It’s Eric Lindquist back again to give you Lindy’s Leans, Likes and Locks! Tuesday has a two-game NBA Cup slate, so there’s plenty to break down. There are no locks today — I’m not forcing plays on a shorter slate — but we do have some leans and likes to discuss. Let’s jump into the game lines and odds to find the best NBA bets today. Also be sure to check out our NBA +EV betting guide — or explore even more free NBA expert picks and +EV NBA bets!
Best NBA Bets Today: Player Props, Lines & Odds
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Monday didn’t feature any NBA picks from me — only one game was on the slate, and every number looked efficient. I’m not here to throw out picks for the sake of it. I’m here to give you thoughtful plays, so Monday was a pass.
Now let’s dive into some NBA best bets!
Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks (-7.5, Total: 214.5)
This game is tricky. Orlando is missing its two best players, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, which makes evaluating this team challenging. Without those two, Jalen Suggs saw an uptick in usage last time out, scoring 26 points.
Wendell Carter Jr. played only 21 minutes in that game, which was odd, but he generally benefits with others out. Meanwhile, role players like Caleb Houstan, Moritz Wagner, Anthony Black and Jett Howard aren’t really looking for their own shots.
Cole Anthony, however, could be the spark plug Orlando needs, as he logged 29 minutes and is paid to perform in these situations.
Milwaukee is the better team, but I’m not thrilled with much on their side. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are obviously great, but this total at 213.5 is close to a play for me.
- Lean: Over 214.5. My projection is closer to 216, but not enough value here to go beyond a lean.
- Lean: Jalen Suggs to score 20-plus points. He’s led Orlando in usage without Wagner and Banchero over the past year.
Dallas Mavericks (+4.5) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Total: 230.5)
Now, this game has more betting potential. Oklahoma City has been ridiculously good, even with Chet Holmgren out, and it is shaping up to be a dangerous team.
Dallas, on the other hand, might be a bit inflated here as 4.5-point dogs. It has been dealing with shorthanded situations, but this is a spot where Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving can shine.
The Mavericks will likely have to roll out double-center lineups with Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, as they’re thin in the frontcourt. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City could lean on small-ball lineups, utilizing players like Kenrich Williams and Jalen Williams at the 5.
Isaiah Hartenstein is someone to watch on Oklahoma City. Despite limited minutes in recent blowouts, he’s averaging 29 minutes on the season, and his rebounding numbers (12 and 16 in the last two games) have been solid. In this playoff-esque environment, I expect his minutes to climb.
- Like: Mavericks +4.5. Doncic and Irving in this spot make this a solid play.
- Play: Isaiah Hartenstein over 25.5 points + rebounds + assists. I’ve projected him closer to 28.5 points + rebounds + assists, so this is worth a half unit.
