Predictions & Picks, NBA Best Bets for Wednesday, Nov. 26
Summary
Tonight’s NBA slate features three key matchups. The Detroit Pistons, riding a 13-game win streak, visit the Boston Celtics, who will be without Jayson Tatum. Despite Detroit’s hot streak and a previous victory over Boston, the prediction favors the Celtics to cover the +2.5 spread at home. In another game, the Oklahoma City Thunder, a perfect 8-0 at home, host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a crucial NBA Cup game. With the Thunder dominating at home and winning four of the last five meetings by a large margin, the best bet is OKC to cover the -10 spread.
The final game sees the Houston Rockets face the Golden State Warriors, with both teams’ NBA Cup hopes fading. Houston will be without Kevin Durant. Given his absence and the potential for bench players to see more action, the prediction is for a lower-scoring game, making the UNDER 224 the recommended bet.
Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics 5:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Pistons | -2.5 (-110) | -145 | O231.5 (-110) |
| Celtics | +2.5 (-110) | +125 | U231.5 (-110) |
Detroit Pistons (15-2)
They are the hottest team, winning 13 straight games and are a conference-best 7-1 on the road.
The Pistons are also 11-2 against the East, including a 119-113 win against the Celtics back on October 26. Cade Cunningham (27.1 PPG, 9.6 Assist) and center Jalen Duran (20.3 PPG, 11.5 REB) lead this team, which is 9th in scoring (119.6 PPG) and allows the fifth-fewest points (112.6 PPG) in the NBA.
Boston Celtics (9-8)
The Celtics are 6-4 in the last ten games and currently sit 10th in the East. Jaylen Brown has been the catalyst for the Celtics, leading them in scoring with 27.9 PPG, while Derrick White has been a big part of the defense with 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. The Celtics are 6-6 against conference opponents and rank fourth for 3-point attempts, hitting 35%.
Injuries
Celtics: Jayson Tatum: out (Achilles).
Pistons: Marcus Sasser: out (hip), Bobi Klintman: day to day (ankle).
Recent Betting Trends
The Celtics are 7-9-1 against the spread this season
Boston allows the second fewest points, 110 PPG
Celtics have hit the UNDER 10 of 17 times this season (58.8%)
Pistons are a league-best, 12-5 ATS this season
Detroit is 10-6-1 to the OVER (62.5%)
Prediction
Expect Jaylen Brown to have another big game as he scored 41 points against the Pistons last month. All good things must come to an end, so let’s go with Boston winning at home. BEST BET: Celtics +2.5
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 7:30 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| T-Wolves | +10 (-110) | +316 | O228.5 (-110) |
| Thunder | -10 (-110) | -400 | U228.5 (-110) |
Preview
The Timberwolves need the upset in NBA Cup play as Minnesota sits 2-1 in Group A with the Thunder and Suns tied atop the group at 2-0. While the T-Wolves are +53 in point differential in their two games, OKC is a league-best, +63. If the Thunder wins, it will likely eliminate Minnesota from the tournament. There is still a scenario in which three teams are tied at 3-1, meaning Minnesota has to upset OKC on the road. Â
Recent Betting Trends
OKC is 10-8-0 ATS this season.
The Thunder are 6-3 ATS when favored by 10.5 points or more this season.
The Thunder are 17-1 SU when favored (94.4%) in games.
Minnesota is 6-11-0 ATS this season
T-Wolves are 8-9 to the OVER this season (47.1%).
Minny has lost all three games as an underdog on the ML this year.
Injury Report
Thunder: Aaron Wiggins: Day-To-Day (Thigh), Jalen Williams: Day-To-Day (Wrist), Kenrich Williams: Day-To-Day (Knee), Nikola Topic: Out (Groin), Thomas Sorber: Out For Season (Knee)
Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon: Questionable (Foot)
Prediction
The Thunder have won four of the last five meetings with an average margin of victory of about 18 points. OKC is perfect (8-0) at home and has demolished teams by an average of 19 points per win. This appears to be headed in the same direction. BEST BET: OKC -10
Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors 7:30 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Rockets | +2.5 (-110) | +128 | O224 (-110) |
| Warriors | -2.5 (-110) | -148 | U224 (-110) |
Preview
Both teams sit 1-2 in West Group C play, and the chances of advancing are dwindling. Still, the game will be played, but the Rockets will be without star Kevin Durant, who will miss the game due to personal reasons. Center Alperen Sengun has been the team’s best overall player, averaging 22.4 points, 9.7 REB, and 0.9 blocks per game. For the Warriors, Jimmy Butler III is contributing on all facets, averaging 19.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.7 steals while Stephen Curry is averaging 31 points and two blocks per game, over the last 10. Â
Recent Betting Trends
Golden State is 10-9 ATS this season
Warriors are 13-6 on the OVER this year
Rockets are 10-4-1 on the OVER, best in the NBA
Houston is 10-5 ATS this season
Injuries
Warriors: De’Anthony Melton: out (knee), Jonathan Kuminga: out (knee), Al Horford: out (sciatic nerve), Draymond Green: out (foot).
Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (ACL), Kevin Durant: day to day (personal), Dorian Finney-Smith: out (ankle), Tari Eason: out (oblique), Jae’Sean Tate: day to day (personal).
Prediction
While Houston remains in the top 4 for scoring (122.3) and Golden State further down the standings (115.8) this game is shaping up for a lower scoring game as Durant is out, and both teams could also be out of contention in Cup play. Expect bench players to eat up minutes.
BEST BET: UNDER 224
