We’ve got another loaded slate in the NBA, including a Mavericks-Lakers game for the first time since Luka Doncic was traded to Los Angeles. I asked the AI Model for its thoughts on that game and two others. Before heading to the top-rated sportsbooks, check out the best bets below.
Picks Summary
- Spurs +2.5 (-110)
- Mavericks/Lakers Under 232.5 (-110)
- Hornets/Warriors Over 221.5 (-110)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at Smoothie King Center
The AI Model thinks the Spurs will only lose to the Pelicans 120-118 on the road tonight. However, the Spurs are +2.5 against the spread and would cover in this scenario.
The Spurs Can Still Score!
While Victor Wembanyama is out, the Spurs lack star power. They’ve got De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle but don’t have a true star on the roster.
However, that won’t matter tonight. The New Orleans Pelicans rank dead last in defensive points per 100 possessions. They have allowed a 56.4% effective field goal percentage and 31% of offensive rebounds. The Spurs aren’t the best shooting team and don’t consistently rebound on the offense glass. But that should change, at least for tonight.
Few Foul Shots For The Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have shot an effective field goal percentage of 51.5%. That won’t get the job done.
In addition, the Spurs have limited teams to a 15.3 free throw rate on defense. That’s the best rate in the league. So, while the Pelicans struggle from the field, it’s also unlikely they get to the foul line much, either.
The Pick
Thanks to the AI Model, I’ll take the Spurs at +2.5.
NBA Pick: Spurs +2.5 (-110) at Bet365
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 – 10:00 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena
The AI Model suggests the Lakers and Mavericks will combine for 231 points. Meanwhile, the total is currently at 232.5. The Under has some value in this epic matchup.
Dallas Was a No-Show Last Time Out
The Mavericks won’t have Anthony Davis or Daniel Gafford. They might not even have P.J. Washington or Dwight Powell. In addition, they just got cooked by the Warriors in a 126-102 loss. The Mavericks have played fairly well since the Luka Doncic trade. But fatigue could be setting in. After all, the Mavericks lack depth because of all the injuries they’ve endured.
The Mavericks do everything well on offense, and the Lakers do just as well on defense. It won’t be easy for the Mavericks to score against this Lakers defense, which has allowed just 113.8 points per 100 possessions.
Can The Lakers Take Advantage Of The Glass?
The Los Angeles Lakers have added 115.7 points per 100 possessions. They’ve been able to keep turnovers down and get to the foul line consistently.
There’s a chance the Lakers struggle to get to the foul line more consistently tonight. However, it’s still likely that the Lakers will limit turnovers against the Mavericks. Ultimately, if the Lakers can’t score many points at the foul line, it’s hard to grab the over, knowing that time will be ticking much more than in other Lakers games.
The Pick
Ride with the Under 232.5 in this game.
NBA Pick: Mavericks/Lakers Under 232.5 (-110) at Bet365
Charlotte Hornets vs. Golden State Warriors
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 – 10:00 PM ET at Chase Center
The AI Model predicts the Hornets and Warriors will score 223 points combined in tonight’s contest. With the total currently at 221.5, the Over looks to be the play.
The Charlotte Defense Is Cooked!
The Charlotte defense has played relatively well this season. However, they’ve been on a long road trip since the All-Star break and just allowed 141 points to the Portland Trail Blazers last time out.
On the other hand, the Warriors have contributed at least 126 points in two straight games. Golden State is now three games above .500 and playing much better with Jimmy Butler on the roster. It’s hard to imagine this fatigued Hornets defense will do anything to stop the Warriors tonight.
The Hornets Just Need To Show Up!
We’re not asking for much from the Hornets. They just need to show up and put up their below-average numbers. That’ll be enough to hit the over, thanks to the Warriors’ recent surge on offense.
The Pick
Consider the Over 221.5 in this game.
NBA Pick: Hornets/Warriors Over 221.5 (-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.
