NBA Best Bets: Wizards, Pistons and Rockets Highlight Friday's Picks

It’s the day before Halloween, and as you shop for candy to hand out to the kids in your neighborhood, it’s okay to think: where are my treats? How do a few NBA Best Bet picks sound?

Yes, I know, they aren’t as tasty as a miniature Twix bar or Kit Kat. But you can take your winnings and buy some discounted candy at your local grocery store on Sunday. On that note, here are my NBA Best Bet picks for tonight:

Charlotte Hornets vs. Washington Wizards

When these teams met in Charlotte a few days ago, the Hornets were favored by 2.5 points and won 110-103. Brandon Miller exploded for 39 points, leading the Hornets. However, the other four starters only chipped in 42. Washington got double-doubles from Anthony Davis (29 points, 10 rebounds) and Trae Young (22 points, 10 assists); Kyshawn George added another 20.

Overall, the Wizards looked better on offense but couldn’t slow Miller down.

My Pick: Washington -1.5 (-105)

Miller won that game for the Hornets and followed it up with a 31-point night vs. the Pistons, a much better defensive team than Washington. But I really like Washington’s Big 3—Anthony Davis, Trae Young, and Kyshawn George.

The injuries (Kon Knueppel, Coby White, Grant Williams, and Kylan Boswell) are nothing new for Charlotte, but they are still concerning. I think a healthier Washington team can slow Miller down enough at home to win this one by two.

Detroit Pistons vs. Brooklyn Nets

I’m a little surprised the spread is only 7.5 points in Detroit's favor. Teams are averaging 124 points against Brooklyn and have scored at least 110. That defense may be exactly what the Pistons need to get their offense back to 120+ points (it’s averaging 109.8 per game).

But whatever issues the Pistons may or may not have on offense can be overlooked because they have the second-best defense in the league (103.4 points per game allowed). They held their last three opponents, including the Knicks and 76ers, to under 100 points.

My Pick: Pistons -7.5 at -105

Brooklyn has put up 120+ points in three of five games this season, but they have not faced a defense quite like Detroit’s. The Pistons will shut them down and exploit the Nets' defensive shortcomings to easily cover this spread.

Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are coming off a big win over the Thunder, 120-96, to improve to 3-2. Both losses were to the other NBA teams based in Texas. Houston is fresh off a dominant performance against the Bucks in Milwaukee, 132-100.

But the Rockets are a bit banged up, and there is a good chance Alperen Sengun may sit out tonight. Even if Sengun sits, the Rockets have enough offense to compete against a mediocre Dallas defense.

My Pick: Houston -5.5

Kyrie Irving has been getting better with each game. Assuming that trend continues, the Mavericks could make this one interesting, but not interesting enough to get within 5.5 points.