Welcome to a massive 14-game NBA slate edition of Lindy’s NBA Leans, Likes and Locks where we search for the best NBA bets for today — game lines, odds and player props. 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
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Boston Celtics (-9.5) at Orlando Magic
Orlando’s season just keeps getting worse with injuries piling up. Moritz Wagner is now out for the season with a torn ACL, and Franz Wagner is already sidelined with a torn oblique. Without Jalen Suggs (ankle sprain), the Magic might be forced to lean heavily on Cole Anthony and Anthony Black, which is not a recipe for success against a juggernaut like Boston.
The Celtics can adapt to any playstyle — they dominate defensively and can light up the scoreboard when needed. With the Magic shorthanded and Boston’s depth and versatility shining, this number feels too low. I’m locking in Boston -9.5, and keep an eye on Payton Pritchard’s alternate scoring props, which are very much in play if the game gets out of hand late.
NBA Best Bet: Celtics -9.5 (LOCK), Payton Pritchard 15+ Points (LEAN)
San Antonio Spurs (+5.5) at Philadelphia 76ers
This spread feels a touch too wide for me. San Antonio is perfectly healthy, and Devin Vassell is in the starting lineup and adding much-needed scoring and defensive versatility.
Philadelphia has been inconsistent with its rotations, as evidenced by Joel Embiid playing against a depleted Charlotte team and then sitting out against Cleveland the next day. While I still favor the 76ers to win outright, I see value in backing the Spurs to cover since I have the spread at 4. Victor Wembanyama against Embiid should be a fun matchup to watch, and at +5.5, I’m liking the underdog to keep it close.
NBA Best Bet: Spurs +5.5 (LIKE)
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Minnesota Timberwolves at Atlanta Hawks
This game depends heavily on the status of Trae Young, who is currently questionable. If Young sits, this line could move significantly in Minnesota’s favor. Even with Young in, the Timberwolves are undervalued here.
Despite offensive struggles in recent games, Minnesota’s starting five has quietly been outperforming expectations in terms of plus-minus. Add in a shorthanded Atlanta squad, and there’s value in the Timberwolves moneyline as a potential parlay piece.
If Young is ruled out, you know that Jalen Johnson over 23.5 points + assists is pretty darn live as well, so keep an eye on that.
NBA Best Bet: Timberwolves Moneyline (LEAN/LIKE)
