The NBA is back in full force tonight with the first slate of games for the NBA Cup. The biggest note for bettors is that point differential is a factor here, so don't expect teams to let up if they get a big lead, especially early in the tournament.
Our staff of betting analysts has five bets for tonight's three games, including a parlay for Magic vs. Hornets.
Let's get into our NBA best bets, picks and predictions for Tuesday, November 12.
NBA Best Bets, Pick
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 9 p.m. | |
| 9 p.m. | |
  | 10 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Magic vs. Hornets
The over/under opened at 218.5 and is all the way down to 211.5 at some books.
No NBA team has played to more unders than the Hornets, who have been part of a game that hit the under in eight of 10 contests so far this season.
On top of that, the Magic are the league's second best defense and play at a middle of the pack pace while being bottom seven in offense. Charlotte is bottom 10 in offense, middle of the road in defense and 23rd in pace.
Playing the under at 211.5 is a bit too rich for me, but I do think the Hornets cover as they've done in six of 10 and three of four on the road. With that, I found this play at +180 on FanDuel on the spread/total parlay section as a way to nibble on both for a close game and the original under at a better price.
I put just a half unit on this, but I think it comes with legitimate upside.
Pick: Hornets +7.5 & Under 218.5 (+180)
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Raptors vs. Bucks
These are two teams that play incredibly fast in transition.
We have seen consistent over action in both of these teams' lines throughout the season, especially on the Raptors side. Toronto recently got Immanuel Quickley back, giving it another player to increase the pace and create in their offense.
The Bucks lack perimeter defense and the Raptors will be without Barnes and have no one to deal with Giannis Antetokounmpo. I expect this line closes at least 1.5 points higher and is worth a full unit.
Pick: Over 229.5 (-110)
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Suns vs. Jazz
This is one where you might know early.
Jusuf Nurkic has cleared this in three of his last four games and draws a favorable match-up here in Utah.
Sure, Walker Kessler is a fine rim protector, but Nurkic has averaged about 15 points and seven rebounds, going over in four of his last six games against the Jazz center.
Also, Utah is not even hiding its intentions to lose. The Jazz have the worst offense in the league and a bottom-five defense. They're playing at the sixth-fastest pace and shoot a league-worst 42% from the field, all of which provides rebounding opportunities. They allow the fourth most offensive rebounds per game and ninth most overall.
I'll roll with Nurkic's over here.
Pick: Jusuf Nurkic Over 20.5 Points + Rebounds (-110)
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Suns vs. Jazz
These NBA Cup games have had odds up for quite a few weeks, and this game was priced at 233.5 for most of the season. Now, the Suns are without Kevin Durant, and the Jazz have emerged as having one of the worst offenses in the league.
This line should be reduced to about 230.5 and is worth a play above that number.
Pick: Under 232 (-110)
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Mavericks vs. Warriors
By Joe Dellera
Curry has thrived in this matchup against Dallas. He has averaged 5.2 rebounds and 7.3 assists in six regular-season games against the Mavericks over the last few seasons. His rebounds + assists (RA) line is set at 9.5, and he’s exceeded that mark in 14 of his last 15 games against the Mavericks.
This line is a touch low as Curry had been getting his legs back under him after he returned from injury, but last game against OKC he played a season-high 36 minutes. When Curry has played at least 30 minutes, he has averaged 11.3 RA and exceeded this 9.5 mark in 14 of his last 20 games with this criteria in the regular season.
More importantly, he’s 2-for-2 this season with 16 and 12 RA against top-tier opponents in the Celtics and the Thunder.
Dallas is about league average for opponent assists allowed per game, but it allows the third most rebounds per game to their opponents.
Considering this is a cup game, I think we have slightly fewer concerns regarding blowouts since teams compete for the point differential here.
I’ll back Curry to exceed 9.5 RA.
Pick: Stephen Curry Over 9.5 Rebounds + Assists (-130)
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