Top NBA Picks and Predictions Today (Grizzlies, Nets Upset, Jazz Get Back on Track)
There are five games in the NBA on Tuesday, Nov. 15, and the BetSided team has a pick for each on our NBA picks and predictions page.
Here are a few of our top plays for the action tonight:
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans Odds, Prediction and Pick
These are two of the best offensive teams in basketball. The Pelicans rank ninth in offensive rating and the Grizzlies rank 11th. New Orleans, despite having a better offense and defense than the Grizzlies, has failed to actually win games. The Pels are 7-6 on the season and have been one of the most inconsistent teams in the league.
On the other side, the Grizzlies are going to have an extra boost. Jaren Jackson Jr. is making his season-debut tonight. He’s missed the first part of this season due to a foot injury, but will give it a go tonight. Jackson Jr. is extremely important to what the Grizzlies do. He’s the anchor to their defense, which was sixth in defensive rating last season with him. Memphis is 20th without him.
Jackson Jr. will likely be on a minutes restriction, but his presence will be enough to keep this team close. If Ja Morant is able to go in this one, I’ll easily back Memphis.
New York Knicks vs. Utah Jazz Odds, Prediction and Pick
It was only a matter of time before the Jazz lost a few games, but they are poised for a bounce back on Tuesday against the Knicks.
New York is just 2-4 on the road this season, and the lack of defense from the team is extremely concerning against a Utah team that ranks seventh in the league in effective field goal percentage. The Jazz can shoot the rock, and the Knicks allow the second most 3-pointers per game this season at 14.1.
The Knicks’ offense has been a middle-of-the-pack unit so far this season, so I think they'll have trouble keeping pace with Utah tonight. Remember, New York scored 135 points and lost (!!) on Sunday.
The Jazz are 5-0 at home and 4-1 against the spread, winning by an average margin of 13.8 points. Even though Utah has exceeded preseason expectations, four points is too short of a line tonight.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Sacramento Kings Odds, Prediction and Pick
Both teams have been rolling over the last five games, especially the Kings. They’ve won four out of five and three straight games. Their offense is second in the league in that span – overpowering the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers. However, they’ve only been home favorites once this season, and that was in the season opener against the Blazers. I don’t think backing them on the spread is smart tonight – not even on the moneyline.
Brooklyn has looked much better in the last five games. Kevin Durant has played magnificently, averaging 28 points per game on 53% shooting. He’s going to carry the offense, so I’m not worried about that. What will carry the Nets tonight is their defense. In the last five games, Brooklyn is second in defensive rating.
That intensity will be perfect against a Kings team that is running up the scoreboard on everyone. Brooklyn has the best player on the floor and has a plus money price. I’m easily going to back them.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.