The NBA tips off a new week with seven games across the league. Two matchups that stand out the most when looking at the game totals are the Hornets-Magic and Suns-Heat. The Hornets’ first game with LaMelo Ball back in the lineup ended with 247 combined points. Phoenix-Miami is a battle between two of the slower-paced teams, an excellent recipe for an under. Let’s dive into the best NBA bets for Monday, Nov. 14.
Best NBA Bets Today: Game Tips & Betting Predictions
Hornets-Magic Bets
Monday’s matchup is a divisional battle between two of the bottom feeders in the Eastern Conference. The Hornets have a 3-11 record, while the Magic have won their last two games to improve to 4-9 on the season. Charlotte’s offense has struggled due to key injuries, resulting in eight consecutive losses. It hopes the return of Ball can spark the offense and turn things around against a young Magic squad. These two teams faced off back in October, with Orlando pulling off a 113-93 win on its home court.
The Magic have put together back-to-back wins over the Mavericks and Suns without their rookie sensation Paolo Banchero, who went down with a sprained ankle. Banchero has lived up to the hype so far, averaging 23.5 points and 8.3 rebounds per game on the season. He was able to practice on Saturday and is marked as a game-time decision for Monday. Orlando is a young, rebuilding team that has been competitive after a disastrous start. The Magic are averaging 110.4 points on 48.3% shooting and allowing 112.4 points per game.
The Hornets’ biggest concerns have come on offense, and Ball’s presence could start to correct those concerns. They shot a season-best 51.1% from the field in Ball’s first game back on Saturday night in a 132-115 loss to Miami. The Hornets are averaging 108.7 points on 44.6% shooting and allowing 114.7 points on 46.7% shooting. This team averaged 115.2 points per game last season, third highest in the league.
The Magic have gone over the game total in five of their last seven. Their defense has been inconsistent to start the season. They went from allowing opponents to score more than 125 points in three straight games to conceding only 87 and 97 points in their last two games against the Suns and Mavericks, respectively. Charlotte has fared way better on the road this season, averaging 111.6 points compared to just 104.8 points at home. Ball’s scoring ability should open up the floor for the Hornets. Expect these two teams to get into a shootout and soar over this total in tonight’s matchup.
Best NBA Bet for Hornets-Magic: Game Total OVER 224.5 Points
Suns-Heat Bets
The Suns travel to Miami to face the Heat on Monday at FTX Arena. The Heat go for their third straight win and look to improve their record to .500 on the season. The Suns will try to forget about their last outing, where they lost 114-97 to the Magic. Phoenix has won four of the last five matchups against the Heat. Despite its recent success, Phoenix enters this game as a 2-point underdog.
Phoenix is still without Landry Shamet and Cameron Johnson, while Chris Paul is listed as questionable. Johnson underwent meniscus surgery this past Tuesday and will be sidelined for one or two months. The Suns have started the season 8-4 and have the best record in the Pacific Division, leading the Clippers by 1.5 games. They enter Monday with the best net rating in the NBA, ranking top 5 in both offensive and defensive rating. They are led by All-Star Devin Booker, who is averaging 26.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists on the season. Phoenix is allowing the fewest points in the league (105.3).
The Heat have been playing without Tyler Herro, and his return is questionable for tonight. Miami showed their potential on offense in its recent two-game series against the Hornets, posting totals of 229 points and 247 points. Charlotte ranks 18th in defensive rating, compared to this Suns team that currently ranks second. The Heat defense has taken a step back this season — ranking 16th compared to fourth last season. Fortunately for the Heat, the Suns will be missing their top 3-point shooter in Johnson.
These two teams rank in the bottom eight in pace on the season. Phoenix has been one of the best under teams to start the year, going under the total in 63.6% of their games. The total has gone under in three of their last four matchups head-to-head. It is doubtful that Paul will play in the final game of their road trip. Deandre Ayton will have a tough matchup going against Bam Adebayo in the paint. If the Suns can limit the Heat’s ability to get to the free-throw line, this total should cruise under. Expect a defensive matchup with the total going under 216 points on Monday.
Best NBA Bet for Suns-Heat: Game Total UNDER 216 Points
