Predictions & Picks, NBA Best Bets for Tuesday, Nov 4
Summary
The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 34 points per game, face the Toronto Raptors on the second night of a back-to-back. Despite the scheduling challenge, the prediction favors the Bucks to cover as +4.5 underdogs, citing their strong 4-0 ATS road record. The Over 236 is also recommended, as both teams rank in the top 11 for scoring.
In a key Eastern Conference matchup, the Philadelphia 76ers visit the Chicago Bulls. With Joel Embiid returning to the lineup, the 76ers are picked to win outright, overcoming the Bulls’ strong 5-1 start. The final preview backs the undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder to cover a -7 point spread against a Los Angeles Clippers team expected to be without Kawhi Leonard.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors 7:40 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Bucks | +4.5 (-110) | +153 | O236 (-110) |
| Raptors | -4.5 (-110) | -175 | U236 (-110) |
Milwaukee Bucks (5-2)
Milwaukee is playing back-to-back after a hard fought, 117-115 win Monday against the Pacers, but failed to cover as 6 point favorites. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 33 points and 13 rebounds and was the only player in the Bucks lineup to score more than 15 points on 14 of 21 shooting. The Bucks can score and have seven players who are averaging double digits in points, with the “Greek Freak” leading the way averaging 34 PPG. Milwaukee is 5th overall scoring 122.7 PPG
Toronto Raptors (3-4)
The Raptors have been under the radar over the last few weeks in Toronto because of the Blue Jays recent World Series run. But the Raps are on a two-game winning streak including beating the Memphis Grizzlies 117-104 Sunday, covering as 4.5 point favorites. Toronto has been led by their star trio as Brandon Ingram (22.3), Scottie Barnes (20.6) and RJ Bennett (20.4) are all averaging more than 20 points a game.
Season series: The Bucks beat Toronto 122-116 on October 24 covering as 2-point road underdogs with the Over (235.5) cashing in that game.
Prediction
Playing on back-to-back nights is not an easy thing to do in the NBA but I like the Bucks as road dogs. They are 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS as underdogs away from home this season while the Raptors are just 1-2 ATS at home this season. Antetokounmpo is like an MVP candidate and had a monster game vs Toronto a ten days ago scoring 31 points, 20 rebounds and grabbing 7 assists. BEST BET: Bucks +4.5 (-110)
I also like the OVER play here as both teams rank in the top 11 for scoring (MIL 122.7, TOR 119.4). The Raptors also give up a lot of points, 120 or more in four games already. The Bucks are 5-2 on overs while Toronto is 4-3. BEST BET: OVER 236 (-110)
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls 8:10 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| 76ers | +1 (-113) | -108 | O239.5 (-115) |
| Bulls | -1 (-107) | -112 | U239.5 (-105) |
It is a battle of the best teams in the East as the 76ers and the Bulls collide in Chicago with the winner taking over the Conference lead.
Philadelphia 76ers (5-1)
The 76ers come into Chicago after a big 129-105 win over the Nets on Sunday. Philly was led by Kelly Oubre Jr. (29 points) and Tyrese Maxey (26 points). While star Joel Embiid sat out that game for knee management, he is expected in the lineup tonight which will provide a massive boost. He’s only played in four games this season averaging 20 minutes but has scored at least 20 points in three straight appearances. Rookie VJ Edgecombe is second on the team averaging 20.3 points and depth players like Quentin Grimes have given this team a spark off the bench averaging 18.2 points, 4.7 REB, and 5.2 assists. The Sixers finally have depth scoring and that should provide the support Embiid has needed.
Chicago Bulls (5-1)
The Chicago Bulls started the season red hot, 5 straight wins before finally losing to the Knicks 128-116 on Sunday. Chicago ranks 5th in scoring averaging 121.7 points per game and have six players averaging at least ten points a game, Josh Giddey has a team high 22.2 PPG. Veteran C Nikola Vucevic is playing at a double-double level averaging 19.3 PPG and 12.3 REB. The Bulls are shooting 40.7 percent from beyond the arc and 78.8 percent from the free-throw line and are tied for a league best 5-1 ATS, along with the 76ers.
Prediction
When both teams are 5-1 SU and ATS this season, it’s usually common to side with the home team. But we’re going to take the road side as the 76ers are starting to get healthier with the return on Embiid. The Bulls have played well but they are due for a bit of a setback and I think it continues here as they deal with key injuries as well. BEST BET: 76ers ML (-108)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers 11:10 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Thunder | -7 (-115) | -270 | O221 (-105) |
| Clippers | +7 (-105) | +222 | U221 (-115) |
Prediction
The Oklahoma City Thunder (7-0) are the only remaining undefeated team in the NBA and are big favorites against the Clippers. For Los Angeles to be 7 point underdogs could only mean one thing, Kawhi Leonard will likely sit this one out. The Clippers played Monday at home and lost 120-119 to the Heat so all signs point to the star forward sitting this out. OKC allows the fourth fewest points in the league (109.7 PPG) and has a fierce defense, especially in the paint. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is No. 3 in league scoring (33.6 PPG), and is playing at an MVP level. He’ll take control of the game, as the Clippers best defender, likely takes the night off. The Thunder remain undefeated. BEST BET: OKC -7
