Mark Williams did not play due failing a physical, and his bet was voided. The Boston Celtics covered the teased up spread, but Nikola Vucevic had his worst rebounding game in over 4 weeks. 

So, one of two NBA best bets were successful, and the damage was less than a .10 loss.

 

 

 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 2/10

The NBA returns with a loaded slate today, including make-up games due to atmospheric conditions.

Almost all of the matches will not be nationally televised, and some are projected blowouts such as the game featured in the NBA best bets ‘Bet of the Night’.

 

 

 

Pelicans vs. Thunder Prediction: Zion Williamson 30+ Points (+400 on DraftKings) *0.5U Bet of the Night

The Big Easy is experiencing its Big Hangover, but not the New Orleans Pelicans. They have been a terrible, injured team all season. The NBA representative of the Crescent City is on the road against the best team in the conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This is a perfect example of teams on opposite ends of momentum. The Thunder are in first place of the Western Conference and on a five game win streak, the Pelicans are the worst team in the West and are on an eight game losing streak. That has influenced this match, and the Pelicans are -15.5-point favorites.

Despite that one player has really stood out, and he has to do well for the Pelicans to have any chase. That player is Zion Williamson. Brandon Ingram was traded to the Toronto Raptors, and DeJounte Murray ruptured his Achilles. That leaves Williamson as the best scoring option on the team, although Trey Murphy is improving his point scoring ability.

Williamson has scored 28 or more points in four of his last five matches, including a forty point effort in his most recent match. He is looking in better shape than at the beginning of the season, and displaying himself to be a valuable piece to a championship team. He does not wish to be in New Orleans, and he will have to stay healthy and play well to improve his salary for a new team.

Draftkings has a ‘No Sweat Bet’ option, that requires opting in and utilizing on the wager. His point line is set at 21.5 due to the Thunder’s defense, but Williamson is a force. The Thunder do not have someone that constantly shut him down. His scouting report is rather simple, left hand to the rim and he has attempted just one three in his last ten games. Yet no team can stop it.

Put a half a unit on this teased up point line at +400 odds, and should it not be successful, up to $25 would come back in a free wager. 

 

 

 

Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets Prediction: Denver ML & Braun 20+ Points (+258 SGP on DraftKings) *0.5U

The Portland Trail Blazers play their division rival, the Denver Nuggets. The spread is currently heavily in favor of the Nuggets, with a -9.5 spread. The Trail Blazers have won eight of their last ten matches despite losing their most recent game. The Nuggets are doing well too, winners of their last six, the longest winning streak in the Association.

As crazy as it sounds, the Trail Blazers are going to be the best team the Nuggets have played in this stretch. Ball Arena is a tough place to play, and Denver has been playing well at home, with a 17-8 record. Instead of risking a ten point cover the money line is suggested.

Christian Braun has been building confidence and is one of the best slashers/dunkers in the Association. With Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson both missing time with injury, Braun has played really well. He has averaged over 36 minutes in his last five of six games, and he has scored 23 points or more in two of those matches.

There will not be much defense in this match, and the total reflects it with a 230.5 total. Braun will be depended on to score, and he should deliver. Put a half a unit on him to cover the teased-up point total and for Denver to win.

 

 

 

NBA Player Props & Other Picks Today, 2/10

One game today is a makeup game, and both teams should be ready to go after resting, which makes it a perfect spot for our NBA best bets today.

 

 

 

Jazz vs. Lakers Prediction: Lauri Markkanen Over 5.5 Rebounds (+120 on Bet365)

The Los Angeles Lakers host the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers have been playing much better but had a huge blow to their roster when Mark Williams did not pass his physical. Now the Lakers do not have a big man to be a true defender, rebounder, and occupy space in the paint. 

This bodes well for our prediction on the match, Lauri Makkanen over 5.5 rebounds. This line has moved to 4.5 on some sportsbooks, and if you don’t mind the juice take it at their offer. Markkanen has recorded games with 11, 7, and 7 rebounds in his last three. He also has an average of 6.2 per rebounds per game.

There are several great rebounders on the court, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Walker Kessler, and others. However, Markkanen is 6’ 11” and plays with great effort. The reason for the dip is Doncic is expected to make his Lakers debut, and numbers have either inflated or or been juiced. 

Markkanen is averaging over 32 minutes per game and the opportunities will be there. Put a unit on him to earn his average tonight against the Lakers. 

 

 

 

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Alternatively, if you prefer a safety net for your first bet, you can place a wager of $10 or more, up to $1,000, and if luck isn't on your side, your entire stake will be returned as bonus bets. Whether you want to tail our NBA best bets today or not, use this link to create your Bet365 account now!

 

 

 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

*All odds accurate at time of writing and NBA best bets to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise