Another successful night, winning three of four bets, and gaining over two units in the process. Cleveland proved, once again, why we stray away from straight bets in this column as Donovan Mitchell did not play. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers had multiple opportunities to regain the lead, but opted for low percentage field goal attempts. They were also horrible from the free throw line, 67.7% on 31 attempts. Yesterday is a day away, tonight there are three great NBA games and there will be a player prop in each of them. A familiar face appears in the Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons game, there is an All-Star proposition bet in the Brooklyn Nets at Minnesota Timberwolves, and a plus-odds prop in the marquee game at Madison Square Garden on ABC, the Boston Celtics at New York Knicks.

 

NBA BEST BET FOR FEBRUARY 24th

PRECIOUS ACHIUWA TO RECORD A DOUBLE-DOUBLE (+135 FanDuel Sportsbook)

This bet is found under the ‘Popular’ section, and near the bottom of listed options. Click the ‘To Record A Double-Double' tab, and a list of players should appear. Select Precious Achiuwa and place a unit. This is a difficult stat to record for most players, but Achiuwa has five in eight games this month. He has played 40+ minutes in seven of his last nine games, and at least 38 minutes in every game this month. His point line is set at 12.5 at most sportsbooks, and he has scored 10 or more points in all but one game this month. His rebounding line is set at 9.5 across the four sportsbooks used for this column, and most of the odds are around -120. 

The pro move is on the double-double for a few reasons. Achiuwa is almost guaranteed to get 10 points, which is much lower than his average for the month, 14.5. The risk is on the rebounds which seems like a low risk since he is also averaging 11.6 rebounds per game in February. The Boston Celtics allow the eighth-most rebounds to opposing power forwards, and allow an average of 51.6 per game. The Knicks allow the league's fewest rebounds to opposing teams with 48.3 per game. A large reason that number has been maintained is because of Achiuwa’s play since filling in for the injured Julius Randle. 

Instead of playing the negative odds on a 9.5 rebounding line or 12.5 point line, we are seeking the same rebounding line (10+). Now the return on investment is significantly more due to better odds, on essentially the same bet. A pro betting tip.

NBA PLAYER PROP BETS FOR FEBRUARY 24TH

ANTHONY EDWARDS OVER 26.5 POINTS (-110 BetMGM)

The Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the Milwaukee Bucks last night 107-112, but the game was not near as close as the final score. Both teams were lackluster in their offense, although the Damian Lillard and Karl-Anthony Towns 5+ three-pointers made was a successful bet. The Timberwolves host the Brooklyn Nets in back-to-back games, and they simply can not afford to lose to teams they are expected to beat. Minnesota has been in the driver seat of the Western Conference for essentially the entire season. Although they are currently tied for first, they are a mere two losses from fourth place. Enter Anthony Edwards, arguably the best USA born player in the league. He is averaging 28.0 points in his last 10 games, 26.2 on the season, and is the leader of the team. Karl-Anthony Towns let him know this much too, high praise from a four-time All-Star teammate. The Nets allow the ninth-most points to opposing point guards, they have a -2.7 point differential, and really do not have anyone that will match up well with Edwards. As the leader of the team he knows what kind of pressure he is under, and that he must step up in this game. He has covered this prop in his last three games, and five of his last seven. Expect 30+ points from Edwards tonight.

SIMONE FONTECCHIO OVER 10.5  POINTS (-102 FanDuel Sportsbook)

A familiar face makes a return in Simone Fontecchio. Betting on his rebounding line over the past two months was an automatic win, and he has been nice to Fantasy Alarm NBA bettors. That was when he was with the Utah Jazz, he is now with the Detroit Pistons and being utilized differently. He has had a four-game sample since February 10th and he is averaging over 27 minutes per game. He is only averaging two rebounds per game over his last three games, but his scoring has drastically improved. The Utah Jazz have Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson to put up points almost effortlessly. The Detroit Pistons have Cade Cunningham… and it stops there. Enter Fontecchio and his 15 points per game average in his four games as a member of the Detroit Pistons. He has covered this prop in three of the four games and the Orlando Magic are not a great road team. They are 13-17 and allow 112.8 points away from Orlando. Fontecchio has 52 field goal attempts in four games and should play around 30 minutes. All indications are that he will cover this prop, as the sportsbooks have not adjusted for how the Detroit Pistons are utilizing him.

Thanks for reading. Remember to check out Fantasy Alarm for all your fantasy and betting needs across multiple sports. 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

*All Bets to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise