It’s Eric Lindquist coming at you with Thursday’s edition of Lindy’s NBA Leans, Likes, and Locks. It is a big slate tonight, so let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work. I’m about to drop some of the best NBA bets for today — game lines, odds and player props, all in one go. Oh, and if you haven’t checked out our NBA +EV betting guide, use it on top of our other free NBA expert picks and +EV NBA bets!
Best NBA Bets Today: Player Props, Lines & Odds
Before we dive in, I have a little treat for you. You can snag 50% off my Tails subscription by using promo code LINDY50 at checkout! Don’t sleep on it — sign up now and get all my expert picks for any slate you want to dominate.
Alright, enough of the sales pitch — let’s get to the goods! Here are the NBA best bets I’m locking in for today.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are dealing with some big injury news. Scottie Barnes is upgraded to questionable, which could have a major impact on the game. Barnes has been doing a lot of the heavy lifting for Toronto. If he plays, this game could see more offensive firepower, and I’m expecting a higher-scoring affair.
Jakob Poeltl is already ruled out, which will leave Bruno Fernando to handle more minutes. The Nets are also looking at some uncertainty, with Ben Simmons expected to play a capped 27 minutes. But regardless of these injuries, I’m on the over 219.5 for this game. I have this total projected at 223 without Barnes and 224 with him in the lineup, so either way, this number is looking good for the over.
NBA Best Bet: Nets-Raptors Over 219.5 (LIKE)
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets
Dejounte Murray has been struggling with his shooting this season — his effective field goal percentage is the worst I’ve seen for any qualified player so far. But don’t let that scare you off. Murray has been too good over the course of his career for me to believe this slump will last.
I’m looking at Murray over 18.5 points with Brandon Ingram still out for the Pelicans and Zion Williamson dealing with injury issues. Murray’s usage rate is expected to stay high at 25%, and 18.5 points is a low number for a guy with his potential. I’m grabbing this at 19.5 points at -104 on FanDuel, but even if you find it at 18.5 elsewhere, it’s a solid play.
NBA Best Bet: Dejounte Murray Over 18.5 Points (LIKE)
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Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis has been dealing with the absence of Ja Morant due to a low back injury, and while it has still been performing well in his absence, this is a big deal. Even with Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. stepping up, Memphis’ offense just isn’t the same without Morant.
Golden State is getting +3.5 in this one, and I’m all over it. If Morant is out, this line is even more appealing. If Morant plays, I still like Golden State here, as it has been improving and should be able to handle the Grizzlies.
NBA Best Bet: Warriors +3.5 (LIKE)
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Clippers are getting 6.5 against Dallas, and I’m leaning towards the Clippers to come out on top here. But let’s focus on one standout play: Kyrie Irving over 29.5 points + rebounds + assists.
Luka Doncic is out for this game. Irving’s rates without him are through the roof. Expect Irving to have over 30% usage, assist rates north of 30%, and plenty of points and assists to rack up that PRA.
NBA Best Bet: Kyrie Irving Over 29.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (LIKE/LOCK)
