NBA Picks & Predictions: Thursday (10/29)
Three NBA games are scheduled for this evening, so betting options are limited. Here are my two best NBA picks for Thursday, October 29th.
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Thursday’s Best NBA Picks & Predictions
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Sacramento Kings at New Orleans Pelicans
Sacramento and New Orleans are both searching for their first win of the season, but neither team has shown much offensively through the opening week. The Kings rank 27th in scoring at just 107.8 points per game, while the Pelicans have also struggled to produce consistently. With both teams still finding their rhythm, a total of 236.5 points looks awfully high.
Sacramento’s offensive struggles have been particularly concerning, with the Kings ranking 28th in offensive rating. They’ve struggled to create quality looks and knock down perimeter shots, making it hard to sustain scoring runs. That doesn’t inspire much confidence that they can score enough to push this game over such a high number.
New Orleans hasn’t exactly been lighting up the scoreboard either, ranking 18th in offensive rating. Both teams rank near the bottom of the NBA in three-pointers made, another reason to be skeptical of a shootout. Without consistent perimeter shooting, these offenses may have to work much harder to generate points.
Neither defense needs to be particularly dominant for the under to cash. With both teams winless and struggling to find offensive consistency, the market appears to be giving them too much credit.
The 236.5-point total leaves plenty of room for inefficient stretches, especially if the outside shots aren’t falling. I’ll take the under in a matchup between two offenses that have yet to prove themselves.
Pick: Under 236.5 Points (-110)
Memphis Grizzlies at Portland Trail Blazers
Memphis has been one of the NBA’s biggest surprises through the opening week, winning its first four games. The Grizzlies weren’t expected to make much noise this season, but they’ve looked much better than anticipated. Portland has also started 3-0, setting up an intriguing matchup between two undefeated teams.
Ty Jerome has been outstanding for Memphis, averaging 29.8 points and 6.5 assists per game. The veteran guard has become the focal point of the Grizzlies’ offense, providing a reliable scoring option. Rookie Cameron Boozer has also impressed, averaging 14.8 points and 10.5 rebounds. His two-way game has added another dimension to Memphis’ attack.
Portland deserves credit for its strong start, especially with Deni Avdija and Damian Lillard leading the way offensively. The Trail Blazers also have home-court advantage, but laying 7.5 points against an undefeated Memphis team feels excessive. The Grizzlies have already shown they can compete, and their offense has been much better than expected.
Memphis has covered the spread in all four games this season, and I don’t see why the Grizzlies can’t keep this one competitive. Jerome is playing at an extremely high level, while Boozer gives Memphis another dependable contributor. Portland could certainly remain undefeated, but I expect a much closer game than the spread suggests.
Pick: Grizzlies +7.5 (-110)