NBA Picks Today: NBA Predictions and Best Bets for Thursday, Oct. 22

Thursday’s Best NBA Picks at a Glance

• Cavs-Sixers Under 235.5 Points (-110)
• Thunder -8.5 (-115)

Thursday gives us a two-game NBA slate, but both matchups offer intriguing betting opportunities at FanDuel Sportsbook.

The night opens with the Cleveland Cavaliers visiting the Philadelphia 76ers before the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Denver Nuggets in the late game.

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.

What are the top NBA player props for today?

NBA Predictions for Today: Thursday Picks and Best Bets

Cavs-Sixers Under 235.5 Points (-110)

Cavaliers at 76ers, 7:10 p.m. ET

I'm siding with the under in the Cleveland Cavaliers' season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Philadelphia opened its campaign with a 106-100 win over the New York Knicks, meaning the two teams combined for only 206 points. That gives us at least some early evidence that the Sixers can drag games into a more manageable scoring environment, and Philly’s team — on paper — has the size to be a force defensively.

Cleveland certainly has enough offensive firepower to threaten this number, particularly with Donovan Mitchell leading the backcourt, but a total of 235.5 gives us some cushion. The Cavs don't necessarily need to struggle offensively for the under to cash.

With Philadelphia coming off a relatively low-scoring opener and Cleveland playing its first regular-season game, there could also be some early-season offensive rust. That makes the under appealing at such an elevated number.

Oklahoma City Thunder -8.5 (-115)

Nuggets at Thunder, 9:40 p.m. ET

I'm backing the Oklahoma City Thunder to cover against the Denver Nuggets.

Oklahoma City opened the season with a 116-104 road win over San Antonio, and the Thunder's defense immediately looked like a difference-maker — which is nothing new. OKC held the Spurs below 40% shooting while generating 8 steals and 10 blocks, helping the Thunder build a lead that reached 26 points.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also picked up right where he left off, scoring 32 points while adding 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. With Jalen Williams alongside him, Oklahoma City has the perimeter creation and defensive versatility to put pressure on Denver for four quarters, and we also saw OKC’s bench — particularly Jared McCain and Alex Caruso — play a key role on Tuesday night. That depth is going to be a weapon all year long.

Of course, laying 8.5 points against Nikola Jokic is never going to feel completely comfortable. But the Thunder's combination of depth, defensive disruption, and home-court advantage gives them a realistic path to pulling away.

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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.