NBA Betting Picks for Thursday 11/2/23: Will the Raptors Roar Against the 76ers?

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

Toronto Raptors at Philadelphia 76ers

Raptors +8.5 (-108)

Wednesday was a rough day for my NBA picks, partially thanks to the Toronto Raptors rolling the Milwaukee Bucks 130-111 as four-point underdogs. The under was nowhere close to hitting with Toronto's offense scoring its highest mark of the season; they previously averaged only 99.5 points per game (PPG).

After watching the Raptors drain 56.0% of their shots led by 26 points from Pascal Siakam, I like Toronto to cover as the underdog against the Philadelphia 76ers. This is a tall task as Philly ranks third with an average score margin of +11.3. However, the Raptors do have some advantages that could lead to a cover.

Despite Toronto featuring the slowest pace in the NBA, they look to run in the open court when the opportunity is available. The Raptors average 22.6 fast break points per game (2nd), and the Sixers allow 17.7 fast break points per game (24th). Toronto could be poised for some easy open looks in the fast break.

Additionally, both teams feature strong defenses, ranking within the top 12 in rating (Raptors 9th; 76ers 12th). The projected total sits at only 215.5 -- the lowest total of the night. This could be a low-scoring, defensive battle, and Philadelphia could fail to create a comfortable cushion against a formidable defense.

The Raptors were also hot from three in Wednesday's win, cashing in 39.5% of looks from deep. The Sixers rank 24th in opponents three-point percentage (37.6%). Siakam and Scottie Barnes could be in store for another eye-popping performance after both players hit at least four three-pointers against the Bucks.

Philly defeated Toronto 114-107 on October 28 thanks to big showings from Joel Embiid (34 points) and Tyrese Maxey (34 points). A big difference in points in the paint proved to be the Raptors' downfall; the 76ers had 50 points in the paint compared to Toronto's 34. The Raptors' paint defense has been solid, though, ranking 10th in points in the paint allowed per game and 4th in opponent two-point percentage. Plus, Barnes (98.1 defensive rating) and Siakam (105.3 defensive rating) have been exceptional defenders.

I believe Toronto's defense will rebound tonight, and their advantage in the fast break could lead to a cover.

Orlando Magic at Utah Jazz

Jazz Moneyline (-112)

The Orlando Magic against the Utah Jazz features the smallest point spread of tonight with Utah favored by one point. Both squads are potential playoff teams who are hoping to at least make the Play-In Tournament. According to FanDuel's NBA playoff odds, the Magic are +120 to make the postseason while the Jazz are +330.

As the odds suggest, Orlando has impressed thus far with a 2-2 start led by exceptional defensive numbers. They rank third in defensive rating, second in points allowed per game, and fifth in opponent field goals made per game. The Magic's pace, which is the fifth-slowest in the NBA, has contributed to the defense's success. Franz Wagner has been the leader in the clubhouse with a team-best 97.6 defensive rating and 18.0 points per game (PPG).

Orlando comes off its worst loss of the season, though. The Los Angeles Clippers rolled to a 16-point win on Halloween, shooting 49.4% from the floor and 45.2% on three-pointers. This was the best offense the Magic had faced as the Clippers are fourth in offensive rating. Tonight's opponent, the Utah Jazz, are 12th in offensive rating, which will be the second-best mark that Orlando has faced.

Perhaps this defense is not that good. It could simply be a product of playing bad offenses such as the Portland Trail Blazers (27th in rating) and Houston Rockets (20th in rating). Utah also holds the seventh-best mark in three-point percentage (37.6%) and the sixth-best mark in made three-pointers per game (14.0). This is certainly a concern after the Clippers drained 14 threes against the Magic on Tuesday.

Orlando's efficiency on offense has also been disappointing; they're 26th in three-point percentage and 22nd in effective field goal percentage (eFG%). Paolo Banchero's rough start has been a big piece of the problem, for the second-year forward is averaging only 12.5 PPG with a 37.8 field goal percentage (FG%). Remember, the reigning Rookie of the Year totaled 20.0 PPG last season. My pick for Banchero to average 24.0 PPG is currently crashing and burning.

The Jazz seem poised for a big day from three, and Orlando could lack the offense to keep up. Utah looks like the wise wager in this matchup.

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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.