NBA Best Bets Today: 3 of the best NBA Picks for Wednesday, November 13

It's Wednesday, and there are 11 games on the NBA slate today! With several exciting matchups ahead, year two of the NBA Cup is underway!  In this article, I will provide my three best spread and player prop picks for the games. Up 17 units on the month, I have an NBA betting record of  22-16 in November.

 (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

If you're looking to stay in the green, let's cash out tonight! Below is the current FanDuel NBA slate and current odds for Wednesday, November 13:

NBA FanDuel Slate And Odds For Wednesday, November 13

• Indiana Pacers (+1) (-104 ML) @ Orlando Magic (-1) (-112 ML): O/U 223.5
• Boston Celtics (-9) (-370 ML) @ Brooklyn Nets (+9) (+295 ML): O/U 217.5
• New Orleans Pelicans (+14.5) (+750 ML) @ OKC Thunder (-14.5) (-1200 ML): O/U 223.5
• Cleveland Cavaliers (-9.5) (-450 ML) @ Philadelphia 76ers (+9.5) (+350 ML): O/U 218.5
• Chicago Bulls (+8) (+265 ML) @ New York Knicks (-8) (-330 ML): O/U 231
• Washington Wizards (+9.5) (+350 ML) @ San Antonio Spurs (-9.5) (-450): O/U 224
• Detroit Pistons (+6.5) (+205 ML) @ Milwaukee Bucks (-6.5) (-250 ML): O/U 215.5
• LA Clippers (+4) (+146 ML) @ Houston Rockets (-4) (-174 ML): O/U 214
• Minnesota Timberwolves (-9.5) (-450 ML) @ Portland Trail Blazers (+9.5) (+350 ML): O/U 220.5
• Phoenix Suns (+7.5) (+245 ML) @ Sacramento Kings (-7.5) (+300 ML): O/U 226
• Memphis Grizzlies (+6) (+231 ML) @ LA Lakers (-6) (-245 ML): O/U 231

The In-Season NBA Cup Is Underway

Providing the updated odds, there are several highly awaited matchups tonight. With two matchups set to air primetime on ESPN, the OKC Thunder (9-2, 5-1 home) will host the injury riddle New Orleans Pelicans (3-8, 1-4 away) at home. -14.5 point spread favorites, the Thunder have won 8 of their last 10 straight up, while the Pelicans are riding a five game losing skid. With Jose Alvarado, Zion Williamson, Jordan Hawkins, Herbert Jones, and CJ McCollum all listed as out tonight, can New Orleans cover the spread? Rather yet, can they upset the Thunder at home?

For the late night outing, the Lakers (6-4, 5-0 home) will host the Grizzlies (7-4, 3-2 away) at home. Set to air on ESPN, can Memphis knock off LA, who's undefeated on their home court? With Ja Morant out with a hip-injury, Memphis has a slew of players questionable for tonight. +6.5 point spread underdogs, the Grizzlies have won four of their last 6 matchups. A repeat of the 2023 Western Conference first round of the playoffs, tonight should be a cinema between the two teams.

If you plan on tailing my best NBA picks for tonight, I've placed all of my plays within DraftKings and FanDuel Sportsbook. Instead of cooking up a parlay, I've once again chose to place all of my picks as straight bets. With bank roll management in mind, I never bet on more than 2-3 % of my total bank roll. Let's take a closer look at my three best NBA picks and predictions for Wednesday, November 13.

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NBA Best Bets For Wednesday, November 13

Spread Best Bet #1: Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets

• Brooklyn Nets +8.5 (-108 FanDuel)

Nets 2024-2025 ATS Record: 9-2

My best pick of the night, I bet on the Brooklyn Nets to cover the +8.5 point spread vs the Boston Celtics as home. Although they have a 5-6 record on the season, I've been widely impressed by the Nets. In rebuild mode, the Nets for sure have young talented players with a bright future. For others, such as Cam Thomas, we are seeing the makings of a super star right in front of our eyes.

In their second meeting this season, the Celtics once again find themselves as heavy point spread favorites. Although the margin is not as large as the 13.5 spread on November 8, Boston are still the favorites on the road. This time around, the Celtics will have Jaylen Brown back in the lineup vs Brooklyn. Without Brown, the Nets were off to a blazing 14 point lead, yet ultimately conceded to Boston 108-104 in overtime. A poor shooting performance on both sides, Brooklyn dominated on the rebounds, specifically the offensive boards. This was a problem for the Celtics last night, which I'll get into detail here in a bit.

Can Cam Thomas Lead The Nets To Victory Tonight?

Beating the Celtics in the paint and on the boards is not an easy task. Led by Cam Thomas with 31 points, it was Dennis Schroder and Cam Johnson who combined for 38 points. With a proven young bench, head coach Jordi Fernández received decent production with 28 non stater points. While Payton Pritchard's six over-time points was impossible to overcome, I cashed out on Brooklyn +13.5.

