NBA Best Bets Today (Predictions for LeBron James, Lakers-Clippers and Grayson Allen on Thursday)

There are two marquee matchups in the NBA on Thursday night, with plenty of stars in action from Giannis Antetokunmpo to Joel Embiid to LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis and Paul George. 

When the NBA gives us just two games, at least it delivers with some star power.

We're off to a hot start in the NBA Best Bets column, and I have a trio of plays on the slate for Thursday.

I know that some of y'all want more spreads than prop bets, but early in the season we have to feel out some of these teams before I bet on them. With player props, we have much more data on some of these players (like LeBron tonight) where I feel comfortable backing them.

NBA Best Bets Record to Date

• NBA Best Bets Record for 2022-23 Season: 6-1 (+4.6735 units)

NBA Best Bets Today

Los Angeles Clippers -5.5 vs. Los Angeles Lakers (-110)

The Los Angeles Clippers may bring Kawhi Leonard off the bench in this game, but it doesn’t change my thoughts on how the Clippers will handle the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. 

The Lakers looked awful in their season opener, struggling to get any shooting on offense. They went 10-for-40 from beyond the arc and were dominated in stretches by the Golden State Warriors.

Now, the Lakers have to face a loaded Clippers team that may have the deepest roster in the NBA. With Paul George and Kawhi back in the lineup, the Clippers have all the makings of a Finals contender. 

I’m not sure LeBron James and Anthony Davis can carry this poorly constructed roster to a win against another elite team in the West. This line feels like a homage to James, but the Lakers were 35-47 ATS last season. 

Give me the Clippers in this game.  

LeBron James OVER 44.5 Points, Rebounds and Assists (+105)

LeBron isn’t slowing down. He put up 31 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists (54 PRA) in the Lakers’ season opener.

I may not believe in the Lakers, but I won’t fade James, especially when he’s healthy early in the season. If Los Angeles is able to hang around in this game, James is going to be the driving force, whether it is passing the ball or scoring himself. 

The Clippers have wings they can throw on James, but they lack rim protection outside of Ivica Zubac. Also, it’s LeBron James. I like the OVER after his impressive season opener. 

Grayson Allen OVER 11.5 Points (-105)

The Milwaukee Bucks come into Thursday’s opener against the Philadelphia 76ers without Pat Connaughton and Khris Middleton. 

Someone is going to have to step up on offense on the wing, and last season it was Grayson Allen for the Bucks. In 13 games without Middleton last season, Allen averaged 17.2 points per game while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 49.1 percent from beyond the arc. 

Allen is going to see the opportunities tonight with the Bucks shorthanded, and 11.5 is a low enough number for me to take his OVER. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.