The NBA action continues on Saturday night, and I am coming off a 0-2 night in blowout fashion. Nonetheless, I look to bounce back tonight with a few intriguing matchups. Below are my NBA Picks for the November 18, 2023 games!
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NBA Picks November 18, 2023
New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Hornets
Tipoff – 6:00 pm EST
Spread: Knicks -7
Total: 223.5
Both teams are coming off playing a game on Friday. The Knicks went into the nation’s capital and beat one of the weaker defenses in the league, the Wizards scoring 120 points. Additionally, the Hornets got stomped at home by the Milwaukee Bucks, giving up 130 points.
I am going right back to fading the Hornets’ defense in this game. Thus far this season, the Hornets are dead last in defensive rating (120.9) and are allowing teams to average 122.6 points per game. Further, in their last four home games, the Hornets have allowed their opponents to score at least 130 points.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have faced three other teams who are in the bottom five in the league in defensive rating. In each of those three games, the Knicks have scored at least 120 points, including last night against the Wizards. Lastly, over the last five games, the Knicks are the 2nd best offensive-rated team.
Best Bet: Knicks TT Over 115.5
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Tipoff – 7:00 pm EST
Spread: Timberwolves -6.5
Total: 220
The Minnesota Timberwolves will visit the New Orleans Pelicans tonight in a Western Conference matchup. The Pelicans were able to fend off the defending NBA Champions on Friday night. I like this spot for the Timberwolves to get the victory tonight and cover the spread.
The Wolves were in a bad spot against the Suns on Thursday night, coming off of two highly emotional games. Despite giving up 130+ points to the Suns, the Wolves are the #1 defensive-rated team in the league. Additionally, the Wolves have the rest advantage in this game, and I believe the Wolves have the matchup advantage in this game.
Best Bet: Timberwolves -6.5
Dallas Mavericks vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Tipoff – 8:00 pm EST
Spread: Bucks -2.5
Total: 246
The Milwaukee Bucks will host the Dallas Mavericks in this Saturday night matchup in a star-studded game. Both of these offensives have been playing well this season. In fact, the Mavericks are the 2nd best offensive-rated team this season, and the Bucks are the 7th best offensive-rated team.
Furthermore, the Mavericks have been a cash cow to the Over this season. In fact, the Mavericks are 10-2 (83.3%) to the Over and are 6-1 (85.7%) to the Over in their road games. Lastly, both teams are in the top 10 in pace thus far this season. I expect the defense to be minimal in this game and the offenses to be firing on all cylinders.
Best Bet: Mavericks/Bucks Over 246
YTD Record: 8-4 (66.7%)
If you’d like even more info to help make your first FG bets for November 18, check out the NBA Gambling Podcast. They’re dropping episodes five days a week to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar.
