With the Super Bowl scheduled for tonight, the NBA scheduled three matchups for the early afternoon. Before heading to the top-rated sportsbooks, here are three bets to consider for today’s NBA action using the AI Model. Let’s hope for some extra bankroll for the Super Bowl!
Picks Summary
- Hornets/Pistons Over 225.5 (-110)
- Raptors +9.5 (-110)
- Bucks -1 (-110)
*All odds from Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Charlotte Hornets vs. Detroit Pistons
Sunday, February 09, 2025 – 01:00 PM ET at Little Caesars Arena
The AI Model likes the Pistons and Hornets to score 227 points in tonight’s game. However, the total is currently sitting at 225.5. Consider the Over.
Charlotte Can Still Get Good Looks!
The Hornets have scored 108.9 points per 100 possessions. They’ve also shot a 50.8% effective field goal percentage. This is nothing to write home about.
However, the Pistons have still allowed a 55% effective field goal percentage and have fouled at a top-ten rate. The Hornets must take advantage of the foul line and make some of their open looks.
It’s been a struggle all year, but the Hornets have some areas they can improve on tonight.
The Hornets Aren’t Great Defensively
The Charlotte Hornets have allowed 115 points per 100 possessions and rank below average in almost every significant defensive stat.
The Hornets are okay on the defensive glass. However, Charlotte has still allowed a 54.7% effective field goal percentage and a top-10 defensive free throw rate. In addition, the Hornets have added just 14.2% of turnovers.
Meanwhile, the Pistons have added a 54.2% effective field goal percentage and should be able to limit turnovers and get to the foul line more frequently.
The Pick
Take the Over 225.5 and thank the AI Model when it hits.
NBA Pick: Hornets/Pistons Over 225.5 (-110) at Bet365
Toronto Raptors vs. Houston Rockets
Sunday, February 09, 2025 – 02:00 PM ET at Toyota Center
The AI Model believes the Raptors will only lose to the Rockets 116-109. That’s a seven-point loss, but most sportsbooks are offering the Raptors at +9.5. Grab the Raptors to at least cover.
Toronto Needs To Add Second Chances!
The Toronto Raptors won’t get easy looks throughout today’s game. After all, the Rockets have limited teams to 110.8 points per 100 possessions, which is 4th-best in the NBA.
However, the Raptors should be able to create many second chances, which would give them more possessions. Toronto has contributed 29.5% of offensive rebounds per game, while the Rockets have allowed 28.3%.
If the Raptors can take advantage of the offensive glass, they’ll be in this game throughout.
Defend Without Fouling!
The Raptors have one of the most inconsistent defenses in the NBA. However, they could luck out, as the Rockets have only shot an effective field goal percentage of 51.5% this season.
The Rockets don’t take good shots. They’re just also good on the offensive glass and will likely get to the foul line more. However, it won’t be a big enough discrepancy at the line to win by double-digits.
The Pick
Grab the Raptors at +9.5 in this one.
NBA Pick: Raptors +9.5 (-110) at Bet365
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Sunday, February 09, 2025 – 02:00 PM ET at Fiserv Forum
The AI Model predicts the Bucks will escape the 76ers with a two-point win. Meanwhile, the Bucks are currently just -1 against the spread. That’s the play.
Could Joel Embiid Play?
Heading into today’s game, Joel Embiid is still listed as questionable. With today’s game being a bit earlier than usual, nobody would be surprised if he opted out of this game. That said, Philadelphia ranks 20th in points per 100 possessions and has shot a 53.4% effective field goal percentage.
In addition, the 76ers have grabbed just 25.3% of offensive rebounds. They’ll do a good job limiting turnovers, but it’s hard to rely on this Sixers team to shoot the ball. Beyond that, the 76ers likely won’t clean up the glass on misses.
Milwaukee’s Offense Is So Much Better
The Milwaukee Bucks have shot a 57.2% effective field goal percentage while scoring 115.9 points per 100 possessions. This is much better, especially since the 76ers rank dead last in the NBA in defensive effective field goal percentage.
Furthermore, the 76ers have allowed 30.2% of offensive rebounds per game. The Bucks are typically not aggressive on the glass but could have more second chances than other games.
The Pick
Let’s ride the Bucks at -1.
NBA Pick: Bucks -1 (-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.
