Predictions & Picks, NBA Best Bets for Tuesday, November 18

Golden State Warriors vs. Orlando Magic 7:00 p.m. EST

Golden State Warriors (9-6)

Golden State continues to be road warriors as they look for their fourth straight win away from home at Orlando.  Stephen Curry has averaged almost 35 points in those three wins, and keep in mind, he only scored 9 vs the Pelicans on Sunday. Prior to that, Curry dropped 49 and 46 points on the Spurs in back-to-back games.  Golden State is getting contributions from others as 

Jonathan Kuminga is putting up 13.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game while Brandin Podziemski is adding 11.9 PTS, 4.5 REB, and 3.1A per outing.

Orlando Magic (7-7)

After three straight wins the Magic lost a close one at Houston Sunday, 117-113 to sit at .500 on the season.  Forward Franz Wagner continues to lead the way for Orlando averaging 23.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. But the Magic have been without star Paolo Banchero in the last couple of games as the fourth-year forward deals with a groin strain.  He will likely miss this game too. Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter Jr. need to step it up offensively in Banchero’s absence as they average 16.5 points and 12.4 points per game this season.

 
Prediction

The Warriors have won 5 straight against the Magic including twice in Orlando. With the Magic still without Banchero and Jalen Suggs (check status on game day), Golden State should take advantage of a shorthanded squad that is playing average ball through 14 games. BEST BET: Warriors -3.5

Recent Betting Trends

• Warriors are 8-6-1 ATS this season 
• Golden State has gone over the total in 9 of 15 games (60%)
• Orlando is 6-8-0 ATS while going 7-7 on the totals
• Both teams allow an average of 114 PPG, 7th best in the NBA

Detroit Pistons vs. Atlanta Hawks 7:30 p.m. EST

Detroit Pistons (12-2)

The Pistons continue to fire on all cylinders as they recorded their tenth straight win Monday night with a 114-105 win against Indiana.  It’s the franchise’s longest win streak in nearly two decades as Detroit sits with the best record in the East. While the offense has been led by Cade Cunningham who is averaging 27.5 PPG and 9.9 assists per game, it’s the team’s defense making the difference. The Pistons are posting 10.3 steals per game, second-best in the NBA and 6.2 blocks per game, third-best overall.  Detroit is almost No.1 in the league creating 17 turnovers every game.

Atlanta Hawks (9-5)

The Atlanta Hawks were down 18 headed to the fourth quarter against the Suns but outscored Phoenix 47-27 in the final 15 minutes for an improbable win, their fifth in a row, good enough for top spot in the Southeast. The Hawks average 117.6 PPG and shooting 48.6%, 9th best in the NBA. The defense has been stellar as Atlanta ranks third in steals, averaging 10.2 while recording 5.4 blocks per game, 11th in the league.  With Trae Young still out of action, Jalen Johnson is leading Atlanta in all three offensive categories (21.8 PPG, 9.6 REB, 6.3A) while forward Onyeka Okongwu (15.7 PPG) and guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (17.8) have filled in for Young.

Prediction

With two hot teams, you can expect a tight game that likely comes down to the final minute of the game. I think the home-court advantage and the defensive depth the Hawks have, give them the edge against a young, less experienced Pistons side. BEST BET:  Hawks -4.5.

Recent Betting Trends

• Detroit is 9-4-0 ATS this season, while going 6-6-1 on totals 
• Hawks are 8-6-0 against the spread, and 7-7 with over/under
• Pistons are 4-1 on the road, Hawks are just 2-3 at home.

Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Lakers 10:30 p.m. EST

Utah Jazz (5-8)

The Utah Jazz scored a stunning double overtime when Keyonte George drained a 3-pointer with 2 seconds left to give them a 150-147 win over the Bulls, in the highest-scoring game this season.  Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 47 points and seven rebounds, while Keyonte George scored 33 points. Utah made Chicago pay for mistakes scoring 20 points off 17 turnovers. Overall, the Jazz average 118.9 points per game (12th in the NBA) but have scored at least 150 points in two of the last three games.  Meanwhile, the defense has struggled ranking 23rd surrendering 118.1 PPG. Utah does remain a dominant rebounding team, 2nd overall, snagging 48.3 boards per game. 

Los Angeles Lakers (10-4)

After losing to OKC, the Lakers have reeled off two straight wins including a dominating 119-95 victory over the Bucks.  And now, LeBron James returns to the lineup for the first time this season.  He’s been out with an injury and should add another dimension to the offense. So far, the Lakers offense has revolved around Doncic who leads the NBA in scoring (34.4 PPG) and averaging nearly 9 rebounds and 9 assists. While the Lakers have been an incredible 7-2 on the road they’re a paltry 3-2 at home this season. L.A. has won 4 of the last five meetings, but did lose to the Jazz in the most recent game back in February.

Prediction

With LeBron back, the Lakers will be fired up to have their leader back. But his minutes could be managed especially late, if the game is out of hand.  Utah could stick around if they hit shots at a high percentage.   But Luka’s game alone could carry the Lakers in this one and with the run-and-gun style offense, expect another high-scoring game here. BEST BET: OVER 238 / Lakers -12.