Welcome to the world of NBA betting, where every game is an opportunity to strike it big. With expert insights and analysis from Eric Lindquist, you will be equipped with all the information you need to make informed bets and maximize your winnings. Plus, with DraftKings’ special offer, there’s never been a better time to start betting on the NBA. Don’t forget to sign up with DraftKings and bet just $5 and win $150 on any sport. Now let’s take a look at what’s in store for Thursday, Feb. 23.
Best NBA Bets, Expert Picks & Predictions | Feb. 23
Bojan Bogdanovic OVER 3.5 Rebounds (-110 on FanDuel)
The Detroit Pistons do not tend to find themselves in many competitive road spots, so laying just 6.5 points to the Magic is about as good as it gets. That creates a few extra minutes in projections for the likes of these Pistons starters such as Bojan Bogdanovic, who leads the team in minutes per game this season (32). That little boost increases his 3.7 rebounds per game ever so slightly in a neutral matchup on the boards, which the Magic have been this season, with a 76.9% defensive rebounding rate (10th) and 23.6% offensive rebounding rate (16th).
But that’s not the only thing furthering the case for the over on Bogdanovic’s boards. Jalen Duren, a 90th-percentile rebounder on both ends of the floor, may have found himself in a newfound timeshare at center with Warriors acquisition James Wiseman. And while Wiseman is an equally strong defensive rebounder to Duren, Wiseman carries just a 7.3% offensive rebounding rate for his career compared to Duren’s elite 14.3% mark in his rookie campaign. That creates an even stronger case for Bogdanovic to potentially snag an extra board or two, making this my favorite prop on the board for Thursday’s slate of games.
Toronto Raptors -5.5 vs. New Orleans Pelicans (-115 on BetMGM)
Some books have already moved this line to -6.5 in the Raptors’ favor, but BetMGM has the lone remaining -5.5 left, albeit with slightly more juice. But this remains my favorite point spread to target of the night, as the surprising re-acquisition of Jakob Poeltl at the deadline plus potential return of O.G. Anunoby are both major deals that don’t feel factored into this number. And while the Pelicans are healthy as well save for the all-important Zion Williamson absence, Toronto projects as the appreciably better squad going forward, making -5.5 a bit of a bargain to back the Raptors at home tonight.
