NBA Best Bets & Expert Picks Today: Basketball Predictions for Sunday, Oct. 25

The first weekend of the NBA regular season is wrapping up, and my NBA best bets today feature three plays that I believe are mispriced.

I target a star point guard in the early Lakers vs. Jazz game, which tips off at 5 p.m. ET. I also bet a pair of spreads in the two late games. The Pistons and 76ers tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Grizzlies vs. Kings at 9 p.m. ET.

NBA best bets: Player props & ATS picks today (Oct. 25)

See all of our experts' NBA picks based on the latest NBA odds.

Picks submitted: Oct. 25 at 12:47 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.

Total wagered: 5.03 units | Max profit: 5 units

Best NBA bet today

Grizzlies vs. Kings prediction: Kings +3.5 (-102)

Who are the Grizzlies to be laying 3.5 on the road?

I get it; they're 2-0 against the spread, but they've faced the Jazz and the Warriors, two of the worst teams in the Western Conference.

The Kings, meanwhile, were much better in their second game after losing by 25 points to the Clippers in Inglewood. Sacramento covered as a 9.5-point underdog in an eight-point loss to the Trail Blazers, who are better this season with Damian Lillard back. I expect the Kings to continue to improve as Darius Acuff Jr. continues to make up for his disappointing NBA debut.

Play to: +3.5 (-119) or +2.5 (-104)

More NBA picks & player props for Sunday

Follow all of our NBA analysis and expert predictions this season.

Lakers vs. Jazz prediction: Luka Doncic Over 31.5 points (-105)

I hate naturally being a contrarian, but I can't help it in this spot.

Doncic has scored 28 and 23 points in his first two games this season, a significant drop-off from 33.5 points per game in 2025-26. However, those matchups - against the Warriors and Clippers - were great spots for the Lakers to feed Walker Kessler, as both teams struggle with size in the starting frontcourt.

The Jazz are a different animal: Lauri Markkanen is just one inch shorter than the 7-foot-2 Kessler, and Jaren Jackson Jr. is among the best rim protectors in the NBA. Expect Doncic to attempt a lot more field goals with Kessler's role reduced today.

Play to: Over 31.5 (-113) or Over 32.5 (+107)

Pistons vs. 76ers prediction: Pistons -1.5 (+103)

LeBron James, one of the two most popular NBA players of all time, and the 76ers are 2-0 against the spread - what could go wrong?

Playing an underrated Pistons team is the answer. Detroit has quietly beaten both the Celtics and the Heat, who are projected to be top-six teams in the East, by eight or more points.

The Pistons were the No. 1 seed in the East last season and had the best defensive rating in the conference. While they didn't make any splashy offseason moves, unlike the 76ers, I prefer the continuity of what has already proven to be an elite team. I still like this number even if Ausar Thompson (ankle) doesn't play.

Play to: -1.5 (-113)