NBA Picks Today: 5 NBA Predictions and Best Bets for Monday, Nov. 2

Today’s Best NBA Picks at a Glance

• Thunder Moneyline (+148)
• Hawks-Pacers Over 231.5 (-114)
• Rockets-Celtics Under 218.5 (-105)
• Trail Blazers Moneyline (+142)
• Heat Moneyline (+114)

Monday's NBA slate features 15 games, giving bettors plenty of opportunities to find value across the board.

I'm targeting five bets tonight, including three plus-money moneylines and two totals.

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: Picks and Best Bets

Thunder Moneyline (+148)

Oklahoma City Thunder at Cleveland Cavaliers — 7:00 p.m. ET

I'm taking Oklahoma City outright at +148 despite the Thunder entering as road underdogs. Both teams are 4-2, but Cleveland is dealing with its own injury uncertainty — Peyton Watson is questionable — while Oklahoma City has already shown it can remain competitive despite a long list of absences.

The Thunder are without Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains one of the league's best offensive engines. Oklahoma City is allowing just 107.0 points per game through six contests, and its defense gives the Thunder a strong foundation for an underdog.

Although the Thunder are certainly in turmoil for the first stretch in a long time, I think their defense still makes them a difficult matchup for anyone, and SGA can carry a heavy load offensively.

Hawks-Pacers Over 231.5 (-114)

Atlanta Hawks at Indiana Pacers — 7:30 p.m. ET

I'm looking for offense in Atlanta's trip to Indiana. The 231.5-point number is high, but both teams have played at relatively fast tempos early in the season, and neither club has been particularly consistent defensively.

The Hawks are 3-4 through seven games and have gone over in four of their seven contests. Indiana is 2-5 and has also shown a willingness to play aggressively offensively while its defense has struggled to consistently get stops, especially without Ivica Zubac on the inside.

This matchup has the ingredients for another high-scoring affair. Atlanta's offense should be able to generate enough opportunities against Indiana's defense, while the Pacers should have chances of their own against a Hawks team that has allowed opponents to score efficiently. I like the over at 231.5.

Rockets-Celtics Under 218.5 (-105)

Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets — 8:30 p.m. ET

This is a much different bet than the Hawks-Pacers over. I'm taking the under in what should be one of the more physical games on Monday's slate. Boston enters at 5-1 while Houston is 6-1, and both teams have already demonstrated the ability to win games without relying exclusively on pace.

Houston has allowed just 107.0 points per game through seven contests, so they can limit a Boston squad that has been one of the league's better offensive teams. The Rockets' defense is the biggest reason I expect this game to stay below the number, particularly with Houston allowing opponents to make just 43.6% from the field.

Boston is also playing its second game in as many nights after facing Orlando in Florida on Sunday. That schedule spot could make it difficult for the Celtics to maintain their normal offensive efficiency, particularly against a Houston defense that ranks among the NBA's best.

With the total sitting at just 218.5, this is a low number, but I like the matchup enough to expect the game to stay under the total.

Trail Blazers Moneyline (+142)

Portland Trail Blazers at Denver Nuggets — 9:00 p.m. ET

Portland at +142 is my favorite bet of the night. The Trail Blazers are 4-1, and it’s no fluke as they have outscored opponents by 11.4 points per game. Denver, meanwhile, is just 3-2 through five games.

Portland is averaging 120.6 points per game and allowing only 109.2. They're also shooting 35.3% from three while making 15.8 threes per game, giving them an important path to winning on the road.

Denver has won two straight, but the Nuggets now return home to face a Portland team that just won by 22 points in Utah. Nikola Jokic remains the biggest matchup problem for Portland, but the Blazers have the size to throw multiple bodies at him and have enough perimeter shooting to punish Denver if the Nuggets overcommit defensively.

With Portland playing well on both ends, I like the Blazers to make this a much tougher game for Denver than the moneyline suggests.

Heat Moneyline (+114)

Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers — 10:00 p.m. ET

I'll close the card with Miami at +114 against the Lakers. Los Angeles has started 5-2, but the Heat are catching a manageable plus-money price in a matchup where their defensive approach can make life difficult for the Lakers.

Miami is 2-4 overall as they’re still trying to figure things out with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the mix, but this is still a team capable of creating problems for opponents with its pressure and half-court defense. Los Angeles is averaging 120.3 points per game, but the Lakers are also allowing 115.0 points per contest. That shaky LA defense should be a welcome sight for a Miami team that hasn’t clicked yet offensively.

Luka Doncic has been outstanding to start the season, making Los Angeles dangerous, but Miami has enough defensive versatility to throw different looks at the Lakers' offense. The Heat also have the offensive talent to take advantage if Los Angeles struggles to get stops.

Also, the Heat have a meaningful rest edge. LA is on the second night of a back to back while Miami last played on Friday.

At +114, I'll take my chances with Miami in the late-night upset spot.

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.