NBA Picks for October 26, 2026
Nine NBA games are on Monday's schedule, and there are a few matchups worth arguing about. Minnesota visits Cleveland, the Pacers head to Milwaukee, and Golden State gets another difficult road assignment against Denver. We've also got Boston laying a big number against Chicago and Oklahoma City favored heavily against Phoenix.
The season is still young, so I'm not putting too much weight on a couple of wins or losses. Matchups, scheduling and the price matter more than an early standings position. We'll take one wager from each game and finish with our NBA Best Bet of the Day. Find more predictions in our free NBA picks.
Washington Wizards vs. Charlotte Hornets Best Bet
Washington has already produced some surprising results, including a 128-116 opening victory over Milwaukee and a 124-120 road win over Chicago on Saturday. The Wizards have shown they can score, although allowing 120 points against the Bulls raises some questions about their defensive consistency.
Charlotte comes home after beating Miami 115-110 on Saturday. The Hornets have also shown they can put points on the board, and this matchup should provide opportunities against a Washington defense that hasn't been especially dependable.
Best Bet: Over 229.5 Points
I'm looking at the over here. Washington's first few games have shown an offense capable of scoring but a defense that can give plenty back. Charlotte should have opportunities at home, and the Wizards have enough offensive ability to keep the scoreboard moving. The concern is that either team goes cold for an extended stretch, but 229.5 is a reasonable number for this matchup.
NBA Best Bet: Wizards-Hornets Over 229.5
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Best Bet
Minnesota has opened with impressive road victories, including a 131-106 win at Miami and a 115-93 victory over Orlando. The Timberwolves have been able to score without completely abandoning their defensive responsibilities, which is encouraging this early in the season.
Cleveland has home court and recently beat Brooklyn 125-121. The Cavaliers are favored around -150 on the moneyline, making Minnesota an underdog despite its strong opening performances.
Best Bet: Minnesota Timberwolves Moneyline (+124 or Better)
Minnesota has shown enough on both ends of the floor to make the underdog price appealing. The Timberwolves have already won convincingly in difficult road environments, and Cleveland's narrow victory over Brooklyn doesn't convince me the Cavaliers deserve a substantial premium. Cleveland could control the game at home, but I'll take Minnesota at plus money.
NBA Best Bet: Minnesota Timberwolves ML (+124 or Better)
Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat Best Bet
Dallas is coming off a 122-106 home loss to San Antonio after previously beating Indiana 121-105. The Mavericks have been inconsistent, particularly defensively, and now face another road assignment against a Miami team that hasn't been particularly sharp either.
Miami lost its first two games by substantial margins, falling 131-106 to Minnesota and 128-111 to Detroit. The Heat have struggled to prevent opponents from scoring, and laying eight points with a team that's been defending this poorly is a big ask.
Best Bet: Dallas Mavericks +8
Miami might win this game, but I don't trust the Heat enough to lay eight points. Dallas has already demonstrated it can win away from home, and Miami's defensive performances leave the door open for another competitive contest. The Mavericks need to avoid getting buried early, but the spread provides enough room for Dallas to cover without winning outright.
NBA Best Bet: Dallas Mavericks +8
Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics Best Bet
Chicago followed an ugly 135-92 loss to Toronto with a surprising 132-125 victory over Milwaukee, then lost 124-120 to Washington. The Bulls have been all over the place offensively, and their defense has given up at least 124 points in each of those three games.
Boston is coming off a 107-103 victory over New York and is favored by 13.5 points. The Celtics have home court and the stronger overall roster, but covering nearly two touchdowns is a different challenge from simply winning.
Best Bet: Chicago Bulls +13.5
Boston should win, but I'm taking the points. Chicago's defensive problems are concerning, yet the Bulls have also shown enough offensive production to stay within striking distance if their shots are falling. A 13.5-point spread leaves plenty of room for a Boston victory without a cover. The Celtics could run away with this if Chicago's defense collapses, but the number is too large for me to lay.
NBA Best Bet: Chicago Bulls +13.5
Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Best Bet
Indiana has split its early games, beating New Orleans 123-120 before losing to Dallas 121-105. The Pacers have shown they can score, although their defense hasn't consistently prevented opponents from getting good looks.
Milwaukee has endured a rough opening stretch. The Bucks lost 128-116 to Washington, 132-125 to Chicago and 127-116 to Philadelphia. That's three straight games allowing at least 127 points, which makes it difficult to trust Milwaukee even with home court.
