It’s Eric Lindquist here with a Thursday edition of NBA Lindy’s Leans, Likes and Locks. Finally, we’re stepping up from the two-game slates we’ve been stuck with recently. A three-game slate isn’t exactly a marathon, but it’s a welcome change. Let’s dive into the best NBA bets today. We are breaking down game lines, odds and player props, so make sure you’ve looked at our NBA +EV betting guide and found all of our free NBA expert picks and +EV NBA bets!
Best NBA Bets Today: Player Props, Lines & Odds
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Now let’s go over our NBA best bets.
Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics (-12.5)
The Pistons head to Boston, and the big story here is Jayson Tatum’s status. The Celtics superstar is questionable, and his availability will dictate much of this game’s outlook. Currently, the Celtics are hefty 12.5-point favorites, but that could shift depending on Tatum’s status.
On the Pistons side, Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and the rest of the usual suspects are good to go. Boston’s depth means it can still dominate without Tatum, but it might rest him ahead of the weekend.
The bet I’m keeping an eye on here is Jrue Holiday over 7.5 rebounds + assists. Holiday has been inefficient offensively in recent games but has continued to contribute in other areas. If Tatum is out, Holiday’s playmaking responsibilities could increase, making this line even more enticing. However, at -138 juice, I’m keeping it as a lean for now, waiting to see how Tatum’s status shakes out.
NBA Best Bet: Jrue Holiday Over 7.5 Rebounds + Assists (LEAN)
Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat (-10.5)
The Raptors visit Miami with a depleted roster. Scottie Barnes is out for at least two weeks, and with Immanuel Quickley and Bruce Brown also sidelined, Toronto is scrambling. That leaves Jakob Poeltl, Gradey Dick and R.J. Barrett to shoulder the load against a Heat team that’s reportedly shopping Jimmy Butler.
Butler’s uncertain future adds an interesting layer here. He’s played heavy minutes in recent games, but the Heat may want to protect their asset as trade talks swirl.
Despite Toronto’s injuries, I have Raptors +10.5 as a like if you can get double-digit points. My model has this closer to an 8-point game, making the current spread solid value.
NBA Best Bet: Raptors +10.5 (LIKE)
Sacramento Kings (-6.5) vs. New Orleans Pelicans
The night wraps up with the Kings visiting the Pelicans in what should be the most entertaining game of the slate. With a 230.5-point total, expect plenty of action here. The Pelicans are starting to get healthy since Dejounte Murray and C.J. McCollum are back in the lineup, while Sacramento rolls out its dynamic duo of De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
A couple intriguing props here are Murray over points + assists and Malik Monk over points + assists. Murray has struggled with efficiency this season but is still heavily involved offensively. Meanwhile, Monk continues to thrive in his starting role for Sacramento.
I’m taking these props individually, but I’m also firing them up as a parlay for a fun sweat at +243 odds. If both players hit their overs, it’s a great way to capitalize on the fast-paced nature of this game.
NBA Best Bet: Dejounte Murray Over 28.5 Points + Assists, Malik Monk Over 21.5 Points + Assists (LOCKS)
