Sharp Selections: Friday, November 1 NBA Preview

Oct 28, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Image Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

It’s Friday night, and that means it’s time to kick back and lock in some winning PrizePicks plays.

With a mix of selections based on player roles, matchups, and odds, tonight’s NBA slate offers some exciting opportunities.

NBA PrizePicks Preview: Friday, November 1

Let’s break down each pick and the reasons why we’re going MORE or LESS.

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1. Wendell Carter More Than 10.5 Rebounds + Assists

Wendell Carter is primed for a productive night on the glass and as a playmaker and is currently at -132 odds to go over 10.5 rebounds + assists. There’s a solid expectation for him to make an impact.

Cleveland’s defense has been decent but not lockdown against centers, giving up the 17th-most rebounds and the 16th-most assists to the position. He should get enough chances to hit this number, and with his ability to grab boards and make plays, this is a smart pick to kick off the six-pack.

2. Keegan Murray More Than 19.5 Points + Rebounds

Keegan Murray’s number for points and rebounds is set at 19.5, and it’s hard not to like this play here. He finds himself in a favorable position, even though the Hawks are slightly above average defensively against power forwards.

Atlanta ranks 22nd in rebounds allowed to power forwards, and Murray is averaging over 33 minutes on the floor and 6+ three-point attempts per game on the road. With a secure role on the team, this volume should give him ample opportunity to clear 19.5 points + rebounds tonight.

3. Jayson Tatum More Than 33.5 Points + Assists

Jayson Tatum is a go-to option for the Celtics, and with his number set at 33.5 PA, this play looks promising. The Hornets, who give up the 13th-most points, 7th-most three-pointers, and 5th-most assists to power forwards, have struggled defensively so far this season.

Odds slightly favor him surpassing this number, and with Tatum’s scoring and playmaking abilities, he’s well-positioned to take advantage of this matchup. Look for him to cash as he finds ways to both score and facilitate.

4. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Less Than 14.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has a tougher matchup tonight, as Cleveland’s defense has been stingy against shooting guards. Thus far Cleveland has allowed the 8th-fewest points and the 9th-fewest rebounds to the position.

KCP may find it difficult to hit the 14.5 PRA number in a game where the opportunities may be limited. This play has strong backing based on both odds and matchup data.

5. Darius Garland More Than 16.5 Points

Darius Garland is expected to play a big role in the Cavaliers’ offense tonight, with his points number set at 16.5. The Magic rank 6th in points allowed to point guards and 10th in three-pointers allowed to the position, setting up a favorable scoring environment for Garland.

With -130 odds to hit, he’s in a great spot to take advantage of Orlando’s defensive struggles against point guards. Expect him to be aggressive from beyond the arc and look to get his shot going early.

6. Donovan Mitchell Less Than 9.5 Rebounds + Assists

Finally, Donovan Mitchell’s number for rebounds + assists is set at 9.5, with -130 odds favoring this play. The Magic have been decent against shooting guards in both categories, giving up the 15th-fewest rebounds and 19th-fewest assists to the position.

Mitchell may find it challenging to hit double digits in these areas, especially with a matchup that limits his peripheral stats. With this data, taking this play on Mitchell’s RA number looks like a smart move.

Key Takeaways for Friday’s NBA PrizePicks

Tonight’s six-pack combines favorable odds and smart matchups, giving each of these plays solid backing:

  1. Wendell Carter More Than 10.5 Rebounds + Assists
  2. Keegan Murray More Than 19.5 Points + Rebounds
  3. Jayson Tatum More Than 33.5 Points + Assists
  4. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Less Than 14.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
  5. Darius Garland More Than 16.5 Points
  6. Donovan Mitchell Less Than 9.5 Rebounds + Assists

Each pick brings unique value, whether it’s through a favorable matchup, high usage, or a defensive limitation. Mixing projections based on game scenarios and player roles ensures you’re approaching tonight’s slate with a well-rounded perspective.

Strategy Insight: Target Matchup Weaknesses

When building your PrizePicks card, always look for defensive weaknesses in opponents. Players who face teams that struggle against their position—whether in scoring, rebounds, or assists—tend to have higher upside.

Balancing these insights with odds can lead to better, more profitable picks.