Betsided

NBA Best Bets Today (Predictions for Jayson Tatum, Thunder-Pelicans and Lakers-Pacers on Monday)

By Peter Dewey

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) raises his arms.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) raises his arms. / Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
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We're going to keep the intro short on today's NBA Best Bets column, as we've got 10 games in action and three picks to get to.

Jayson Tatum is in a favorable spot for the Boston Celtics with Jaylen Brown's status up in the air for Monday's game against Charlotte, and I think we're seeing a bit of a turnaround from LeBron James and company in Los Angeles.

After a 2-1 day on Sunday, let's keep the momentum rolling tonight:

NBA Best Bets Record to Date

NBA Best Bets Today

  • Jayson Tatum OVER 29.5 Points (-120)
  • Oklahoma City Thunder +6 (-120) vs. New Orleans Pelicans
  • Los Angeles Lakers -3 (-110) vs. Indiana Pacers

Jayson Tatum OVER 29.5 Points (-120)

The Boston Celtics sat Jayson Tatum on the first night of a back-to-back against the Washington Wizards, and it’s possible that they give Jaylen Brown the same treatment in this game. 

Brown is listed as questionable for Boston with neck stiffness. 

The Hornets are one of the worst teams in the NBA this season, and this is a favorable matchup for Tatum, who has three games of 35 or more points in his last five matchups with Charlotte. 

Tatum is averaging 30.5 points per game this season, and with Brown potentially out, he could see even more shots than his usual 20.5 per game. I’ll go OVER his points total tonight. 

Oklahoma City Thunder +6 (-120) vs. New Orleans Pelicans

The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the best teams in the NBA as road dogs this season, going 6-2 against the spread. 

Now, they get a banged up New Orleans Pelicans team that is without C.J. McCollum (out, health and safety protocols) and most likely down Brandon Ingram (toe, doubtful) in this game. 

The Thunder have been able to hang around with a lot of contenders this season, pulling off their fair share of straight up upsets against teams like Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Toronto and the Los Angeles Clippers. 

The Pelicans have depth on their roster, but I’m not sold on them running away with this game, especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing at an elite level for OKC. 

I think OKC can keep this game within six points, as the scoring lost from Ingram and C.J. should be tough for the Pels to overcome. 

Los Angeles Lakers -3 (-110) vs. Indiana Pacers

The Pacers rank 10th in the NBA in offensive rating this season, led by point guard Tyrese Haliburton. However, the team struggled against a top-10 defense in the Clippers, and it will get another in the No. 7 Lakers on Monday. 

The Lakers have been terrible to start this season, but LeBron James looked healthy and dominant against a lesser San Antonio Spurs team over the weekend.

If Anthony Davis plays in this game, I like the Lakers chances to win and cover. Los Angeles started the season 2-10, but it has been much better as of late, winning five of its last six games, all by five or more points. 

James and Davis are enough frontline talent to make things close with the well-rounded Pacers, and I think at home the Lakers have the edge here, especially with this being a back-to-back for Indiana.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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