We’ve got a stacked NBA card for tonight’s slate. I’ve added three best bets using our AI Model to jumpstart the week at the top-rated sportsbooks. Join me below!
And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more betting advice on these games. Today, our expert covered the Clippers vs. Pistons and Nets vs. Wizards games.
Picks Summary
- Timberwolves +12.5 (-110)
- Jazz +4.5 (-110)
- Hornets/Kings Under 232.5 (-110)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Monday, February 24, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at Paycom Center
The AI Model believes the Timberwolves will only lose to the Thunder, 120-109. That’s an 11-point loss, but the Timberwolves are +12.5 against the spread. Consider the Wolves in this spot.
Watching Film Will Help!
The Timberwolves fell to the Thunder 130-123 in yesterday’s matchup. Now, these two teams will play in the second game of a back-to-back against one another.
It’s always easier to make adjustments after a previous game. That said, Minnesota should still be successful on the offensive glass. The team is also great at getting to the foul line. However, the Thunder have struggled in these two areas on defense this season.
The Timberwolves can take advantage.
The Timberwolves Need To Keep The Thunder Off The Line
The Oklahoma City Thunder are ranked as the No. 5 offense in the NBA. They’ve scored 119.9 points per 100 possessions and have added only 11.8% of turnovers per game. This is great stuff.
However, the Thunder rank 25th in free throw rate, which is an area where they’ve struggled to get to most of the year. They will likely struggle even more tonight, knowing the Timberwolves have allowed just a 17.8 free throw rate this season.
In addition, Minnesota ranks inside the top 15 in all major defensive categories. They’re one of a few teams that have the potential to stop the Thunder’s offense.
The Pick
I’ll gladly take Minnesota at +12.5 here.
NBA Pick: Timberwolves +12.5 (-110) at Bet365
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Utah Jazz
Monday, February 24, 2025 – 09:00 PM ET at Delta Center
The AI Model suggests the Jazz will only lose to the Blazers, 118-115. Meanwhile, Utah is +4.5 against the spread at home. Back the Jazz in this game.
Portland Isn’t Superior
The Portland Trail Blazers have scored 110.9 points per 100 possessions and shot an effective field goal percentage of 52.7%. In addition, the team has turned the ball over more than 16% of the time.
Utah doesn’t defend all that well, but the Jazz have still allowed only 27.6% of offensive rebounds. As long as Portland shoots its average, the Jazz will look fine on defense.
Utah Does The Little Things!
The Utah Jazz certainly aren’t a better offense than the Trail Blazers. However, Utah does the little things that the Blazers just don’t do:
- The Jazz have added 31.1% of offensive rebounds, while the Blazers have given up 30.7%.
- The Blazers have allowed a 21.4% free-throw rate, which ranks 27th in the NBA. On the other hand, the Jazz have added a 20.3 free-throw rate, which is seventh best in the NBA.
The offensive glass and foul shooting should be the difference.
The Pick
Ride the Jazz at +4.5. They can win outright.
NBA Pick: Jazz +4.5 (-110) at Bet365
Charlotte Hornets vs. Sacramento Kings
Monday, February 24, 2025 – 10:00 PM ET at Golden 1 Center
The AI Model predicts the Hornets and Kings will combine for 232 points. However, the total is stuck at 232.5 at most sportsbooks. That means the Under has some value in this late-night matchup.
The Hornets Lack Offensive Firepower!
The Charlotte Hornets rank 29th in the NBA in points per 100 possessions. Their offense has shot a league-worst effective field goal percentage of 50.4% and turned the ball over 15.6% of the time.
The only thing the Hornets do well on offense is rebound. However, they’re facing a Kings defense that ranks third in the NBA in defensive rebounding. The Hornets won’t even have that going for them tonight.
Respect Charlotte’s Defense
The Hornets have only 14 wins on the season. They’d have fewer if it weren’t for the defense. The Hornets have allowed just 115.1 points per 100 possessions, which is slightly below average.
Still, the Hornets don’t rank in the bottom ten in any major defensive category. They can prevent the Kings from going on massive runs down the stretch. That’ll help keep the total low.
The Pick
Grab the Under 232.5 in this game.
NBA Pick: Hornets/Kings Under 232.5 (-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.
