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Top 3 NBA Picks & Predictions: Saturday (10/24)

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There are eight NBA games tonight, and I'm highlighting my favorite plays for three of them. Below, I highlight how the Rockets can pull off a mini upset of the Hawks, why the Nuggets are due for a huge offensive performance, and what I expect from the 76ers against the easiest opponent they've faced thus far.

Here are the best bets for Saturday, October 24.

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Saturday’s Best NBA Picks & Predictions

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Houston Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks

Last night, the Rockets defeated the Spurs 114-110 in San Antonio to move to 2-0. Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Kevin Durant all scored at least 20, while Fred VanVleet added 14 and dished out five assists. VanVleet now has 16 assists in two games after missing all of last season with an injury.

With their starting five healthy and playing as well as it is, I'm a little surprised to see the Rockets as underdogs in this game, even if it's being played in Atlanta. The Hawks are averaging 130 points through two games, scoring at least 128 in each. However, the Rockets have held each of their first two opponents to 110 points, and they're definitely the best defensive team that the Rockets have faced thus far.

The Hawks are shooting 54.3% from the floor and averaging 16 made 3-pointers per game. But the Rockets just knocked off arguably the best team in the league, and they're allowing just 11.5 3-pointers per game while holding opponents below 49% from the field.

Pick: Rockets Moneyline (+100)

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets scored just 84 points in their season-opening loss to the Thunder, but they should have no trouble bouncing back against a defense that has allowed at least 120 in each of its first two games. The Pelicans have allowed opponents to make 54.2% of their field goals this season, which is the third-highest percentage in the league.

The Nuggets led the NBA in scoring last season, averaging 122.1 points per game. They shot 49.6% from the field, which ranked second-best in the league, and averaged 14.2 made 3-pointers per game. To me, those stats are much more important than what they did on opening night against last year's No. 2-ranked defense.

Another thing to consider is huge bounceback performances from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The two combined for just 19 points in their first game, but Murray averaged 25.4 points per game last season, and Jokic averaged 27.7. Last season, Jokic scored 28 in his only game against the Hornets, while Murray averaged 25 in two contests.

Pick: Nuggets Team Total – Over 125.5 Points (-110)

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers have been as good as advertised to start the season. They ruined the Knicks' banner night by defeating the defending champs 106-100 on opening night, then followed that performance up with a 114-106 win over the Cavaliers. Now, they get to face a team that has been disastrous defensively to start the year.

The Bucks have allowed at least 128 points in each of their first two games. Last night, the Bulls went to Milwaukee and beat the Bucks 132-125. The Bucks are allowing opponents to make 49.5% of their shots. The 76ers played two of the best defensive teams in the league, so I'm not worried that they're only shooting 43.6% from the floor thus far. And with the Bucks averaging 17.5 turnovers per game, the 76ers will get more offensive possessions to take advantage of the Bucks' weak defense.

The 76ers are holding opponents to just 40.9% from the floor thus far. They also have the added benefit of not having played a game last night. So not only are the 76ers better offensively and defensively, but they're also the fresher team entering this game.

Pick: 76ers -12.5 (-110)

Phil Wood is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Phil, check out his archive and follow him @Phil_Wood_Jr.

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