NBA Picks for October 29, 2026

NBA Picks and Predictions for Thursday, October 29, 2026

Thursday's NBA schedule has three games, and there are a couple of matchups where recent results matter. Cleveland visits Atlanta after both teams played Wednesday, Sacramento heads to New Orleans looking for its first win, and Memphis travels to Portland for a game between two teams that have started the season in completely different directions.

The early betting board has Atlanta favored by 1.5 points, New Orleans favored by 5.5 and Portland laying 7.5 against Memphis. Those numbers are interesting, particularly with the Grizzlies getting more than two possessions.

Here are my picks for all three games, followed by the NBA Best Bet of the Day. For more predictions, check out our free NBA picks.

Today's NBA Picks

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks Best Bet

Cleveland comes into Thursday after beating Washington 121-111 on Wednesday. The Cavaliers haven't been perfect defensively, but they've been finding ways to win. They also beat Minnesota 127-125 in overtime earlier this week, showing they can handle close games.

Atlanta had a much rougher Wednesday night. The Hawks lost 129-117 to Miami, allowing a Heat team that had struggled offensively to put together its best performance of the season. That's concerning, particularly with another game coming less than 24 hours later.

Both teams are on the second night of a back-to-back, so neither gets a scheduling advantage. Atlanta has home court, but Cleveland has been more dependable when games get tight.

Best Bet: Cleveland Cavaliers +1.5

Give me Cleveland with the points. Atlanta's defense has been too inconsistent, and Wednesday's loss to Miami didn't do anything to change my mind. The Cavaliers have been winning close games and have enough offense to take advantage if the Hawks continue giving up easy looks.

The concern is that Cleveland could be tired after another road assignment, and Atlanta should respond better at home. Still, with the Cavaliers getting 1.5 points, I'll take the visitors.

NBA Best Bet: Cleveland +1.5

Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans Best Bet

Sacramento has had a brutal opening week. The Kings lost to the Clippers, Portland and Memphis before getting blown out 130-103 by San Antonio on Tuesday. That's four losses, and the defense has been a major problem. Sacramento has allowed at least 120 points in every game.

New Orleans hasn't exactly been lighting up the standings either. The Pelicans lost 104-91 to Denver on Wednesday after previously giving up 141 points to the Nuggets on Saturday. Their offense has been inconsistent, but the Kings' defense provides a reasonable opportunity to get things moving again.

The Pelicans are favored by 5.5 points at home. That's a meaningful number for a team that's been struggling, but Sacramento hasn't given bettors much reason to trust it.

Best Bet: New Orleans Pelicans -5.5

I'll lay the points with New Orleans. Sacramento has been getting beaten comfortably, and its defense has struggled against practically everybody. The Pelicans should have opportunities to score against a team that's allowed at least 120 points in four straight games.

The concern is New Orleans' own offensive inconsistency, especially after Wednesday's 91-point performance. But Sacramento has been the weaker defensive team, and I expect the Pelicans to take advantage at home.

NBA Best Bet: New Orleans -5.5

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers Best Bet

Memphis has started well, winning at Golden State, Sacramento and Utah after beating Utah at home. The Grizzlies have been getting enough offense to compete while showing some defensive consistency. Their 110-105 victory at Utah on Monday was another example of a team finding ways to finish close games.

Portland has been impressive too. The Trail Blazers beat Phoenix by 41 points, won at Sacramento and then went into Los Angeles and beat the Lakers 136-129 on Tuesday. Portland has been scoring freely, and its offense is a major reason the Blazers are favored by 7.5 points.

But here's the thing. Memphis has already won three road games, and the Grizzlies have been comfortable playing in difficult environments. Asking Portland to win by eight or more against a team playing this well feels like a lot.

Best Bet: Memphis Grizzlies +7.5

I'll take Memphis with the points. Portland deserves to be favored at home, but the Grizzlies have been winning on the road and have shown enough defensive ability to make this competitive. The Blazers' offense could make things difficult if it gets rolling, but Memphis has enough scoring to stay within striking distance.

The concern is Portland's recent offensive production. A team that just scored 136 against the Lakers can cover a number like this if its shots are falling. Still, 7.5 points is too many for me to lay against an unbeaten Memphis team.

NBA Best Bet: Memphis +7.5

NBA Best Bet of the Day

Memphis Grizzlies +7.5 against the Portland Trail Blazers is my NBA Best Bet of the Day. Memphis has been winning on the road, and the Grizzlies have demonstrated enough defensive consistency to compete with a Portland team that's been scoring at a high level.

Portland could win this game, and I wouldn't be surprised. But winning by eight or more is a different question. I'll take Memphis with the points.

Final Pick: Memphis Grizzlies +7.5