Even without Jaylen Brown, what the Nets are doing is flat out impressive. With Cam Johnson tying the game with seven seconds left, you can feel the aura in the air. Sure, the Nets are a sub .500 team, however, they are competitive on a nightly basis. 9-2 ATS this season, Brooklyn has managed to cover in four straight games against the Pelicans, Cavaliers, Celtics, and Grizzlies. Better yet, the Nets boast a -0.8 point differential, which is fifth best in the Eastern Conference.

Why the Brooklyn Nets Can Cover The Spread

If you're tailing my NBA picks, the Nets love covering the spread as underdogs. 7-1 ATS, Brooklyn is 3-1 when underdogs by 8.5 points or more. While lacking star power with increasing development of young players, the Nets are for real. Although defeated 105-100 vs the undefeated Cavaliers, Brooklyn managed to cover the +12.5 point spread. What's more important, in the last four games, each have been decided by five points or less. With a two point victory over the Grizzlies, the Nets lost to the Pelicans and Celtics by four points or less. To me, that speaks volume how well they can keep up with teams offensively.

Overall, it's been the defense that's been most impressive for the Nets. Boasting the 9th best defensive rating over the last four matchups, the Nets haven't allowed an opponent to score over 108 points. Averaging 6 assists per game during that stretch, the return of Ben Simmons has widely affecting the passing game. Finding his way back from injury on the hardwood off the bench, Simmons is averaging 9.3 dimes in the month of November. With 12 against the Pelicans alone, Simmons tallied 11 vs the Bulls.

The Nets Are The Biggest Surprise For Bettors This Year

In a way, the Nets remind me of a young Celtics team. Although defeating New Orleans isn't anything to brag about, the starting five accounted for 71 points. With all five starters producing points in double figures, Jalen Wilson and Noah Clowney combined for 25 off the bench alone. While Dennis Schroder is playing some of the best basketball of his career, they continue to be a pleasant surprise for bettors.

With Kristaps Porzingis out indefinitely for Boston, can the Nets finally capitalize following Noah Clowney's breakout game? While the Nets bench has struggled in monumental games vs the Celtics and Nets, that will a driving x-factor tonight.

If you're betting on the NBA, I'm not saying the Celtics will lose straight up on the road tonight. 7-3 in their last ten games, Boston's careless mistakes and turnovers cost them the 117-116 defeat vs the Hawks last night. Coming off a back-to-back, Boston should win this game, however they won't be as refreshed. In addition, this is a NBA Cup game, meaning point differential matters. We all remember the controversy when the Celtics had the defeat the Bulls last season by 27 points or more. Given the Celtics are 0-1 in the Cup standings, Brooklyn will head into their first cup game tonight.

Final NBA Betting Pick Prediction: Brooklyn Nets +8.5 (-108 FanDuel)

As for the Celtics, dropping a game to the Hawks, who are without Trae Young, was simply embarrassing. With Brown and Derrick White leading the way with 30+ points each, Payton Pritchard couldn't provide what he's done so all year off the bench. The Celtics have managed to pull out wins over the last four games, however their shooting woes continue. Shooting 44 percent from the field, and 34.7 % from deep over the last four matchups, Boston is slightly ahead with a 1.0 point differential, compared to the Nets-0.7.

• My final best bet and pick for tonight, lay the points with the Nets tonight. The Celtics are the far more efficient team, averaging 120 points per game. Although they should win this matchup, expect the Nets to be competitive, especially since it's a Cup game.

Spread Best Bet #2: Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets

• Clippers +5 (-112 FanDuel)

Clippers 2024-2025 ATS Record: 6-4-1

My second best bet of the night, I placed one unit on the Los Angeles Clippers to cover the +5 point underdog spread vs the Houston Rockets on the road. At first, I had to take a double take at this line. With a healthy starting five consisting of James Harden, Norman Powell, Terance Mann, Derrick Jones, and Ivica Zubac, how are the Clippers the underdogs? Especially vs Houston, where Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams are questionable.

At 7-4 the Rockets have been a surprise this season. We know under head coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets are loaded with young talent. With Jalen Green leading the way in scoring, Houston has seven players that average points in double figures. And that's with minimal production from Reed Sheppard, who was drafted third overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.

What makes the Rockets so scary this season isn't quite their offense, but defense. Third overall in defensive rating (107.2), this is a Rockets team that holds opponents to an average of 106.5 points per game. Thanks to Alperen Sengun, the Rockets remain the most elite rebounding team in the league, and have defensive studs in Dillon Brooks, Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr.

While the Rockets offense and three-point shooting does wow bettors, it's their offense that's kept them in games. With that said, I do believe the Rockets have a strong chance of declaring victory at home tonight. 6-5 ATS, we do need to analyze their schedule. With two straight wins over the Wizards and Pistons, I do believe this spread pick is slightly inflated.

