Expert NBA Picks and Player Props: Best NBA Bets Today Nov. 4

NBA picks and player props for Wednesday, Nov. 4, feature a packed slate after the entire league had Tuesday off. There was zero NBA basketball on Nov. 3, and the first day back gives us several intriguing opportunities.

Cleveland gets a chance at redemption against Oklahoma City, Utah offers an appealing underdog price in New Orleans, and Portland looks like the much better team against Phoenix. My three player props focus on scoring responsibility for the team, an expanded playmaking role, and a shooter whose volume could make plus money worth taking.

Best NBA Picks and Player Props Today Nov. 4

Two moneyline underdogs lead the game selections, followed by a Portland spread that looks too short given how these teams have played.

NBA Best Bet #1: Cavaliers Moneyline vs. Thunder (+115)

The Thunder got the best of the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Monday. Now the Cavs get a chance at redemption in Oklahoma City, and I’m coming back to Cleveland as a contender. My opinion of the matchup hasn’t changed. Relative to the Thunder’s current roster situation, which is bleak because of injuries, the Cavaliers are the better team. I think they should win.

Monday took a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander master class. He scored 43 points in Oklahoma City’s 117-112 win, giving Cleveland a firsthand reminder of how much he can carry.

He can absolutely take over again, but replicating that performance is a big ask. The Thunder still have to work around the same depleted roster, and one win doesn’t erase those limitations. The venue changes, but I still like Cleveland’s available personnel. Getting +115 on the Cavs to respond makes this one of my favorite NBA betting picks tonight.

Prediction: Cavaliers Moneyline at +115 via BetMGM

NBA Best Bet #2: Jazz Moneyline vs. Pelicans (+180)

New Orleans has won three games in a row and is surging. I understand why the Pelicans are favored, especially at home. I still don’t think they’re a great team, and +180 is an intriguing price on Utah.

The Jazz are 1-6, and they haven’t performed the way they need to. Injuries have been part of that, but the roster still has talent. I think they’re better than their record suggests.

This is a spot where the difference between recent results and my view of the teams matters. New Orleans deserves credit for putting wins together. I’m just not ready to treat that streak as proof Utah can’t win this matchup.

The Jazz are getting 5.5 points, but I’m going with the moneyline. If their available talent translates into a more complete performance, this is an opponent they can beat.

At +180, I like taking that chance.

Prediction: Jazz Moneyline at +180 via DraftKings

NBA Best Bet #3: Trail Blazers -3.5 vs. Suns (-108)

Portland is 5-1. Phoenix is 1-4. The difference between them has looked bigger than a marginal talent gap.

The Blazers have arguably been a top-three or top-four team in the Western Conference based on the eye test and the numbers. They’ve looked like a team that can consistently compete, while the Suns’ start has been pretty bleak. These teams have already met, with Portland winning the season opener 124-83. I’m not asking for anything close to a repeat of that margin.

I just need the Blazers to win by four. This game being in Phoenix matters, but it doesn’t change how much better I think Portland is right now. The Suns haven’t given me enough reason to believe home court closes that gap.

At -108, laying 3.5 points with the Blazers feels like really good value.

Prediction: Trail Blazers -3.5 at -108 via BetMGM

Get Up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets Over Your First 10 Days

Bet Now BetMGM Promo

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). See BetMGM.com for Terms. New Player Offer for new players only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in NJ, MA, MI, NV, NY, ON, PA, PR, and WV.

Best NBA Player Props Today Nov. 4

The player portion of these NBA picks and player props backs Charlotte’s leading scorer, Portland’s creation opportunities, and a plus-money three-point wager.

NBA Player Prop #1: Brandon Miller Over 22.5 Points (-122)

Brandon Miller is carrying so much of Charlotte’s offense that 22.5 points feels very doable against Brooklyn.

He enters averaging 23.5 points per game, leading the Hornets. This number asks him to reach 23, which is a reasonable target for the player Charlotte leans on to score. The Nets are 1-6 and haven’t been very competitive. I don’t see this as a matchup that should push us away from Miller’s scoring ability or expected opportunities.

For me, the appeal starts with responsibility. When Charlotte needs offense, Miller is the guy I expect to remain involved. I’m comfortable backing that role against this opponent. The -122 price is the most expensive prop on this card, but the threshold is still manageable. He doesn’t need a huge breakout to get us there.

Prediction: Brandon Miller Over 22.5 Points at -122 via DraftKings

NBA Player Prop #2: Deni Avdija Over 5.5 Assists (-115)

Deni Avdija should have every opportunity to create offense against Phoenix with Ja Morant out.

That’s the biggest part of this bet. Taking Morant out of the lineup leaves more responsibility for other players to initiate possessions, and Avdija is the distributor I want to back. He is averaging 5.5 assists through six games this season. We need six tonight, and I like the combination of his role and the opponent.

The Suns haven’t been very good, and I expect Avdija to have opportunities to get Portland’s offense moving and find teammates who can finish. I like the Blazers to cover, and Avdija’s playmaking is one way I see them getting there. His ability to create can help Portland take advantage of the talent gap.

At -115, six assists is a bar I’m comfortable targeting.

Prediction: Deni Avdija Over 5.5 Assists at -115 via BetMGM

NBA Player Prop #3: Rui Hachimura Over 2.5 Three-Pointers Made (+138)

Rui Hachimura is a three-point shooter I trust, and +138 makes this an appealing opportunity against Miami. For me, it comes down to volume. I like his accuracy; I need him to get enough attempts to give that shooting a chance to show up.

Hachimura has made 12 of 31 three-point attempts this season, about 38.7%. He’s also off the injury report after missing Monday’s game. If he gets five or six attempts, there’s a realistic path to the three makes we need. I expect him to get those opportunities, which is why I’m willing to back the Over.

The plus-money price matters. We’re getting +138 on a shooter whose ability I believe in, with a threshold he can clear if the volume is there.

Prediction: Rui Hachimura Over 2.5 Three-Pointers Made at +138 via DraftKings