Trust me, I get it, betting the New Orleans Pelicans is really tough to do. They are 3-18 this season and have worst record in Western Conference. They also have the honor of the second-worst 21-game start in franchise history (2-19 in 2004-05 as New Orleans Hornets). But this many points at home versus an erratic Wolves team, is too much. I’ll take the points.

The Lakers are on the second half of a back-to-back after another impressive win. You just wonder how much do they have in the tank laying points at home against an upstart Phoenix Suns team? Dillon Brooks is averaging a career-high 21.5 PPG this season. Be sure to check the injury report for the Lakers, and I’ll take my chances with the Suns on the road getting these points. Give me the underdog

I get it -- the Mavericks are on the second half of a back-to-back, losing to the Lakers last night. But laying all these points to THIS Clippers team? No thank you! I’ll take the dog in this spot even though Anthony Davis is not going to play. They matched up earlier this year in a game that went to double overtime. This one is close. Take the dog!

I am sad for the Spurs because we don’t know what life without Victor Wembanyama is going to look like. And they are without reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle tonight as well. The Hawks are playing really good basketball. They are sharing the rock and making open shots. Give me Atlanta on the money line.

The Suns are red hot right now and the Portland Trail Blazers finally get off a long road trip. The Blazers are home but they have won’t be focused against a Suns team looking for blood. Give me the Suns on the money line

The Magic have won three of four and in my eyes they’re playing the best basketball of their season. They are finally making some perimeter shots, which they weren’t doing earlier in the year, and their stars have stepped up in a big way. The Nets are a dumpster fire; they have gotten smacked around as of late. I expect the same tonight.

Nikola Jokic is averaging more than 30 points a game, averaging a triple-double while shooting a high percentage from the field. With the Warriors at less than full strength, this likely gets ugly. Lay the points.

The Rockets could easily be undefeated. They have had two close losses and their wins have been for the most part complete blowouts. Don’t sleep on Houston -- give me the Rockets on the money line.

How much is Giannis Antetokounmpo going to have in the tank a day after hitting the game-winning shot against Indiana? The Bucks are on the second half of a back-to-back, and the Raptors have shown big-time signs of life at home. I'm scared to lay the points, so give me Toronto on the money line.

The Blazers have had their issues this year off the floor, but it has not affected the start of their season. They have-a 4-2 record and a 14-point win on the road versus the Lakers already this year. Now, they catch the Lakers on the second half of a back-to-back, they’re at home and their slight favorites. Lay the points!

Orlando is the worst jump-shooting team according to all the metrics in the NBA. Its guard play right now is a huge question mark. There is a buzz right now with the Hornets. LaMelo Ball is healthy and the rookies have brought a level of excitement that we have not seen from the Hornets in a long time. Give me Charlotte on the money line.

I’m high on this Bulls team because they share the ball and they are unselfish. Josh Giddey is a game-time decision. I’d obviously prefer him out there. Don’t sleep on Chicago. Money-line play.

This is more about the Pacers. They are a mess injuries-wise and now are on the second half of a back-to-back and it appears they will be a ton of guys out. They are not defending or playing with any urgency. This season appears lost without Tyrese Haliburton. Lay the points.

The Suns were impressive erasing a 20-point deficit in a 120-116 win over the Kings on Wednesday, while the Clippers looked OLD AND AWFUL. Last year, the Suns were 4-0 against the Clippers, with every game decided by 6 points or fewer. Take the underdog

Let’s not forget the Nuggets lost in 7 games to the Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals last season. I’m excited about the Warriors, but who on this roster is planning on slowing down Nikola Jokic tonight? The answer is no one. Take the Nuggets to win.