NBA Picks Today: 3 NBA Predictions and Best Bets for Monday, Nov. 9

Today’s Best NBA Picks at a Glance

• Cleveland Cavaliers -8.5 (-112)
• Nuggets vs. Rockets Under 220.5 (-115)
• San Antonio Spurs -8.5 (-110)

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Monday's eight-game NBA slate features several intriguing betting opportunities.

Which NBA odds from FanDuel Sportsbook look like the best bets today?

All NBA odds come from FanDuel Sportsbook and are subject to change after this article is published. You can also check out our player news page to stay up to date with injury news.

NBA Predictions for Today: Picks and Best Bets

Cleveland Cavaliers -8.5 (-112)

Cavaliers at Hornets — 7:00 p.m. ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers enter this matchup with a significant efficiency advantage over the Charlotte Hornets. Cleveland has produced 115.2 points per 100 possessions and owns a +2.9 net rating while Charlotte has scored just 99.6 per 100 possessions and owns a -14.4 net rating. That 17.3-point difference in net rating helps explain why the Cavaliers are substantial road favorites.

Charlotte’s offense has been the primary problem, and its 96.7 pace also limits the number of possessions available to erase a deficit.

Cleveland has not been especially consistent against the spread, but Charlotte’s inability to generate efficient offense gives the Cavaliers a realistic path to winning by a sizable margin.

Denver vs. Rockets Under 220.5 (-115)

Nuggets at Rockets — 8:30 p.m. ET

The Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets both rank among the NBA’s slower teams by early-season pace. Denver has averaged 98.5 possessions per 48 minutes, and Houston has played even slower at 97.8. That deliberate tempo creates a reasonable foundation for the under.

Houston has also held opponents to 109.4 points per 100 possessions while posting a +9.2 net rating. Denver’s 115.5 offensive rating makes the Nuggets dangerous, so this is not a wager built around two weak offenses; it depends on a controlled possession count and Houston’s ability to defend efficiently.

Denver has several notable names listed as questionable on the morning injury report, making final availability a meaningful variable for this total.

San Antonio Spurs -8.5 (-110)

Spurs at Suns — 9:00 p.m. ET

The San Antonio Spurs have been one of the league’s most balanced teams to open the season, entering Monday with a +10.2 net rating. Their 117.3 offensive rating pairs with a 107.1 defensive rating, providing a sharp contrast with a Phoenix Suns squad that has allowed 119.8 points per 100 possessions and posted a -6.3 net rating.

That 16.5-point gap in net rating suggests San Antonio is capable of separating from Phoenix, even on the road.

The Suns’ defense has struggled to limit efficient scoring, and the Spurs have the two-way profile needed to capitalize.

NBA Betting -- Frequently Asked Questions

What does the point spread mean in NBA betting?

The point spread is a margin set by oddsmakers to level the playing field between two unevenly matched teams. For example, if the Golden State Warriors are listed at -7.5, they need to win by 8 or more points for a bet on them to cash. Conversely, a bet on their opponent at +7.5 wins if that team loses by 7 or fewer points — or wins outright.

What is the moneyline?

The moneyline is a straight-up bet on which team wins the game, with no spread involved. Favorites carry a negative number (e.g., -200, meaning you must risk $200 to win $100), while underdogs carry a positive number (e.g., +170, meaning a $100 bet returns $170 profit).

How does the over/under (game total) work?

Oddsmakers set a projected combined score for the game, and bettors wager on whether the actual total will go over or under that number. For instance, if the total is set at 224.5 points, an over bet wins if both teams combine for 225 or more points. NBA totals can swing based on pace of play, rest situations, and injuries, so it's worth tracking those factors before placing a total bet.

What are NBA player props?

Player props are bets tied to an individual player's statistical performance rather than the game's outcome. Common prop bet markets include points scored, assists, rebounds, three-pointers made, and combinations of those stats.

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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.