Tonight's NBA predictions are here, and we're looking at a handful of games on the slate.
Our NBA picks like a pair of Unders and the Houston Rockets to cover in the nightcap on Saturday, Oct. 31.
NBA top picks at a glance (Saturday, Oct. 31)
| Matchup & time | Top pick & analyst |
|---|---|
| 76ers vs. Hornets 6 p.m. |
Under 215.5 Zak Hanshew |
| Cavaliers vs. Bucks 8 p.m. |
Under 237.5 Quinn Allen |
| Timberwolves vs. Spurs 8 p.m. |
Timberwolves +12.5 Juan Carlos Blanco |
| Thunder vs. Rockets 8:30 p.m. |
Rockets -2.5 Ed Scimia |
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76ers vs Hornets pick: Under 215.5
- Time: 6 p.m.
- TV: NBA TV
- Analyst: Zak Hanshew
Top pick: Under 215.5
Zak Hanshew's 76ers vs. Hornets predictions anticipate a rock fight in North Carolina after LeBron James and Joel Embiid were ruled out.
Even when fully healthy, the Philadelphia 76ers have hit the game total Under in five of six games this season, averaging the fifth-fewest points in the Association at just 108.7 per tilt.
The Charlotte Hornets’ offense has struggled. At just 97.3 points per game, Charlotte is the only team not scoring 100+ nightly.
With struggling offenses, both teams have relied on elite defense. Philly ranks third with a 103.3 defensive rating, and Charlotte ranks seventh at 108.
Cavaliers vs Bucks pick: Under 237.5
- Time: 8 p.m.
- TV: WCGV, DAZN-CLE
- Analyst: Quinn Allen
Top pick: Under 237.5
Quinn Allen expects a low-scoring game in his Cavaliers vs. Bucks predictions.
I'm leaning Under 237.5 because the Milwaukee Bucks' quick tempo hasn't translated into efficient offense. Milwaukee ranks second in pace but just 24th in offensive rating, averaging 113.4 PPG despite getting plenty of possessions.
The Cleveland Cavaliers aren't an elite defensive team, but they're much more reliable on that end than Milwaukee, and I expect them to disrupt the Bucks' rhythm. Cleveland should still score its fair share against a Bucks defense ranked 27th in defensive rating, but Milwaukee needs to carry its weight for this total to clear.
Timberwolves vs Spurs pick: Timberwolves +12.5
- Time: 8 p.m.
- TV: DAZN, NBA League Pass
- Analyst: Juan Carlos Blanco
Top pick: Timberwolves +12.5
Minnesota has covered both games since Anthony Edwards went down and is 5-1 ATS this season, including 3-0 on the road. With Ayo Dosunmu providing a capable replacement and San Antonio just 1-2 ATS at home, Juan Carlos Blanco backs the Wolves +12.5 in our Timberwolves vs. Spurs predictions.
Thunder vs Rockets pick: Rockets -2.5
- Time: 8:30 p.m.
- TV: NBA TV
- Analyst: Ed Scimia
Top pick: Rockets -2.5
The Oklahoma City Thunder aren't at full strength, with Chet Holmgren out for a couple of months with a knee injury and Jalen Williams sidelined by an ankle issue. Throw in an injury to Alex Caruso, and OKC is digging deep into its bench.
The Houston Rockets are at home, relatively healthy, and are ranked first in the NBA in offensive efficiency (119.1). With the home-court advantage against a depleted Thunder lineup, I like the Rockets to cover at up to 55% tonight.
More NBA picks
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