Best Bet: Indiana Pacers Moneyline (-183 or Better)
The price isn't particularly attractive, but Indiana is still the preferred side. Milwaukee's defense has been far too generous, and the Pacers have enough offensive ability to take advantage. The Bucks could finally produce a better defensive effort at home, but I'm not backing them until they show it. Indiana should have enough scoring opportunities to win.
NBA Best Bet: Indiana Pacers ML (-183 or Better)
Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Best Bet
Phoenix has struggled badly during the opening week, including a 124-83 loss to Portland and a 131-122 home defeat against Golden State. The Suns have allowed opponents to dictate the pace, and now they face one of the league's toughest road assignments.
Oklahoma City opened with a 96-84 victory over Denver, holding the Nuggets to fewer than 90 points. The Thunder are heavy moneyline favorites, so backing them outright offers very little return.
Best Bet: Oklahoma City Thunder Moneyline (-663 or Better)
Oklahoma City is the clear preferred winner, although the price makes this a low-value straight wager. Phoenix hasn't demonstrated enough defensive consistency to inspire confidence against a Thunder team capable of making opponents uncomfortable on every possession. The Suns could keep this closer than expected if their offense improves, but Oklahoma City has the stronger defensive foundation.
NBA Best Bet: Oklahoma City Thunder ML (-663 or Better)
Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets Best Bet
Atlanta opened with a 132-125 victory over Orlando, then followed with a convincing 128-81 road win over Charlotte. The Hawks have demonstrated impressive offensive production and enough defensive ability to create separation when opponents struggle.
Houston beat Dallas 128-110 and San Antonio 114-110 before winning 121-114 at Atlanta on Saturday. The Rockets now get the Hawks at home for a quick rematch and are favored by 5.5 points.
Best Bet: Atlanta Hawks +5.5
Houston deserves to be favored after winning Saturday's meeting, but Atlanta gets an opportunity to make adjustments. The Hawks have scored at least 128 points in two of their first three games, and they have enough offensive ability to stay within two possessions. Houston could control the rematch, but I'm taking Atlanta with the points rather than expecting another comfortable Rockets victory.
NBA Best Bet: Atlanta Hawks +5.5
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz Best Bet
Memphis opened with a 123-103 home victory over Utah and followed with a 111-108 road win over Golden State. The Grizzlies have demonstrated that they can compete defensively and win close games away from home.
Utah bounced back from the Memphis loss with a narrow 120-119 victory over New Orleans. The Jazz now get a quick rematch at home, with the moneyline sitting close to a pick'em.
Best Bet: Memphis Grizzlies Moneyline (+101 or Better)
Memphis already beat Utah by 20 points and has followed that performance with another impressive victory. The Jazz have home court this time, but the Grizzlies have shown the stronger defensive consistency. Utah could make the adjustments needed to reverse the earlier result, but Memphis at plus money is the more appealing side.
NBA Best Bet: Memphis Grizzlies ML (+101 or Better)
Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets Best Bet
Golden State has had a difficult opening stretch, losing 127-105 to the Lakers and 111-108 to Memphis before falling 131-122 against Phoenix. The Warriors have struggled to get defensive stops, and now they're facing another road game in Denver.
The Nuggets lost their opener 96-84 to Oklahoma City before winning a wild 141-135 game against New Orleans. Denver is favored by 7.5 points, and its home-court advantage is significant against a Golden State team still trying to find consistency.
Best Bet: Denver Nuggets -7.5
I'll lay the points with Denver. Golden State has allowed at least 122 points in two of its first three games, and the Nuggets just demonstrated how productive their offense can be. Denver's defense isn't perfect, as New Orleans showed, but the Warriors haven't given me much reason to trust them on the road. The concern is that Golden State finds its shooting rhythm and keeps this close, but Denver has the better matchup.
NBA Best Bet: Denver Nuggets -7.5
NBA Best Bet of the Day
Memphis Grizzlies Moneyline (+101 or better) is my NBA Best Bet of the Day. Memphis already beat Utah convincingly, then proved it could win a close road game against Golden State. The Grizzlies have demonstrated more defensive consistency than the Jazz, and getting plus money makes the wager more appealing.
Utah has home court and should be better prepared for the rematch, but Memphis has earned the stronger early-season evaluation.
Final Pick: Memphis Grizzlies ML (+101 or Better)
Betting lines, injuries and starting lineups may change before tipoff. Confirm the latest prices and player availability before placing a wager.