NBA Betting Picks for Monday 11/27/23: Will the Pelicans Get Revenge in Utah?

The 82-game NBA regular season offers us a wide variety of betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, and totals. The Association features 1,230 regular season games, which can make sifting through the odds an overwhelming task.

However, various advanced statistics can help narrow the choices. numberFire's NBA power rankings and daily projections paired with advanced stats from the NBA can help give the inside track to winning big.

While utilizing some of the mentioned tools, which NBA odds from FanDuel Sportsbook look like the best bets today?

Please note lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published.

NBA Best Bets

Los Angeles Lakers at Philadelphia 76ers

Lakers +6 (-110)

The Los Angeles Lakers against the Philadelphia 76ers is one of the top matchups of the night with both teams in positions to make the playoffs. Los Angeles is 4-1 over their last five games while Philadelphia is 1-2 in their last three contests.

I'm riding the hot hand by taking the Lakers to cover the spread. This feels like a reasonable cover for L.A. Will they win outright? The moneyline would be a risky bet at +190. Still, I think Los Angeles has enough to cover on the road.

Following a hot start, the Sixers' defense has declined, allowing 118.4 points per game (PPG) over their previous eight games. This has also caused their defensive rating to drop to 13th in the league. L.A.'s defense has ramped up its intensity, holding opponents to 103.4 PPG in their last five games. This included several quality offenses such as the Dallas Mavericks (fourth in offensive rating).

A difference in points in the paint could also lead to a Lakers cover. Both teams are among the top-eight marks for points in the paint per game, and each defense is among the bottom half in points in the paint allowed per game. Philly's paint success has dipped over the last five games with 46.0 PPG. Meanwhile, Los Angeles has pounded the paint with 61.2 PPG in their last five games (compared to their season average of 55.5 PPG).

The 76ers' defensive anchor -- Joel Embiid -- is also carrying a career-low 109.8 defensive rating. Anthony Davis and LeBron James, who is questionable with a calf injury, could feast in the paint. Davis has attempted 87.4% of his field goals within 14 feet of the basket, and James has shot 69.2% within 14 feet.

Los Angeles could be poised for a cover by winning the painted area.

New Orleans Pelicans at Utah Jazz

Pelicans -4.5 (-114)

The Utah Jazz's 105-100 win as 3.5-point underdogs against the New Orleans Pelicans was one of the biggest surprises of November 25th's slate. Utah has recently found itself in low-scoring games, averaging only 103.0 PPG over the last three games. The Jazz managed to cool off the Pels' red-hot offense, which totaled 121.7 PPG in the previous seven contests.

New Orleans' three-point attempts spiked in the loss with 36 shots. They average only 31.5 three-point attempts per game (seventh-lowest).

Zion Williamson's absence likely led to the increase in shot attempts. The fifth-year forward regularly attacks the paint with 219 of 223 field goal attempts coming within 14 feet of the basket. Williamson has even shot 161 of 223 attempts within 5 feet of the basket, and he carries a 64.6% field goal percentage (FG%) within five feet of the basket.

Utah allows the sixth-most points in the paint per game. They simply lack quality interior defenders with John Collins (122.1 defensive rating) and Lauri Markkanen (120.0 defensive rating). As of Monday morning, Williamson is not listed on the NBA's injury report. His return could help the Pelicans dominate on the road. Williamson is averaging 27.3 PPG with a 60.8 FG% in his previous four games. New Orleans could bounce back with a cover and win with their star forward back in the lineup.

Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Clippers

Under 220.5 (-110)

Perhaps the matchup of the night is the Denver Nuggets against the Los Angeles Clippers. According to FanDuel's NBA conference odds, the Nuggets (+230) and Clippers (+1400) are among the top-five favorites to win the Western Conference.

Denver has gone on a slide with a 2-4 record over their last six games. Jamal Murray's absence (hamstring) is becoming evident; the floor general could miss his 10th consecutive game on Monday. While Murray averaged only 16.3 PPG over his first seven games, the injury has completely altered the Nuggets' rotation.

Coach Michael Malone discussed the bench's struggles since Murray's injury:

It's been a short rotation without Murray as Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther have been the only regular contributors off of the bench. Denver is also 2-8 against the spread (ATS) over their last 10 games. However, the Clippers have also underperformed ATS with a 3-7 record in their previous 10 contests.

Neither squad has been a trustworthy cover. Betting on the total could be the safest pick.

The under is 11-4 in Clippers games this season; it is also 9-1 over the last 10 games. The under is 6-3 in the Nuggets' previous nine games, and Denver is averaging 110.6 PPG in the last five when their season average is 113.1 PPG.

Both defenses are among the league's top-10 best ratings. The Nuggets have the eighth-best opponent effective field goal percentage (eFG%) while LA has the fifth-best mark in the category.

Ivica Zubac has been an excellent defender (105.4 rating), which could give the Clippers a chance of slowing Nikola Jokic, who is the MVP favorite (+200).

Overall, this matchup screams defense, especially with both squads ranking among the Association's top 10 slowest paces. Denver simply has not scored at the same clip without Murray, and Los Angeles looks to play low-scoring games led by the NBA's fifth-best defensive rating.

Looking for the latest NBA odds? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and check out all of the NBA betting options.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.