NBA Best Bets & Expert Picks Today: Basketball Predictions for Sunday, Nov. 1

As the calendar flips to November, my NBA best bets today look to start the new month on the right foot with three picks for Sunday's games.

That includes a Raptors vs. Lakers prediction, a bet on the streaking Celtics, and my top player prop to target.

NBA best bets: Player props & ATS picks today (Nov. 1)

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

Total wagered: 2 units | Max profit: 1.79 units

Best NBA bet today

Celtics vs. Magic prediction: Celtics -6.5 (-110)

The Magic continue to be without Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs. That weakens both their starting unit and bench, as depth options are forced to play more minutes. One of Orlando's core strengths as a clog-the-paint defense will be less effective against the Celtics' elite 3-point shooting.

Meanwhile, the Celtics' well-oiled machine keeps on chugging, even after trading Jaylen Brown in the summer. Boston has won four straight while ranking sixth-best in net rating. I bet a full unit on the Celtics to win and cover the 6.5-point spread at FanDuel's -110 odds.

More NBA picks & player props for Sunday

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

Raptors vs. Lakers prediction: Lakers -2.5 (-110)

The Raptors have struggled when crossing the continent to play in Los Angeles. The Raptors have lost eight straight games in L.A. That includes an 0-4 mark against the Lakers, losing by an average of 12 points.

As strong as Toronto's defense is, this isn't the time to bet against Luka Doncic. The NBA MVP odds contender leads the league in scoring, with a pair of 40-point outbursts this week alone. I'm backing the Lakers to win and cover the spread at home tonight. The best sports betting sites are mostly aligned on Lakers -2.5 at -110 odds.

Nets vs. Pacers prediction: Pascal Siakam Over 30.5 points + rebounds (-120)

Pascal Siakam's usage rate typically increases in the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, who remains out today. The Pacers All-Star has hit this total in every game he's played more than 30 minutes in this season.

I expect a close matchup between these teams, meaning plenty of minutes for Siakam to stuff the stat sheet and hit the Over on this combo prop total against the Nets' 25th-ranked scoring defense. I bet a half unit on a 30.5 total at bet365's market-best -120 odds, but I'd play it down to -125.