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NBA Best Bets Today (Predictions for Joel Embiid, Celtics-Pistons & Jazz-Wizards)

By Donnavan Smoot

Nov 9, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) controls the ball against the
Nov 9, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) controls the ball against the / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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Today’s column looks eerily similar to Thursday’s column. My first play is again backing Joel Embiid on points, and then I have two game picks. 

We have eight games on the schedule, and here are some of my favorite plays for the night. 

NBA Best Bets Today

  • Joel Embiid OVER 28.5 Points
  • Celtics -9.5 vs. Pistons 
  • Jazz ML (-165) vs. Wizards

Joel Embiid OVER 28.5 Points

I tried this prop earlier in the week and it missed by three points, so naturally I’m going back to it. Embiid was dominant in the first half, as I expected, but he fell off in the second. He scored 21 points in the first half and proceeded to have 5 points in the second. I expect Embiid to be better in the final 24 minutes today and be the driving factor for the Sixers at home.

Celtics -9.5 vs. Pistons

Boston has played Detroit five times since the start of last season. While the Celtics are 1-4 ATS, they have beaten the Pistons by double-digits twice and by exactly 9 points twice. They consistently win comfortably against the Pistons.

The Celtics have the best offense in the league and the Pistons are 27th in offensive rating. The difference between their offenses is 11.8 points per 100 possessions. 

Defense aside, the Pistons just don’t have the offense to keep up with the Celtics. Detroit has struggled heavily to get going this season, and today will be no different. 

Jazz ML (-165) vs. Wizards

Washington will be without Bradley Beal again and potentially Kristaps Porzingis (groin injury). If the Wizards have to rely on 34 points from Kyle Kuzma again to get them the win, they will certainly be disappointed. 

Washington is 25th in offensive rating, while the Jazz are second. With Lauri Markkanen playing well enough to be donned “Lauri Bird,” I like the Jazz to win this one. 

Furthermore, the UNDER has value. Both of these teams hit the under more than the over. With Washington missing its two of its top three offensive options, back a low scoring affair. 

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. 

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