The Oklahoma City Thunder’s ruthless start to the season has sparked some early glances at the NBA record books, and they’ll try to improve to 13-1 as part of tonight’s five-game slate.
While the Thunder are expected to steamroll the Charlotte Hornets, there are fairer fights elsewhere, with the Los Angeles Lakers visiting the Milwaukee Bucks, plus the latest instalment of the Denver Nuggets-Minnesota Timberwolves rivalry.
My favorite NBA picks for the November 15 hoops action dip into all those matchups and also feature the Toronto Raptors’ main man on the rise.
Best NBA player props today
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Scottie Barnes |
Over 7.5 rebounds | -115 |
 Aaron Gordon |
Over 16.5 points | -120 |
 Miles Bridges |
Under 21.5 points | -115 |
Prop #1: Scottie Barnes Over 7.5 rebounds
If you were building a case for Scottie Barnes becoming an All-NBA superstar, his outing in Cleveland this week would be Exhibit A. Barnes had his fingerprints all over that win, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
The question is whether he can do that consistently, especially the scoring. But his work on the glass feels sustainable. Barnes has grabbed 10+ boards in five of his last seven contests, and that’s taken some of the burden off Jakob Poeltl, who’s dealt with a back issue.
I see Scottie making an impact again tonight against an Indiana Pacers team that’s still figuring out its frontcourt rotation after Myles Turner’s summer exit. Rick Carlisle’s squad is allowing the third-most rebounds per game (48.7), and the Pacers bring an end-to-end tempo which suits rebounding Overs.
The Toronto Raptors need Barnes to be a defensive tone-setter, and he’s responded to drive a 6-1 stretch for them. There should be some added motivation here, too, at the end of a long road trip as he faces former teammate Pascal Siakam.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: TSN, FanDuel Sports Network-Indiana
Prop #2: Aaron Gordon Over 16.5 points
Nikola Jokic is putting up such jaw-dropping numbers for the Denver Nuggets that it’s easy for some of his teammates to go under the radar. But it’s impossible to ignore Aaron Gordon, who’s averaging 19.6 PPG this year, up from 14.7 PPG last season. That’s been one of the key ingredients in Denver’s 9-2 start.
The Nuggets are about to ask even more from their versatile wing. Christian Braun’s ankle injury, coupled with Cam Johnson’s absence tonight, likely means extra defensive responsibilities for Gordon but also an uptick in field goal attempts as the clear No.3 option.
He’s gone past this 16.5 points O/U in five straight games, while shooting 50% or better in four of those outings, and I expect him to continue his hot streak here against a Minnesota Timberwolves team that he knows well.
Gordon dropped 30+ points on Minnesota twice last season, and he’s a natural beneficiary when Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle and Naz Reid have their sights set on limiting Jokic. Whether it’s lob dunks, putbacks off offensive rebounds or timely cuts, there are easy buckets on offer when Joker is pulling the strings.
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: ALT, FanDuel Sports Network-NO
Prop #3: Miles Bridges Under 21.5 points
The Charlotte Hornets are the latest team to run the gauntlet of OKC defensive stoppers, and that’s a daunting task for LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges on the second night of a back-to-back set.
With Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren rolling into town, good luck to anyone who tries to explore the paint against the Oklahoma City Thunder – and Lu Dort’s possible return is just the icing on the cake here. After what OKC did to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves earlier this week, it’s tough to see Charlotte getting traction offensively when facing this pack of pit bulls.
So, I’m taking the Under on this Bridges prop. The Thunder specialize in shutting down wing scorers, and Bridges felt the sting of that last season, with combined 10-for-28 shooting in his two matchups against OKC, falling short of this O/U number both times.
Look for Wallace to get the initial assignment, but there’s just no weak link to attack against the defending champs. And if this turns into a blowout, Bridges’ fourth-quarter minutes could also be capped.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network-Oklahoma, FanDuel Sports Network SE-Charlotte
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