Category: NBA

Best NBA prop bets Feb. 21: Back Zion Williamson, fade De’Aaron Fox on Friday

NBA prop bets

Zion Williamson headlines Friday’s NBA prop bets.

The pregame narrative: I expect the big man to feast as the New Orleans Pelicans take on an injury-riddled Dallas Mavericks squad. Elsewhere, fade De’Aaron Fox and back Darius Garland.

Check out how I’m betting on them in the best NBA prop bets for Feb. 21.

Best NBA prop bets

Best bet: Williamson over 36.5 PRA (-113)

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This is shaping up to be a monster night for Zion.

The Mavericks, who are missing Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford, are slated to start 6-foot-6 P.J. Washington at centre, according to RotoWire.

It’s also worth noting that New Orleans’ standout rookie centre, Yves Missi, is questionable with a knee injury.

Williamson is averaging 24.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists (36.8 PRA), which puts him right in line with this total.

He should be able to feast on the glass and score at will against a team missing all of its size and defensive prowess.

The Mavericks have struggled to contain power forwards to begin with this season, and are ceding the ninth-most points and 11th-most rebounds per game to that position, according to Fantasy Pros.

Key stat: Williamson has cleared this line in eight of his last 10 games while averaging 38.8 PRA.

Quick picks

Fox under 25.5 points (-125): Fox is a solid scorer and will have to take the reins in San Antonio with Victor Wembanyama out for the season. With that said, I believe this is a prime fade spot.

  • Fox is 3-12 against this line in his last 15 games (2-4 since joining SAS).
  • He narrowly cleared this mark with 26 points last night but has struggled on back-to-backs this season, averaging 22.2 points on 41.9% shooting (nine-game sample).

The Spurs are playing a Detroit Pistons squad allowing the ninth-fewest PPG to opposing shooting guards, per Fantasy Pros. All signs are pointing to a dud.

Garland over 2.5 threes (-136): You know who’s not fazed by back-to-backs? Garland. Cleveland’s point guard is averaging 24.6 PPG while shooting 50.9% on zero rest this season (nine-game sample).

He’s cleared this mark in four of his last five back-to-backs and 11 of his last 15 games overall.

Garland was a member of this year’s 3-point contest and is about as dangerous as it gets from deep, canning 3.0 threes per game on 42.9% shooting.

And tonight, he gets to play a New York Knicks team with the worst 3-point defence in the NBA.

Picks made at 9:59 a.m. ET on 02/21/2025.

Knicks vs. Cavaliers same-game parlay predictions Feb. 21: Bet on Karl-Anthony Towns, Jarrett Allen in +310 SGP

Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions

Two of the Eastern Conference’s very best are set for a showdown on Friday night in Cleveland.

The pregame narrative: The Cavaliers host the New York Knicks in a game with solid scoring potential. I’ve got the over on a teased-down total in my +310 SGP, along with prop bets on Karl-Anthony Towns and Jarrett Allen.

Check out my Knicks vs. Cavaliers same-game parlay predictions for Feb. 21.

Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions

Parlay: Over 234.5 points | Towns 2+ threes | Allen to record a double-double (+310)

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Over 234.5 points (-210): This might seem like a lot to ask for, given that the Knicks and Cavaliers tallied just 214 points in their lone matchup this season.

But that came way back in October, and both teams’ over/under track records make this number look perfectly attainable.

  • Cleveland has hit the over 65.5% of the time (36-19-0, 1st in the NBA).
  • New York has hit the over 59.3% of the time (32-22-1, 4th in the NBA).

Both teams played last night, and a lack of rest also bodes well for tonight’s game to hit the over.

Overs are 7-1 this season when the Knicks are playing a back-to-back, per Team Rankings. And they’re 8-3 when the Cavs are playing a back-to-back.

Also, prior to the all-star break, this over cashed in eight of the Knick’s previous nine games — and in six of seven for the Cavaliers.

SGP legs

Towns 2+ threes (-180): A thumb injury hampered Towns’ 3-point shooting last month, but it seems like he’s much more comfortable shooting from deep now.

  • From Jan. 20 through Feb. 3, Towns posted a 20.0 3PT% in seven games. He canned multiple 3s only once.
  • Since then, Towns has 2+ threes in five straight games with a 48.5 3PT%.

Last night, Towns was a dreadful 2-for-10 from deep. But hey, he still cashed this bet. And the volume shows his willingness to put up shots, which is at least half the battle anyway.

On the season, KAT has hit this mark in 32 of 50 games (64.0%).

