NBA Best Bets Today (Predictions for Deandre Ayton, Nuggets-Clippers & Hawks-Rockets)
We’re back and rolling on the best bets column with the Black Friday edition.
The entire league took the day off, but I’m ready to hand out winners to tonight’s huge slate.
In today’s edition, I’m going with two plays on a side and one player prop, with both teams being favorites.
NBA Best Bets Today
- Deandre Ayton OVER 9.5 Rebounds
- Nuggets -3.5 vs. Clippers
- Hawks -7.5 vs. Rockets
Deandre Ayton OVER 9.5 Rebounds
Even with Chris Paul out, Ayton hasn’t taken a huge step forward offensively. The one place he continues to dominate is on the boards. He’s grabbed double-digit rebounds in four of his last five games. Against the Pistons, who aren’t shy to missing shots, Ayton should have plenty of opportunities to grab rebounds.
Nuggets -3.5 vs. Clippers
I backed the Clippers against the Warriors in their last game and was disappointed. I thought the veteran players on the team could hold it together without Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. I don’t know if they’ll be able to keep up with the Nuggets, who got Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray back.
Along with their two stars, the Clippers won’t have Luke Kennard, who is a big floor spacer for the Clippers.
With Jokic back in the lineup and just Ivica Zubac to defend him, I’ll back the Nuggets to have a big day inside and knock off the Clippers on the road.
Hawks -7.5 vs. Rockets
Atlanta has dominated this matchup over the last three years. The Hawks are 4-1 SU against the Rockets in the last five meetings.
This is one of the easier games to handicap on the day. The Rockets are the worst team in the league. They have a bottom three defense and a bottom four offense. Although the Hawks are 3-5 ATS on the road this year, back them today against the Rockets and don’t look back.
Until Houston can consistently be competent, I’ll fade the Rockets.
You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.