It’s Eric Lindquist here, bringing you Monday’s edition of Lindy’s NBA Leans, Likes and Locks. There’s a six-game NBA slate, and we have some work to do! Let’s dive into the best NBA bets today, including game lines, odds and player props. Check out our NBA +EV betting guide and 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.
Philadelphia 76ers at Charlotte Hornets
The 76ers are without Joel Embiid, and Charlotte might be missing LaMelo Ball, who’s questionable. Embiid’s absence, along with Caleb Martin being out, has me leaning toward Charlotte +2.5. I expect Ball to play, which makes this line intriguing — it should be closer to a pick’em in my eyes.
If Ball gets ruled out, I’d still prefer taking the points over chasing the moneyline because the shift in value for the spread would outweigh the corresponding moneyline movement. Either way, I’m backing Charlotte with the points in this one.
NBA Best Bet: Hornets +2.5 (LIKE)
Miami Heat at Detroit Pistons
This game offers my only prop bet of the day: Cade Cunningham over 9.5 assists (-118) at Caesars. This is all about market value. Across the industry, Cunningham’s double-double odds are around -162, while his assist prop is sitting much lower at -118. That’s a major disconnect, and I’m happy to exploit it.
Cunningham is a full-on star, running the show for Detroit. With Miami looking shaky around Jimmy Butler’s role and minutes — likely as it explores trade options — this is a prime opportunity for Cunningham to distribute effectively.
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Cleveland Cavaliers at Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn is dealing with a lot of roster uncertainty, including the recent trade of Dennis Schroder to Golden State. That move leaves the Nets thin at point guard, and I doubt we will see major offensive contributions from Ben Simmons or Shake Milton.
Cleveland, meanwhile, is rolling. With no Cam Thomas and questionable depth for Brooklyn, I have no problem laying the -10.5 with the Cavaliers on the road. Cleveland should control this one from start to finish.
NBA Best Bet: Cavaliers -10.5 (LIKE)
Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Clippers
Utah is rolling out Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, John Collins and Walker Kessler. There’s some uncertainty around Jordan Clarkson — he’s questionable, but he did suit up in their last game. If he plays, it’s a boost to the pace, but even without him, Utah has the personnel to keep the offense humming.
On the Clippers’ side, James Harden has been in excellent form lately. Say what you will about his long-term fit with the team, but in the short term, he’s been the glue for their offense. He’s setting things up for guys like Norman Powell, who’s been absolutely lights out this season and arguably their best offensive weapon.
But the Clippers are dealing with some key absences. Terrance Mann and Derrick Jones Jr. are still out, and with Nicolas Batum now in the starting lineup, there’s more 3-point shooting on the floor, but his defense isn’t what it once was.
Even without Clarkson locked in, this matchup screams offense. When I look at this total of 222.5, it feels way too low. My projection has this closer to 228.5, which is a massive gap. This isn’t about hyperbole—when I say lock, it’s my way of saying this is my one-unit, “send it” play.
NBA Best Bet: Jazz-Clippers Over 222.5 (LOCK)
