76ers are expected to rest Embiid, while James could return after sitting Saturday. Even so, Philadelphia will play its fourth game in six days, while Detroit gets an extra day of rest.

Detroit also swept all four meetings last season. With Cade Cunningham leading the offense and the market moving toward the Pistons, I like Detroit to cover in what should be a competitive game.

Pick: Pistons -1.5 (-102)

Toronto Raptors at Minnesota Timberwolves

The Toronto Raptors have looked like a completely different team defensively to start the season. After crushing Chicago 135-92 in their opener, they followed it up with a 112-102 road win over Washington. Toronto is now 2-0, allowing just 97 points per game while ranking first in the NBA in defensive rating. It’s a small sample, but this defense looks like a serious problem for opposing offenses.

Kawhi Leonard’s presence has made a noticeable difference, while Scottie Barnes continues to provide versatility on both ends of the floor. Toronto has the size, length and athleticism to make life difficult for opposing scorers. That will be especially important against Anthony Edwards and a Minnesota team that has also started 2-0.

What really stands out is the spread. Minnesota is playing at home and has plenty of offensive firepower, yet the Timberwolves are only 1.5-point favorites. That shows how much respect the betting market is giving Toronto. The line has also moved toward the Raptors after Minnesota opened as a 2.5-point favorite.

I think Toronto’s defense is legitimate, and getting points with this team is appealing. The Raptors have enough offensive weapons to keep pace with Minnesota, and their ability to generate stops could make the difference in a close game. Toronto could win outright here.

Pick: Raptors +1.5 (-110)