NBA Best Bets Today (Predictions for Joel Embiid, Kyle Kuzma and Blazers-Pelicans)

Our guy Peter Dewey went 2-2 in this column yesterday, hitting on the Clippers 1Q ML against the Lakers and taking the UNDER on Bobby Portis’ PRA. 

Tonight, I’ll be playing substitute teacher and give out my best bets for the four-game slate in the NBA.

We’re looking at two player props and a double play in the Blazers-Pelicans game. 

Overall, this column is 40-28 on the year. Let’s keep the good wins rolling.

NBA Best Bets Today

• Kyle Kuzma OVER 16.5 Points 
• Joel Embiid OVER 28.5 Points 
• Blazers +7 vs. Pelicans / Blazers ML

Kyle Kuzma OVER 16.5 Points 

With Bradley Beal out, this is a great time to back Kyle Kuzma. He’s cleared this line in three of his last four games, and that’s with him shooting a poor 30% from the field. Kuzma took 16 shots in his last game – the most in the last six games. He’s comfortable taking the offensive load for the team.

Dallas is 11th in defensive rating, but its focus may be on its old player, Kristaps Porzingis. Kuzma is coming off a 20-point game and has good rhythm coming into tonight. 

Joel Embiid OVER 28.5 Points 

This will be the third game that James Harden misses because of his foot injury, and that means that Embiid will have to carry the load offensively.

We’re going to get a flashback to what he looked like early last season when he was the frontrunner for MVP. If Embiid doesn’t score 30 tonight, I would be shocked. If he can get to the line to make it easier on himself, I like the play even more. 

Blazers +7 vs. Pelicans / Blazers ML

Portland has used its top 10 defense to jump to a great start. The Blazers lost a few games when Damian Lillard was out, but can compete with anyone now that he’s back. Lillard had an off-night in his return (4-of-12 from the field), but he should be able to find his rhythm against the Pelicans. 

New Orleans is led by its offense, and the defense has been the unit that needs work. The Pels are right in the middle of the league in defensive rating, which has been a reason for their inconsistent start. 

The Pelicans also haven’t been great as a home favorite, going 0-2 ATS this year. Meanwhile, the Blazers have thrived in this scenario. Taking the Blazers on the spread is the safe play and I like it, but I’m equally as confident in the moneyline. 

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

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.