For the first time in a week, the NBA has more than one game on the regular schedule. Let’s take advantage! I’ve added three best bets using the AI Model for tonight’s NBA slate.
And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more betting advice on these games. Today, our expert covered the Bulls vs. Knicks and Magic vs. Hawks games.
Picks Summary
- Hornets +16 (-110)
- Suns-Spurs Under 236.5 (-110)
- Lakers -3.5 (-110)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Charlotte Hornets vs. Denver Nuggets
Thursday, February 20, 2025 – 09:00 PM ET at Ball Arena
The Hornets are expected to lose to the Nuggets, 121-107 tonight. However, Charlotte is +16 against the spread and would cover with a 14-point loss. Therefore, consider the Hornets against the spread tonight.
The Hornets Are Feeling Good!
After a win over the Lakers last night, the Hornets have to be feeling confident heading into tonight’s game against the Nuggets.
While the Hornets might not get to the foul line much or take the best looks from the field, Charlotte should have success on the offensive glass.
The Hornets have added 30.3% of offensive rebounds, while the Nuggets have given up 28.3% of offensive rebounds.
Let’s Respect Charlotte’s Defense
The Hornets probably don’t get enough love on defense. Charlotte’s defense is above average, holding teams to 114.5 points per 100 possessions. On the defensive end, the Hornets have limited offensive rebounds to 27.7% and allowed just a 54.3% effective field goal percentage.
The Hornets can simply play defense. That’ll keep them in tonight’s game against the Nuggets.
Let’s roll with the AI Model and take the Hornets at +16.
NBA Pick: Hornets +16 (-110) at Bet365
Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs
Thursday, February 20, 2025 – 09:30 PM ET at Moody Center
The AI Model thinks the Suns and Spurs will combine for 236 points in tonight’s game. Meanwhile, the total is set at 236.5 at most sportsbooks. There’s value on the under per our AI Model.
Fewer Chances At The Stripe!
The Phoenix Suns are a slightly above-average offense this season. The Suns have scored 115.1 points per 100 possessions and have added an effective field goal percentage of 55.9%.
That said, the Suns usually earn lots of points at the foul line, adding a 20.6 free throw rate this season. Against the Spurs, this is unlikely. The Spurs have held teams to a 15.1 free throw rate and likely won’t give the Suns many opportunities at the foul line.
That’ll hurt the Suns’ offense.
Can The Spurs Get Good Looks?
The San Antonio Spurs have only scored 113.3 points per 100 possessions. At the end of the day, the Spurs have turned the ball over 14.1% of the time. That’s the only good thing the Spurs have done throughout the season.
San Antonio has only shot an effective field goal percentage of 54%, which ranks 17th in the NBA. This trend is likely to continue against the Suns, who have held teams to a 54% effective field goal percentage themselves.
Consider the Under 236.5 in this Suns-Spurs tilt.
NBA Pick: Under 236.5 (-110) at Bet365
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Thursday, February 20, 2025 – 10:00 PM ET at Moda Center
The AI Model predicts the Lakers will rebound from last night’s loss by beating the Blazers 115-111. With the Lakers at -3.5 against the spread, Los Angeles is the play against the spread tonight.
The Lakers Should Find Their Offense!
The Los Angeles Lakers had trouble finding their offense in last night’s game against the Hornets. Still, Los Angeles has two of the best players in the league and has added 115.6 points per 100 possessions.
In addition, the Lakers are the best team at getting to the foul line and have shot an effective field goal percentage of 55.9%.
Meanwhile, Portland has allowed 116.8 points per 100 possessions and typically gives out many foul shots per game. That falls right into what the Lakers want to do on offense.
Can Portland Stick Around?
The Blazers finished the first half with three consecutive losses, giving up at least 132 points in two of their last three games. In those games, Portland didn’t even score more than 121.
The offense hasn’t been consistent at all this season. The only thing the Blazers are good at is earning offensive rebounds.
The second chances likely will not be enough to overcome the Lakers. After all, the Lakers have limited teams to 114.3 points per 100 possessions and allowed just a 54.1% effective field goal percentage.
Take the Lakers at -3.5.
NBA Pick: Lakers -3.5 (-110) at Bet365
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
