Although there are only five games on tonight’s NBA slate, there’s still plenty of value on the NBA betting board. We know because our AI Model says so.
Take a look at its projections and best bets for tonight’s slate.
Picks Summary
- Hornets-Mavericks Under 226.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Pelicans +7.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Lakers -6 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Charlotte Hornets vs. Dallas Mavericks
Thursday, February 27, 2025 – 08:30 PM ET at American Airlines Center
The AI Model believes the Mavericks and Hornets will combine for 222 points tonight. Meanwhile, tonight’s game’s total is 224.5 via Bet365. That means the Under is the play.
Charlotte Is The Worst Offense In The League
The Charlotte Hornets have scored just 107.4 points per 100 possessions while shooting an effective field goal percentage of 50.1%.
The Hornets have also struggled to consistently reach the foul line and have turned the ball over 15.7% of the time.
While the Hornets should be aggressive on the offensive glass, their countless misses will keep them below average offensively all night against the Mavericks.
What’s With The Hornets?
The Charlotte Hornets have lost three consecutive games by super wide margins. They’ve also scored no more than 92 points in any of the three games while allowing at least 128 in each of those games.
Ultimately, the Hornets haven’t been horrible defensively this season. They’re 20th in points per 100 possessions and have allowed a 55% effective field goal percentage.
If you just zoom out a little bit, you’ll notice the Hornets have had some really good days on defense, too.
With all of Dallas’ injuries, expect the Hornets to step up and play better defense tonight.
Let’s rock with the Under 226.5 at -110 NBA odds. Thank the AI Model when this hits!
NBA Pick: Under 226.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns
Thursday, February 27, 2025 – 09:00 PM ET at Footprint Center
The AI Model suggests the Pelicans will lose to the Suns 121-115. However, the Pelicans are +7.5 against the spread at Caesars so they would cover the spread in this scenario.
Will The Pelicans Show Some Life?
The New Orleans Pelicans have won three of their last four games, including two home games against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Pelicans’ offense ranks 26th in points per 100 possessions, but the team was injured at the start of the year.
Now, New Orleans at least has Zion Williamson to lead the way.
Meanwhile, the Suns have allowed 117.6 points per 100 possessions and have forced just 12.5% of turnovers per game. The Pelicans should be able to limit turnovers and earn some offensive rebounds for second chances.
Will Phoenix Take Advantage Of The Glass?
The Phoenix Suns have added 115.2 points per 100 possessions, which ranks 12th in the NBA. They’ll shoot a higher effective field goal percentage but have only added 24.4% of offensive rebounds.
Off misses, the Suns are not adding many second chances. That’s not good, knowing the Pelicans have allowed 31% of offensive rebounds.
If the Suns don’t take advantage, this game will be much closer than the spread suggests.
Consider taking the Pelicans at +7.5.
NBA Pick: Pelicans +7.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Thursday, February 27, 2025 – 10:30 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena
The AI Model predicts the Lakers will escape with a 117-110 win over the Timberwolves. At Caesars, you can find the Lakers at -6. That’s ideal with a projected seven-point win.
Minnesota Is Banged Up!
Forget about the stats for a second.
Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Jesse Edwards are all listed as out. Meanwhile, Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards are game-time decisions.
The Timberwolves are beat up and not healthy. Meanwhile, they’re coming off an overtime win against the Thunder. They had been trailing by 20+ points in that game before coming back to win.
Minnesota can’t continue to fall behind. They won’t come back all of the time.
The Lakers Have Figured Things Out
The Los Angeles Lakers are on a three-game winning streak. They’ve also won all three games by holding their opponents to 102 points or below per game.
Additionally, the Lakers have limited opponents to below 102 points in four consecutive games. The defense is shining, and the offense, behind Luka Doncic and LeBron James, should be strong enough against this Minnesota squad.
Take the Lakers at -6.
NBA Pick: Lakers -6 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
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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.
