NBA Betting Picks for Tuesday 10/31/23: Will the Knicks Continue to Haunt the Cavaliers?

Riley Thomas•_riley8

9mo

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

New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers

Knicks -2.5 (-108)

The New York Knicks against the Cleveland Cavaliers looked to be the best matchup for the Halloween slate. However, the playoff rematch could lack some luster as the Cavs are dealing with multiple injuries: Jarrett Allen (out, ankle), Darius Garland (out, hamstring), and Donovan Mitchell (questionable, hamstring).

Meanwhile, the Knicks are touting a clean bill of health, which has swung the point spread in New York's favor. Shield your eyes Cleveland -- the nightmare against the Knicks could continue on Halloween night.

The Cavaliers could be without three starters and will definitely be without two starters. That's enough to make this matchup a tall task for Cleveland. The Knicks also have several potential advantages, making them an intriguing spread pick.

After finishing first in defensive rating last season, Cleveland's defense has vastly underachieved through three games (24th). Allen's absence has certainly played a big role as he ranked second on the team among qualifying players with a 110.8 defensive rating in the 2022-23 season. Maybe the trade rumors surrounding Allen should cool off; his value has been evident.

New York's defense has played well so far, ranking 9th in rating, but their offensive rating sits at 23rd. We could be in store for a low-scoring contest, hence the 214.0-point total.

Additionally, the Cavs have increased their three-point shooting volume, ranking eighth with 39.7 attempts per game -- compared to 31.5 attempts per game last season (24th). The Knicks' perimeter defense has performed well, though, sitting within the top 10 of opponent three-point percentage and threes allowed per game.

Of course, New York drilled Cleveland on the boards in last season's playoff matchup. That could be the case yet again with the Knicks averaging the most rebounds per game (RPG) in the Association while boasting the second-best marks in offensive rebounds per game and defensive rebounding percentage. The Cavaliers are 15th in RPG and 18th in defensive RPG.

Mitchell Robinson, who is averaging 11.3 RPG, seems poised for another monster game on the glass.

FanDuel Sportsbook is offering a No Sweat Same Game Parlay for tonight's NBA games on TNT. A New York cover paired with props, including Robinson's rebounds, could form a strong Same Game Parlay.

San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns

Under 225 (-112)

TNT's nightcap is the San Antonio Spurs against the Phoenix Suns. Once again, this was an intriguing matchup about a week ago. The Spurs feature an up-and-coming roster led by Victor Wembanyama, while the Suns have the fourth-shortest odds to win the NBA championship (+600), per FanDuel's NBA Finals odds.

San Antonio is expected to have a healthy roster for tonight's game, but Phoenix continues to wait for their star trio to get healthy. Bradley Beal will miss his fourth consecutive game with a back injury, and Devin Booker is doubtful due to his lingering ankle sprain.

This should deliver a more competitive game, though. If the Suns were healthy, this could have been blowout city. Still, the injuries damper the excitement of watching two new-look squads.

Through three games, both teams rank among the top 10 quickest paces in the NBA. Plus, San Antonio's defense is still struggling with the fourth-worst rating in the league.

Surely the over should hit, right? Not so fast -- there are several contrasting stats that suggest the under.

First off, both teams are among the bottom eight in shot attempts per game. The Suns are 19th in points per game (PPG) while the Spurs are 20th. Phoenix also boasts the second-best defensive rating in the NBA.

While San Antonio's team defense has been dreadful, Wembanyama has shined on the defensive end with an elite 102.3 defensive rating. He could draw the matchup with the 13-time All-Star Kevin Durant, who is averaging 27.7 PPG.

Ultimately, I like the under. Neither offense has excelled, the Suns have relied on their defense, and the Spurs could cause some headaches for Durant thanks to the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama.

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

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.