Today's NBA Best Bets: Picks, Predictions and Odds : Secure Your Wins

Taking a glance at the recent performances, the Spurs have been hitting higher marks than the Rockets, particularly at home. They've been averaging 124.6 points on their home turf over their last five games, comfortably eclipsing the Rockets' away average of 109.2. Although the Spurs' home defense has been leaky, letting in an average of 130 points, the Rockets have been conceding an even higher average of 117.2 on their travels. Spurs' overall team score in the last 5 games is a healthy 126.8, notably superior to the Rockets' 116. Furthermore, the head-to-head record is evenly poised at 2-2, indicating that these teams typically trade blow-for-blow. Simply put, the Spurs seem to have a slight edge, especially on their home court. Given these stats, it seems feasible to think the Spurs can cover a 5-point spread.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards : New Orleans Pelicans -8.5 (-115)

With the Pelicans soaring at home, this bet on New Orleans to cover the 8.5-point spread looks promising. The Pelicans' recent home record (4-1) indicates a strong home-court advantage, while the Wizards have been struggling on the road, losing all of their last five away games. Furthermore, the Pelicans have been outscoring the Wizards, averaging 118.2 points per game at home compared to the Wizards' 107 on the road. The Wizards' shaky defense, allowing an average of 121 points in away games, also plays into the Pelicans' favor. While the past head-to-head record is balanced, the Pelicans' current momentum and the Wizards' defensive issues make a strong case for this bet.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards : New Orleans Pelicans Under 135.5 Team Total Points (-556)

The New Orleans Pelicans, hosting the Washington Wizards, have recently been putting up solid numbers, even at home. But let's take a step back and look at their scoring track record, which tells us they are unlikely to surpass the 135.5 point mark. In their last five games, home or away, the Pelicans have averaged 116.8 points, peaking slightly higher at home with 118.2 points. With these stats, the model predicts a more modest total of around 120 points for this game, well below the proposed total. The Wizards' defence may not be the strongest, but the Pelicans' numbers don't suggest they'll exploit it to the tune of 135.5 points. Let's bet on the trend and the data, and go with the Pelicans to score under 135.5 points in this matchup.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards : New Orleans Pelicans win (-345)

In the NBA court, home advantage often plays a significant role, and when it comes to the New Orleans Pelicans vs. Washington Wizards, this sentiment holds true. The Pelicans' recent home record is impressive, winning 4 out of their last 5 matches. On the flip side, the Wizards have been struggling on the road, failing to secure a single victory in their last 5 away games. Additionally, the Pelicans have been outscoring the Wizards in recent matches, averaging a solid 118.2 points at home compared to the Wizards' less inspiring 107 points on the road. Despite an even head-to-head record, the Pelicans' superior performance on their home turf and the Wizards' lackluster away record make the Pelicans a compelling choice for the Moneyline market in this matchup.