NBA Preview: Wednesday, February 16
A Heavy Humpday as All-Star Break Looms
The second-to-last night before the NBA All-Star break offers 11 games on deck. According to the NBA betting lines, there’s of mixtures of blowouts and tight games, so something for every bettor on the sportsbook.
Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic (7:10 p.m. ET)
The Atlanta Hawks took down the Cleveland Cavaliers Tuesday behind Trae Young’s 41 points, and now visit the lottery-bound Orlando Magic. The Hawks, who had lost their last two games and five-of-seven prior to Tuesday, are only 3-6 in their last nine games in Orlando. They’re just 3-7 against the spread (ATS) playing a second night of a back-to-back. The Magic have covered five straight game inside their division.
Brooklyn Nets at New York Knicks (7:40 p.m. ET)
“The Battle of the Boroughs” remains a solid game to bet online, as the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks appear evenly matched. The Knicks are slight favorites, though these teams have combined to win just three of their last 20 games. The total is the second-lowest on the evening, despite five of New York’s seven games this month going over.
Washington Wizards at Indiana Pacers (7:40 p.m. ET)
With a 26-30 record, the Washington Wizards still have a shot at the playoffs, play-ins or play-somethings,. This is likely why they traded for Kristaps Porzingis, though he won’t be available tonight. The online gambling lines are tight on this one, even with the Indiana Pacers losing 16 straight games against the Eastern Conference.
Detroit Pistons at Boston Celtics (7:40 p.m. ET)
We didn’t foresee the 48-point spanking the Boston Celtics handed the Philadelphia 76ers in Philly Tuesday night. Boston’s back at it here, hosting the tanking Detroit Pistons as the second-largest favorites of the evening. The Celtics has won nine consecutive games, while the Pistons have lost eight straight. The total has gone under in three of Boston’s last four home games.
48-point wins in Boston Celtics History
First 75 years: 4
Last 3 weeks: 2 pic.twitter.com/lLYU4GkpTi— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) February 16, 2022
Sacramento Kings at Chicago Bulls (8:10 p.m. ET)
The Chicago Bulls go for their fifth win in a row as they host the Sacramento Kings. The Bulls have the second-best cover rate as home favorites at 69.6 percent (16-7 ATS), while the Kings just 8-12 ATS as road underdog. The total has gone under in seven of these teams’ last nine meetings in Chicago.
San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder (8:10 p.m. ET)
After an overtime win at Madison Square Garden, the Oklahoma City Thunder return home as sizable underdogs against the San Antonio Spurs. Both teams are destined for the lottery, but the Thunder have been much better against the spread. Oklahoma City is 35-19-3 ATS, the second-best cover rate (64.8 percent). Meanwhile, the Spurs are just above break-even at 51.7 percent.
Portland Trail Blazers at Memphis Grizzlies (8:10 p.m. ET)
The Portland Trail Blazers also pulled off a stunner in their last game (at Milwaukee Monday), and have actually won three straight games despite a gutted roster. This out-of-nowhere run gets tested with a road game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis has the third-best record in the NBA, the best cover rate at 67.8 percent and is 21-5 ATS since Boxing Day.
Toronto Raptors at Minnesota Timberwolves (8:10 p.m. ET)
NBA predictions seem to be all over the place for this game, though the Toronto Raptors are ever-so-timid faves visiting the Minnesota Timberwolves. Toronto’s lost two straight games, but the Raptors are 5-1 ATS in the last six road games. Minnesota has won seven straight home games. Raptors’ star guard Fred VanVleet (lnee) is listed as “questionable” for this game.
Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns (9:10 p.m. ET)
The Phoenix Suns may score as many points as what we see in this Sunday’s All-Star Game when they oppose the Houston Rockets. They’re the largest favorites of the evening with the largest game total. In games decided by 10 or more points, Houston has the most losses (33), while Phoenix is tied for the most wins (26). The Suns are .500 (7-7) ATS when favored by double digits.
Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors (10:10 p.m. ET)
The Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors meet again after their last scheduled meeting (late December) was postponed until the seventh of March. Their only game of the season, a couple of days prior, featured one of the lowest-scoring totals, with neither team hitting 90 points. The Nuggets were 89-86 road winners The total has gone under in five of their last six games in the Bay Area.
Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Lakers (10:10 p.m. ET)
The Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers rematch following the Lakers’ improbable win nearly a month ago. Utah will once again be favored but this time, the Jazz have have a full roster. Meanwhile, LeBron James and Anthony Davis could miss the game for the Lakers. The Jazz are 11-9 ATS as road favorites, while the Lakers are 2-3 ATS as home underdogs.
