NBA Expert Picks and Best Bets | November 10

The NBA’s In-Season Tournament rolls on with multiple marquee match-ups. The Pistons have lost six in a row and now welcome Sixers star big man Joel Embiid. It’s a clash of titans when LeBron and the Lakers tangle with Kevin Durant and the Suns, plus, what NBA team is perfect against the spread so far?

Pistons +8.5 | (114) at FanDuel

The Pistons are in that stage of development right now called “learning how to win.” Detroit had the Bucks Wednesday night, leading by 10 midway through the fourth quarter, before faltering in the final two minutes. Detroit has lost six in a row, and has multiple players out with an injury or illness, including guard Jalen Ivey.

Now here come the big bad Sixers, who have won six straight. They got rid of James Harden (finally) but have rolled on just fine without him. The ultimate addition by subtraction.

Philly is 7-0 against the spread, but I like the Pistons to cover. They are playing hard for new coach Monty Williams and will find a way to keep it close.

 Celtics -10.5 | (-110) at DraftKings

These two just played five days ago with the Celtics winning by 10 behind 32 points from Jayson Tatum. The line on this game moved a couple of points when it was revealed that Nets star Cam Thomas will be out two weeks with an ankle sprain. Thomas got hurt in a win Wednesday over the Clippers.

Boston has lost two in a row, but has too many weapons for the Nets to handle. Look for Kristap Porzingis to have a good game. He had some good years in New York with the Knicks.

Brooklyn is 4-4 straight up but 7-0-1 against the spread. The Celtics have won nine of the last 10 meetings.

Lakers +3.5 | (-110) at BetMGM

Los Angeles is 0-5 on the road so far this season and are another team that’s been hit hard by injuries. That’s what happens though when you’re an old basketball team and – news flash – the Lakers are old.

Phoenix got their first look at Bradley Beal Wednesday night as he played for the first time since coming over in an off-season trade, but he’s on limited minutes. Suns guard Devin Booker will miss this one with a calf injury, but the Suns still have Kevin Durant.

Anthony Davis is expected back for the Lakers tonight. The Lakers are only 2-6 against the spread, but this is the type of game that LeBron James raises his game. He will want to play well against Durant, and can carry the Lakers to a win.