The Clippers Have The Defense To Cover The Spread

With a +17 point differential, and 107-92 victory over Washington on Monday, I expect the line to be slightly higher. However, aside from impressive victories over the Knicks and Mavericks, they got blown out by the Thunder, 126-107.

If you're tailing my NBA best bets and picks, it's evident the Rockets can hang with some of the best teams in the league. 4-4 ATS as favorites this year, this again is a NBA mid season cup matchup. Given the Clippers are 5-2 ATS as underdogs, do we really think the Clippers will be blown out by five points or more? Winners of four of five straight up, I simply believe this spread is too high. Especially given the Clippers won and covered against the Warriors, Nuggets, Kings, and 76ers. While they've had a much tougher schedule, LA are winning games, and doing so without Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.

Although the Rockets sit no.3 in the Western Conference, Houston's +4.5 point differential isn't far off from the Clippers +1.5.  Sure losing Paul George due to free agency was looking pretty bleak. However, the eruption of Normal Powell has been a large part of LA's success. Taking his game to another level, not only is Powell averaging a career-high 26.9 points per game, the guard leads the Clippers in scoring.  Especially shooting 50 percent from deep, Powell remains in the MVP conversation.

Final NBA Betting Pick Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers +5 (-112 FanDuel)

I do strongly dislike narratives, however, James Harden will get another homecoming to Houston, where he spent nine seasons. Proving his production has been far better without George and Leonard, Harden facilitating, and rebounding has been a monumental factor compared to last season. Although Harden's shooting percentages have vastly decreased from year's past, Zubac and Jones Jr have been perfect complementary teammates.

Overall, I'm not saying the Clippers are perfect. Tied for the 8th best defensive rating in the NBA (109.9), the Clippers defense won't allow the Rockets to destroy them on the offensive end. Similar in offensive production, it's the three-point shots that differentiate this Clippers team from the Rockets. Shooting at a high clip (39.4 %), they now face the top team in the NBA who allowed the least amount of three-pointers.

Looking to bounce back against the Thunder, the Clippers will face the Rockets, who've been exceptional at home. With a +54 point differential over the last three home games, it's safe to say they dominate in Houston. As mentioned before, points matter in a Cup game. Given there are several players on the Rocket's injury report, lay the points with the Clippers tonight. Aside from their two losses vs OKC, all of their defeats came within six points or less.

 Player Prop Best Bet #1: Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum 2024-2025 Season Stats

G: 12 | PPG: 29.7 | FG: 45.5  % | FT: 81.3  % | 3PT : 35.8  % | REB: 7.5 | AST: 5.3 | STL: 1.6 | BLK: 0.7

• Over 34.5 Points + Rebounds (-115 DraftKings)

My last best NBA pick of the night, I placed on unit on Celtics star Jayson Tatum to record over 34.5 points and rebounds for -115 odds on DraftKings. Once again putting up an MVP type season, both Tatum and Jaylen Brown took accountability for last night's loss vs the Hawks. While Tatum couldn't secure an open corner three and missed several shots down the stretch, don't expect Tatum to shoot 5-16 from the field and 2-9 from deep again. Although the Celtics have limited rest on the road,  Tatum has a prime matchup vs the Nets, who rank 26th vs forwards.

If you're betting on these NBA best picks, one aspect is certain. Tatum loves to show out at the Barclays, and has some of his best performances there. From scoring 51 points in 2022, to 41 points in 2023, he's primed for a favorable matchup tonight.

Given the Nets are the third worst rebounding team in the NBA (40.5), Tatum currently leads the Celtics in rebounding (7.5). Largely due to Kristaps Porzingis's absence, look for Tatum to continue on the boards tonight. Although Boston lost the offensive boards battle to the Hawks last night, Tatum had nine vs the Nets last week. I personally believe this points and rebounds prop line is low, considering Tatum poured in 33 points and 9 rebounds vs them. Although the Celtics were playing from behind a majority of the time, a blowout tonight would squash this prop.

Final NBA Betting Pick Prediction: Jayson Tatum Over 34.5 Points + Rebounds (-115 DraftKings)

We know what a beast Tatum has been on the boards. I personally believe with a 26.5 points prop line, Tatum can clear this line mainly with scoring. Hitting over 34.5 points and rebounds in three of his last five matchups,  there's no doubt his shooting percentages have slightly dipped. However, Tatum's averaging a career-high 36.1 minutes for Joe Mazzulla, and is averaging the most field goal attempts since the 2022-2023 season.

In his prime, I'm truly not concerned about Tatum on back-to-backs.  Clearing this line in the last two of three games:

• Even Mobley (39)
• Tobias Harris (23)
• Jaren Jackson Jr. (34)
• Aaron Gordon (29)
• Franz Wagner (35)All hit the over on their points and rebounds player prop picks. While it could truly be anyone's night on the Celtics, the over has hit in 6/12 games on the season. While the Nets have improved on the defense end drastically, the prop has soared over in two of the last three games vs the Nets.