Opening point spreads for November 16 NBA schedule

The main slate we’ve got on tap for Saturday is filled with some enticing matchups from a betting standpoint. To start things off, we’ll get what should be a very high scoring matchup of Western Conference opponents in the Rockets and Timberwolves. The O/U is ridiculous to start off for this game, so if anything it’s a spot to target in DFS. But for gambling purposes, we’ve seen both of these teams in high-point total games, so hitting the over wouldn’t surprise anyone. Even with Russell Westbrook resting, he hasn’t had as much of an impact and we’ve seen Houston at its best when James Harden goes to work.

As far as pure basketball matchups go, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks welcome in the Pacers for a Central Division bout — even though divisions really don’t matter anymore. The Pacers are coming off a 111-102 loss vs. the Rockets last night, so the opening line favoring the Bucks on the road isn’t all that surprising. Milwaukee won’t have Khris Middleton due to a thigh contusion, which didn’t hamper the Bucks much in a win over the Bulls, but could play a factor vs. Indiana. It also doesn’t help PG Malcolm Brogdon (back) is unlikely to play after getting hurt Friday.

Here are a few other notes to help you make your bets:

— The Pelicans have been dealing with injuries to Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball and Jahlil Okafor. Keep an eye on the lines here with New Orleans playing the Heat. It’s a tough matchup for the Pels on the road and they’ll likely be shorthanded.

— Paul George made his season debut for the Clippers on Thursday and looked great, but I wonder if Doc Rivers decides to hold George out. He only played 24 minutes vs. the Pelicans, but scored 33 points with nine boards on 10-of-17 shooting. Kawhi Leonard and Patrick Beverley are both questionable for Saturday’s game, so be sure to monitor their statuses.

— The Trail Blazers head to San Antonio to face the Spurs so we’ve got LaMarcus Aldridge revenge and the Blazers signed Carmelo Anthony to a non-guaranteed deal, though he’s not expected to debut before Tuesday’s game, per Adrian Wojnarowski.

— Raptors-Mavericks should be a fun one and Luka Doncic will be the focal point vs. the defending champs. Doncic to me is the frontrunner for MVP, averaging nearly a triple-double with 28.7 points per game. His player props stand out the most to me.

Below are point spreads and the over/under for each of the seven games on schedule for tonight:

Nets @ Bulls (-1, 231.5 O/U) 6:00 p.m. ET
Bucks @ Pacers (+5.5, 227.5 O/U) 7:00 p.m. ET
Hornets @ Knicks (-4, 213.5 O/U) 7:30 p.m. ET
Rockets @ Timberwolves (+1.5, 234 O/U) 8:00 p.m. ET
Pelicans @ Heat (-8, 232 O/U) 8:00 p.m. ET
Raptors @ Mavericks (-3.5, 217.5 O/U) 8:30 p.m. ET
Trail Blazers @ Spurs (-2, 226.5 O/U) 8:30 p.m. ET
Hawks @ Clippers (-12.5, 228 O/U) 10:30 p.m. ET

Note: Bets and DFS players will lock at those specific game times.

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