Predictions & Picks, NBA Best Bets for Thursday, November 20
Summary
The Los Angeles Clippers, struggling with a 4-10 record and poor rebounding, face the Orlando Magic, who are 7-3 in their last ten games. Despite the Clippers’ recent woes, their historical success against Orlando supports the prediction of LA covering the +5.5 point spread. Separately, the Sacramento Kings, on a seven-game losing streak with a weak defense, are predicted to fall to the Memphis Grizzlies, who are favored by 2.5 points at home.
In another key matchup, the Philadelphia 76ers, with Paul George playing, are favored against a Milwaukee Bucks team missing Giannis Antetokounmpo. A high-scoring game is anticipated, making the Over 225 points the best bet. Finally, the Atlanta Hawks are expected to defeat the injury-plagued San Antonio Spurs, who are missing several key players including Victor Wembanyama.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Orlando Magic 7:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Clippers | +5.5 (-110) | +180 | O219 (-110) |
| Magic | -5.5 (-110) | -210 | U219 (-110) |
L.A. Clippers (4-10)
The Clippers have lost 2 straight and are 2-8 over their last ten games and sit 4-10 on the season. are currently 4th in the Pacific Division and 11th in the Western Conference. They are coming off a 110-108 loss to the 76ers where James Harden scored 28 points, becoming the 11th player in NBA history to surpass 28,000 career points. Heading into this matchup, the Clippers need John Collins on defense to find a way to slow down the Magic’s primary scorers.
The Clippers are one near the bottom in team rebounding averaging just 41.4 boards a game (28th overall).
Orlando Magic (8-7)
The Orlando Magic are coming off a big 121-113 win against the Golden State Warriors Tuesday night with Desmond Bane leading the way with 23 points and five steals, while Anthony Black came off the bench to score 21 points. The focus against the Clippers will be defense, shutting down their shooters and forcing contested shots. Bane will be a crucial piece as he’ll try to disrupt passing lanes. Offensively, the Magic average 115.9 PPG while shooting 47.1% from the field (15th in the league). They are 7-3 over the last ten games.
Recent Betting Trends
Clippers are 3-9 ATS in the last 12 games
LA is 1-8 SU in the last 9 games
Clippers are 4-1 ATS vs Orlando in the last 5 meetings
Orlando is 4-1 SU and 4-1 ATS in the last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando’s last 7 games at home.
Prediction
It’s the first meeting between these teams this season with the Magic relying on Desmond Bane and Franz Wagner to lead the scoring punch. But while the Clippers have struggled, they still have the veteran stars to keep this game in check. L.A. is 7-3 in the last ten vs. Orlando, 3-0 over the last three meetings, and having covered in each of those games. BEST BET: LA +5.5.
Sacramento Kings vs. Memphis Grizzlies 8:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Kings | +2.5 (-110) | +120 | O234.5 (-110) |
| Grizzlies | -2.5 (-110) | -140 | U234.5 (-110) |
Sacramento Kings (3-12)
The Sacramento Kings are in a freefall losing 7 straight games by an average of 16 points and two games by at least 27 points. DeMar DeRozan led Sacramento with 27 points, while Domantas Sabonis contributed 17 points and 13 rebounds. Zach LaVine leads the team in scoring (21.5PPG) while DeMar DeRozan (18.7) and Domantas Sabonis (17.2) offer secondary scoring. Defensively, the Kings are dreadful, averaging 39.4 rebounds per game, ranking 29th in the NBA this season.
Memphis Grizzlies (4-11)
The Grizzlies aren’t faring any better losing five straight, but all losses came against teams currently in the playoff spot. Memphis is scoring 111.1 points per game, 26th overall, and
shooting just 42.8% (29th in the league) and 32.8% from three-point range (27th in the league).
Jaren Jackson Jr. has been the most consistent player averaging 17.9 PPG and 7.6 assists.
Prediction
The Grizzlies return to FedExForum after four games away from home and need a big win at home. The Kings may offer the best opportunity but they do have one of the league’s fastest and most efficient offenses. Unfortunately for them, defensively, they are one of the worst teams giving up 123.6 PPG (3rd worst). BEST BET: Grizzlies -2.5
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks 8:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| 76ers | -2.5 (-110) | –135 | O225 (-110) |
| Bucks | +2.5 (-110) | +115 | U225 (-110) |
The big news here is Giannis Antetokounmpo is out with a groin injury while the 76ers will have star forward Paul George in the lineup again. George started on Monday vs. the Clippers but was limited to 21 minutes in a 110-108 home win.
Prediction
These two teams average a combined 235.7 points per game – 76ers scoring 118.1 PPG while the Bucks put up 117.6 PPG. Philly is led by Tyrese Maxey, who scores 31.9 points per game to go with 7.8 assists. The Bucks rely on Ryan Rollins (17.4 PPG, 5.3 assists) and Myles Turner (12.3 points, 1.9 assists and 6.3 rebounds). A tight game with a lot of points likely means the over is the play here. BEST BET: OVER 225
Atlanta Hawks (9-6) vs. San Antonio Spurs (10-4) 8:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Hawks | +1 (-115) | -107 | O232.5 (-110) |
| Spurs | -1 (-105) | -113 | U232.5 (-110) |
The Spurs are without Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper who are out with injuries – and now must rely on De’Aaron Fox to carry the offense, looking for a third straight win. Fox is averaging 22.7 points per game this season, but he’s scored 24, 28 and 26 points in his last three games. But he faces Defensive Player of the Year candidate Dyson Daniels, which should be a tough matchup. The Hawks had their 5 game win streak snapped earlier this week but taking on an undermanned Spurs team may give them the edge.  BEST BET: Hawks ML -107.
