TST Best Bets: November 2, 2026
Nick Wire
Host · Writer
The Los Angeles Lakers face off against the Miami Heat tonight in the second night of a back-to-back at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers, now 5-2 and first in the Pacific Division, defeated the Toronto Raptors 131-125 last night. Point guard Luka Dončić led the Lakers with 45 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals in the win. Dončić is averaging 37.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game this season. If this were to continue, it would be the most points per game in a season since Michael Jordan's 37.1 in 1986.
Lakers' center Walker Kessler delivered a great two-way game last night with 16 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks.
Shooting guard Austin Reaves started off the first four games averaging over 25 points per game – but has since struggled in the last week. Over the last three games, Reaves has averaged 18.7 points and 6.3 turnovers. Reaves also shot just a tick over 41% from the field and 21% from three.
The Miami Heat are 2-4 so far this season, which comes as a shock after the offseason acquisition of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo elevated this team into preseason NBA Finals contenders.
Antetokounmpo has averaged 28.2 points, 12.3 rebounds and 5.5 assists while also providing 0.7 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. His front court partner, Bam Adebayo, is averaging 16.3 points and 7.8 rebounds.
Guard Davion Mitchell runs the offense to the tune of 16.2 points and 8.2 assists per game.
First Pick: Austin Reaves over 22.5 points
Rundown: The Heat have given up at-least 113 points in every game this season. Part of that is just the state of the game and pace of play, however the Heat are 25th in defensive efficiency to open up the season. Shooting guards average 36.6 points per game against the Heat this season as well. Reaves has been in a bit of an offensive rut over the past few games – which is not characteristic of him. Expect this to be a great opportunity for Reaves to establish his offensive groove again.
Second Pick: Luka Dončić over 7.5 assists
Rundown: Dončić' points line is at 34.5 – which is very attainable for him. However, this game on-paper is an opportunity for Reaves and the wings to provide more of an offensive output. Dončić will have a great opportunity as a facilitator. The only worry is that Kessler and any Lakers' bigs will struggle against the Heat front court – which takes away easy lob assists for Dončić.
