There are ten NBA matchups on the horizon throughout the day. I’ve added three best bets using the AI Model below. Let’s have a day to close out the weekend!
Pick Summary
- Pelicans -1.5 (-110)
- Cavaliers -5.5 (-110)
- Timberwolves +9.5 (-110)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Sunday, February 23, 2025 – 07:00 PM ET at Smoothie King Center
The AI Model projects the Pelicans will take care of business at home against the Spurs with a 121-119 win at home. Meanwhile, you can find the Pelicans at -1.5 against the spread using Bet365. That’s the play.
The Spurs No Longer Have Wembanyama
Due to blood clots, the San Antonio Spurs will no longer have Victor Wembanyama. At 24-30, it feels like the Spurs will just pack it in and wait for next year. They can get another lottery pick and pair another massive player with Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle.
Ultimately, the Spurs are a below-average offense and won’t be any better moving forward without Wembanyama.
The Pelicans Can Feast On The Offensive Glass
The Pelicans are no better on offense. However, there will be extra possessions for New Orleans. After all, the Pelicans have accumulated 28.4% of offensive rebounds per game.
With the Spurs allowing 28.9% of offensive rebounds, it’s very likely the Pelicans win the battle on the offensive glass. The extra possessions should be helpful.
Let’s roll with the Pelicans at -1.5.
NBA Pick: Pelicans -1.5 (-110) at Bet365
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Sunday, February 23, 2025 – 07:00 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
The AI Model thinks the Cavaliers will handle the Grizzlies with a seven-point win. That said, you can find the Cavaliers at -5.5 at Bet365. You’ll want to consider the Cavaliers against the spread tonight.
It Comes Down To Turnovers
The Memphis Grizzlies have scored 118.7 points per 100 possessions. They’ve also hit an effective field goal percentage of 56% and have also added 33% of offensive rebounds.
While Memphis will get good looks and second chances, it’ll all come down to Memphis’ ability to keep turnovers down.
It’s unlikely the Grizzlies will. After all, the Grizzlies have given up the ball 16% of the time per game this season. On the other hand, the Cavaliers have added 15% of turnovers per game.
If Cleveland can force a high rate of turnovers, it’ll help them keep Memphis in check.
How Will Cleveland Perform On Offense?
Scoring against the Memphis Grizzlies won’t be easy. After all, the Grizzlies have limited teams to a 52.6% effective field goal percentage and have allowed only 111.4 points per 100 possessions.
That said, Memphis ranks 23rd in defensive rebounding and 24th in defensive free throw rate. These two areas should help Cleveland get by against the Grizzlies at home.
I’m with the AI Model and like the Cavs against the spread tonight.
NBA Pick: Cavaliers -5.5 (-110) at Bet365
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Sunday, February 23, 2025 – 09:30 PM ET at Target Center
The AI Model predicts the Timberwolves will only lose to the Thunder by five at home. However, Minnesota is +9.5 against the spread. According to our AI Model, this is the most valuable play of the night.
Minnesota’s Defense Is Still Elite!
The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the league’s best offenses. They’ve scored 119.7 points per 100 possessions and have added a 55.7% effective field goal percentage. In addition, the turnovers are low, and the offensive rebounds are getting higher.
Still, the Thunder have only added a 17.9 free-throw rate, which is low. The Timberwolves’ defensive free-throw rate will likely remain at 17.9.
In addition, Minnesota has allowed just 111 points per 100 possessions. The Timberwolves have also limited opponents to a 53.1% effective field goal percentage and have only allowed 27.8% of offensive rebounds.
Few defenses can hold the Thunder below their averages, but the Timberwolves are certainly one of them.
Minnesota Must Do The Little Things
The Timberwolves aren’t going to out-shoot the Thunder. Instead, the Timberwolves need to dominate the offensive glass and get to the foul line more.
The Thunder rank 26th in defensive rebounding and 28th in defense free-throw rate. Minnesota should be able to take advantage of these two areas and keep things close against them.
Back the Timberwolves at +9.5.
NBA Pick: Timberwolves +9.5 (-110) at Bet365
*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler
*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.
