It’s Friday, and that means NBA Cup action! Despite theLos Angeles Clippers' total lack of effort, Meatloaf was served up in yesterday’s NBA Best Bets. The Clippers are simply too old, too injured, and dealing with too many internal issues to have a good season. The team that was picked by several analysts to win it all last year is in the running for the first overall pick.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks match was a thriller that went into overtime. That’s when Tyrese Maxey went to the max. He set a career high in points (54), added 9 assists, earned 5 rebounds, grabbed 3 steals, and 3 blocks to top it off. In fact, he was almost too good. Philadelphia won by 9 in overtime, and the bet was a win margin of 1 - 10. A successful +180 best bet. 

The Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies took the total to the limit. The Grizzlies did most of the damage as they beat the Kings 137 - 96, just under the 234.5 total line. Sacramento is in trouble without Domantas Sabonis, and it is something bettors should monitor. Today, there are 9 NBA Cup games, and the best bets are a mix of straight and proposition bets.

 

 

 

NBA Best Bets Today, 11/21: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Friday NBA Cup

Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls: Friday 11/21

Game Time: 8:00 PM ET | TV: League Pass | Location: United Center | Odds: CHI -2.0 | O/U 249.5

East Group C has a fast-paced match scheduled at the United Center as the Chicago Bulls host the Miami Heat. It is the highest total of the day, heck, it’s the highest total these eyes have seen this season. The total is set at 249.5 points, which is ridiculous, but these two iconic franchises have abandoned their defensive ways. They both are run-and-gun, up-tempo offenses that force other teams to adapt to their identity. As high as the total is, they can go over it. Of course, the below is in play too, and the recommendation is to stay away from it.

The Bulls are slight favorites with a -2.0 spread. Instead of taking the low spread, we return to one of our favorite bets of the season. A win margin of 1 - 10. The Heat have won one more game than the Bulls, and are up 0.5 games due to it. They are both 1 -1 in NBA Cup games and are chasing the Milwaukee Bucks. Chicago has a 5 - 1 record at home, and Miami has a 2 - 5 record on the road. They average about the same number of points, too. 

The difference today is that Miami will be without Nikola Jovic and Andrew Wiggins. That will force Simone Fontecchico and Jaime Jaquez., who are small forwards, into a power forward role. This is something that Josh Giddey will exploit as a point guard. With passes and screens to match up on them. Put a unit on the plus odd best bet, found under team props. 

Oklahoma City Thunder at Utah Jazz: Friday 11/21

Game Time: 10:00 PM ET | TV: Local | Location: Delta Center | Odds: OKC -16.5 | O/U: 235.5

The Oklahoma City Thunder have not covered a spread in three games, and Fantasy Alarm has bet on two of them. Today, they not only have a West Group A match today, but a match against a divisional opponent. The Utah Jazz. Although the Jazz are not playing well, they have a great opportunity to cover the massive spread.

This column has attacked the lazy math approach to Thunder games by the sportsbooks. They are expecting big blowouts, which the Thunder do win easily. However, the Thunder have repeatedly shown they will rest their starters in the fourth quarter if they have a sizable lead. They should win their second 2025 NBA Cup match, but not by 17 points. Especially not on the road, at the second-highest-elevation arena in the Association.

Utah hasn’t been great this season, but their All-Star Lauri Markkanen is healthy and playing great. The Jazz have a winning home record; in fact, all but one of their wins have been at the Delta Center. They are also averaging 119.4 points per game. 1.9 points less than the Thunder. Put a unit on the home team to cover the spread, and root for another successful best bet against the Thunder’s high spreads. 

 

 

 

NBA Prop Bet Today, 11/21

One of Fantasy Alarm’s favorite players is featured in the player prop best bet of today. Scottie Barnes returns and does so with a plus-odds proposition. According to Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, he will be the face of the NBA one day. ‘Maybe so, maybe no’. 

One thing is for certain: he is a do-it-all baller. His designation is power forward this season, as opposed to point guard in the previous seasons. He’s an excellent ball handler with elite court vision, but this best bet is banking on rebounds… The good thing is Scottie Barnes is one of the best non-center rebounders in the Association. He has seven games with double-digit rebounds this season, and has seven double-doubles due to it. He’s averaging 7.8 rebounds per game, and playing the worst rebounding team in the Association.

The Washington Wizards allow 50.6 rebounds per game to opposing teams, the most in the NBA. Today’s match is an NBA Cup game, and the Raptors are 2 - 0 in East Group A games. They have a great opportunity to be 3 - 0, and possibly win the group. Barnes averages 32.7 minutes per game and should play more minutes with backup Collin Murray-Boyles out. Look for Barnes to play with intensity throughout the game. Put a unit on this best bet at positive odds.

 

 

 

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Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy G. -
*All bets placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise. 

 

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