NBA predictions, picks today: Wizards vs. Mavericks, Heat vs. Hornets

Wizards vs. Mavericks and Heat vs Hornets are the NBA's best bets today. The slate is less packed than Wednesday's, but there are still four games on the docket for bettors.

Mavericks are at home against Wizards. Heat are playing against Hornets.

Dallas Mavericks have started the season well. They are one of just five teams to sit in the top 10 in offensive and defensive efficiency. Wednesday they lost to the Magic. Luka Doncic had a poor game, but he should bounce back against a Wizards team that has lost five of its last seven games.

Wizards vs. Mavericks is a pick for Vegas.

The Heat are a double-digit favorite against the Hornets. Miami has a better record than its record shows.

The Heat's last two losses came at the buzzer. The Hornets have lost six straight and eight of their last nine by an average of 12.6 points per defeat.

Both teams are on back-to-back. The Heat have had three days off since their last game. Since 2018, Erik Spoelstra's team has gone 49-22 against the spread when coming off at least two days' rest.