Thursday features a small, but solid slate of three NBA games, with the action starting in Atlanta before wrapping up with Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers in Portland.
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. 29.
NBA top picks at a glance (Thursday, Oct. 29)
| Matchup & time | Top pick & analyst |
|---|---|
| Cavaliers vs. Hawks 8 p.m. |
Cavaliers moneyline Quinn Allen |
| Kings vs. Pelicans 8 p.m. |
Pelicans -5.5 Quinn Allen |
| Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers 10 p.m. |
Cam Boozer Over 3.5 assists Todd Cordell |
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Cavaliers vs Hawks pick: Cavaliers moneyline
- Time: 8 p.m.
- TV: WUAB, Peachtree.TV
- Analyst: Quinn Allen
Top pick: Cavaliers moneyline
Play up to 55%.
The Atlanta Hawks were absolutely bullied inside by the Heat on Wednesday, giving up 70 points in the paint while losing the rebounding battle 64-45.
That sets up nicely for the Cleveland Cavaliers' imposing frontcourt of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, who combined for 24 rebounds against the Wizards last night and should feast down low.
The Hawks' +5.0 average scoring margin is also misleading. Their 47-point demolition of the Hornets is doing most of the heavy lifting, and they've actually been outscored in their other four games.
Both teams are on a back-to-back, but Cleveland has won three straight and looks better equipped to exploit Atlanta's weaknesses. I'll back the Cavaliers to win outright at 50%.
Read Quinn Allen's full Cavaliers vs. Hawks predictions for more picks.
Kings vs Pelicans pick: Pelicans -5.5
- Time: 8 p.m.
- TV: NBCS-California, Pelicans+
- Analyst: Quinn Allen
Top pick: Pelicans -5.5
Play up to 56%.
The New Orleans Pelicans are still searching for their first win, but this is a good spot to get it against the Sacramento Kings.
Both teams are 0-4, yet the results tell very different stories. New Orleans has lost by an average of 5.8 points, compared to 17.8 for Sacramento. The Kings also rank 29th in defensive rating and dead last in blocks, which should give Zion Williamson plenty of opportunities to attack the paint.
Sacramento is shorthanded up front without Keegan Murray and two reserve big men, making that matchup even tougher. The Pelicans are on a back-to-back, which isn't ideal, but they've been far more competitive through four games.
I'll gladly back New Orleans to cover at 48%.
Read Quinn Allen's full Kings vs. Pelicans predictions for more picks.
Grizzlies vs Trail Blazers pick: Cam Boozer Over 3.5 assists
- Time: 10 p.m.
- TV: NBA League Pass
- Analyst: Todd Cordell
Top pick: Cam Boozer Over 3.5 assists
Play to 59%.
Cam Boozer has picked up 4+ dimes in each of his first four games, and I don’t expect the streak to end tonight.
Boozer processes the game at such an elite level, and is already a primary facilitator for the Grizzlies.
He has recorded at least eight potentials in all four appearances, and is averaging nearly 11 per game.
In a game that should feature less floor running and more half-court offense, the Grizzlies will need Boozer’s super-computer of a brain to process the game and find holes in Portland’s defense.
Read Todd Cordell's full Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers 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.
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