Wednesday features a busy 12-game NBA schedule, with the action starting at 7 p.m. ET and wrapping up with Lakers vs. Clippers in Los Angeles.
Our NBA predictions highlight the featured picks from Covers analysts across the slate. See more expert betting angles in our free NBA picks for Oct. 28.
NBA top picks at a glance Wednesday, Oct. 28
| Matchup | Top pick & analyst |
|---|---|
| 76ers vs. Pacers | 76ers -4.5 Chris Walder |
| Heat vs. Hawks | Hawks -3.5 Quinn Allen |
| Magic vs. Raptors | Under 222.5 Dustin Saracini |
| Knicks vs. Bulls | Knicks -6.5 Shawn Krest |
| Spurs vs. Jazz | Spurs -12.5 Quinn Allen |
| Thunder vs. Mavericks | Thunder -5.5 Ed Scimia |
| Lakers vs. Clippers | Lakers -4.5 Tom Oldfield |
Picks courtesy of Polymarket, one of our best prediction market apps.
Trade on the NBA at Polymarket!
Sign up now using our exclusive Polymarket promo code 'COVERS' (on your mobile app only) and get a $25 trading bonus after you deposit $10 to trade on any event contracts!
*Eligible locations only
76ers vs. Pacers pick: 76ers -4.5
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Analyst: Chris Walder
Top pick: 76ers -4.5
The Philadelphia 76ers head to Indiana looking to bounce back after a loss, while the Indiana Pacers are dealing with a lengthy injury list. Chris Walder sees a favorable spot for Philadelphia, and its star-studded starting unit is expected to be intact.
The Sixers competed without Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe in their previous game, and both are expected to return. Walder also points to Philadelphia's strong results when its key players share the floor, while Indiana's recent loss to Milwaukee did little to inspire confidence. He likes the 76ers to cover up to 7.5 points.
Read Walder's full 76ers vs. Pacers predictions for his full breakdown.
Heat vs. Hawks pick: Hawks -3.5
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- TV: WANF, Peachtree TV
- Analyst: Quinn Allen
Top pick: Hawks -3.5
The Atlanta Hawks are favored at home against a winless Miami Heat team that's been struggling defensively. Quinn Allen believes Atlanta can take advantage of Miami's issues, even after dropping consecutive games to the undefeated Houston Rockets.
Atlanta is averaging 121 points per game and owns a positive net rating, while Miami has been significantly worse on both ends of the floor. The Hawks also lead the league in assists and rank 11th defensively, giving them multiple ways to exploit a Miami offense ranked near the bottom of the league. Allen likes Atlanta to cover up to 58%.
Read Allen's full Heat vs. Hawks predictions for more analysis.
Magic vs. Raptors pick: Under 222.5
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: TSN
- Analyst: Dustin Saracini
Top pick: Under 222.5
The Toronto Raptors will be without Kawhi Leonard, while the Orlando Magic are also dealing with key absences. Dustin Saracini expects the injuries and the teams' defensive strengths to make points difficult to come by in Toronto.
The Raptors have finished Under the total in every game so far this season and rank first in defensive rating. Orlando is expected to be without Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, with Anthony Black also potentially unavailable. Both offenses have struggled to find a rhythm early in the season, and Saracini likes the Under down to 55%.
Read Saracini's full Magic vs. Raptors predictions for more plays.
Knicks vs. Bulls pick: Knicks -6.5
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV: NBA League Pass
- Analyst: Shawn Krest
Top pick: Knicks -6.5
The New York Knicks finally got into the win column after three straight losses and now have a chance to build momentum against the struggling Chicago Bulls. Shawn Krest sees value in laying the points with New York against a team that's also lost three of its first four games.
The Knicks' opening schedule featured several strong opponents, while Chicago has already suffered a pair of lopsided defeats. Krest believes the matchup gives New York a chance to put its sluggish start behind it and cover on the road. He likes the Knicks up to 55%.
Read Krest's full Knicks vs. Bulls predictions for more analysis.
Spurs vs. Jazz pick: Spurs -12.5
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- TV: Jazz+, DAZN US
- Analyst: Quinn Allen
Top pick: Spurs -12.5
The San Antonio Spurs are heavy favorites against a Utah Jazz team missing important frontcourt pieces. Quinn Allen expects San Antonio to exploit Utah's depleted interior, with the Spurs having won their first two games by 16 and 27 points.
Utah will be without Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic, leaving it short on size and rim protection against Victor Wembanyama. The Jazz have also struggled with turnovers and defensive efficiency. Allen acknowledges the size of the spread but believes San Antonio has enough advantages to cover up to 58%.
Read Allen's full Spurs vs. Jazz predictions for more picks.
Thunder vs. Mavericks pick: Thunder -5.5
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Analyst: Ed Scimia
Top pick: Thunder -5.5
The Oklahoma City Thunder are off to a 4-0 start, winning each game by at least seven points. Ed Scimia is backing them to keep rolling against the Dallas Mavericks, whose half-court offense has struggled to find consistency.
Oklahoma City ranks first in defensive efficiency and fifth in offensive efficiency, while Dallas sits 27th in offensive efficiency. The Mavericks are coming off a road win in Miami but have been scuffling against elite Western Conference opponents. Scimia expects the Thunder's defense to make scoring difficult for Dallas and likes Oklahoma City to cover up to 7.5 points.
Read Scimia's full Thunder vs. Mavericks predictions for more analysis.
Lakers vs. Clippers pick: Lakers -4.5
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ClipperVision, Spectrum Sports Network
- Analyst: Tom Oldfield
Top pick: Lakers -4.5
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to start a new winning streak against a depleted Los Angeles Clippers team. Tom Oldfield is backing the Lakers' high-powered offense, which is shooting a league-best 55% from the field and averaging 128.3 points per game.
The Clippers are not built for a track meet and have injury concerns, including Rui Hachimura's absence. The Lakers also beat the Clippers 125-117 last week, with their Big Three combining for 73 points despite Luka Doncic committing 11 turnovers. Oldfield likes the Lakers to cover up to -5.5 at 53%.
Read Oldfield's full Lakers vs. Clippers predictions for more picks.
More NBA picks
Want to build a bigger card? These Covers roundups cover every bet type for today's games:
Check the NBA injury report before finalizing today's picks.
All of today's matchups are also on the NBA scores and matchups page, and the full pick archive lives in free NBA picks.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
