2023 NBA Nov 2 Betting Predictions
The NBA season continues on Thursday with another massive slate, headlined by the LA Derby between the Lakers and Clippers in the afternoon.
New Orleans Pelicans (2-1) at Oklahoma City Thunder (3-1)
The Pels are coming off their first loss of the season as they were simply outclassed by the Warriors 130-102. However, Brandon Ingram was a late out and that obviously didn't help their cause. He'll be questionable for Thursday's matchup so that will be something to monitor. They won their first road game of the season 111-104 against the Grizz and would love to get some revenge over the Thunder after they knocked them out in the play-in last season.
The Thunder have started the season well after 3 wins in their 4 games thus far. While they were thrashed by the defending champs in their home opener by 33 pts, they bounced back against the Pistons on Tuesday 124-112. Young superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way with 32 pts and Aussie Josh Giddey adding 21 pts. Gilgeous-Alexander also scored 32 pts in their play-in win over the Pels in New Orleans last season.
A lot will depend on Ingram's injury so for now, I like the Thunder at home. They're 6-2 ATS against the Pels and Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 30+ pts in the last 2 meetings.
Stadium Record
Oklahoma City are 7-3 in their last 10 at home. New Orleans has won 5 of their last 6 at this venue.
Head to Head Record
Since 2021, the head-to-head is tied at 5-5.
Best Bet
Denver Nuggets (4-0) at Minnesota Timberwolves (1-2)
The defending champs haven't missed a beat in their title defence with a 4-0 start to the new season. Winning on the road hasn't been an issue either as they've won 5 straight so they'll look to continue the trend in Minnesota. They also beat the T-Wolves in the playoffs last year and Jamal Murray was one of the major factors as he scored 35+ pts twice.
The Timberwolves will be keen to make it 2-0 on their home court this season as they host the Nuggets. They come off a disappointing 127-113 loss against the Hawks in Atlanta after leading by 21 pts at one stage. Anthony Edwards was the T-Wolves leading scorer with 31 pts but their defence will need to improve quickly to control the Nuggets offence.
After giving up 127 pts against the Hawks, it's hard to see their defence improving against a much better side in the Nuggets. Denver also scored 128 pts in their last road game so I like the Over.
Stadium Record
Minnesota hold a 4-1 record in their last 5 home games. Denver has lost 3 of their last 4.
Head to Head Record
The Nuggets are 6-4 in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
LA Clippers (3-1) at Los Angeles Lakers (2-2)
The Clippers are the talk of the NBA after adding James Harden in a blockbuster trade with the 76ers. With a lineup of Westbrook, Harden, George and Leonard, the Clippers have the tools to reach the NBA finals. But team chemistry will be the biggest question mark. With LA coming off a back-to-back, Harden likely won't play on Thursday. They've won 2 straight games - beating the Magic by 16 and the Spurs by a mammoth 40-point margin.
The Lakers have had an up-and-down start to the season after 2 wins and 2 losses. However, they have won both games on their home court and will be eager to end a long losing streak against their cross-town rivals. They haven't beaten the Clippers since March 2020 and have failed to cover in 9 of the last 10 meetings. However, Anthony Davis is in fine form for the Lakers having scored 25+ pts in 3 straight games along with 3 blocks in all of those 3 games too.
Expecting a fairly low-scoring affair between these two rivals. The Clippers are on a back-to-back and have given up 102 and 83 pts in their last 2. Meanwhile, the Lakers have only just scored 100 pts in their 2 home games thus far.
Stadium Record
The Los Angeles Lakers are 8-2 in their last 10 at home. The Clippers are 7-3 at this venue in their last 10.
Head to Head Record
The Clippers are 10-0 since 2020.
Best Bet