Allen to record a double-double (-124): Allen averages a double-double (13.7 points, 10.5 rebounds) and has cashed this bet in four straight games.

I’d be content riding with this as a straight wager, but it fits nicely into the SGP, too.

The 6-foot-11 centre had 16 points and 20 rebounds last night on hyper-efficient 8-of-9 shooting. He played just 25 minutes, which is a few less than average, so hopefully he’ll have plenty in the tank for Friday.

In his lone matchup against the Knicks this year, Allen finished with 15 points and 15 boards in 31 minutes of action.

Picks made at 9:30 a.m. ET on 02/21/2025.

Lakers vs. Trail Blazers same-game parlay predictions Feb. 20: Back Portland, tail Simons and Clingan at +270

Lakers vs. Trail Blazers predictions

The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Portland to play the Trail Blazers in the second half of a back-to-back.

The pregame narrative: The Blazers are one of the NBA’s best teams ATS so I’ll buy a few points and back Portland on an alternate spread. Prop picks on Anfernee Simons and Donovan Clingan round out this +270 SGP.

Check out my Lakers vs. Trail Blazers same-game parlay predictions for Feb. 20.

Lakers vs. Trail Blazers predictions

Parlay: Trail Blazers +6.5 | Simons over 20.5 points | Clingan over 9.5 rebounds (+270)

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Trail Blazers +6.5 (-195): The Lakers were rolling into the all-star break but have it tough in the first week back.

L.A. lost to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday and now plays its second game in as many nights against the pesky Trail Blazers.

  • Portland has the sixth-best ATS record in the NBA (31-23-1), per Team Rankings.
  • The Blazers are 9-5 ATS with a rest advantage.

LeBron James played 37 minutes last night while Luka Doncic logged 33, the most since his trade to the Lakers.

It seems Doncic’s minute restriction has been lifted but it’s no secret the Slovenian superstar looks rusty. Plus, this would be his first back-to-back in quite some time. I can’t say I believe in his fitness right now.

Portland’s won six straight home games.

SGP legs

Simons over 20.5 points (-148): Simons was cooking before the all-star break and I think it’ll continue into the second half of the season.

The point guard has 21-plus points in four of his past five games. He averaged 23.2 and played 31 or more minutes in each of those contests.

He’s shooting a blistering 43.8% from 3 on 9.6 attempts per game during that stretch.

With Deandre Ayton out and both Scoot Henderson and Jerami Grant questionable, Simons will once again be tasked with carrying the offensive load.

Clingan over 9.5 rebounds (-134): With Ayton sidelined, the rookie big man has stepped into the starting role and excelled as a rebounder.

30 games off the bench: 13.9 minutes, 5.6 rebounds per game.

11 games as a starter: 22.9 minutes, 10.8 rebounds per game.

In the Blazers’ final game before the break, Clingan played 31 minutes against the Denver Nuggets and hauled in 20 rebounds.

He’s cleared this mark in 7-of-11 starts this season and gets a nice matchup against the Lakers on a back-to-back.

Since losing Anthony Davis and the trade for Mark Williams fell through, L.A. lacks depth at centre.

Five of the previous six centres to start against the Lakers have grabbed eight-plus boards. That gives this leg of the parlay an incredibly high floor.

Despite only starting 11 games, Clingan averages 12.1 rebound chances per game, according to NBA.com. That number should be inflated on Thursday with the big man in the starting lineup.

Picks made at 12:18 p.m. ET on 02/20/2025.

Clippers vs. Bucks same-game parlay predictions Feb. 20: Back L.A. to cover, Leonard on the glass at +310

Clippers vs. Bucks predictions

I’m bullish on the Los Angeles Clippers when they play the Bucks in Milwaukee on Thursday night.

The pregame narrative: Milwaukee entered the all-star break on a skid and I expect more trouble against a healthy L.A. squad. Back the Clippers on an alternate spread and take James Harden and Kawhi Leonard to be productive.

Check out my Clippers vs. Bucks same-game parlay predictions for Feb. 20.

Clippers vs. Bucks predictions

Parlay: Clippers +3.5 | Harden over 20.5 points | Leonard over 5.5 rebounds (+310)

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Clippers +3.5 (-200): Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Damian Lillard (hamstring) are both listed as questionable on the NBA’s 10:30 a.m. ET injury report.

If they’re out, great, but I love this number even if both superstars suit up.

The Bucks are 3-6 in their last nine games, and 0-3 in their last three with both Giannis and Lillard playing, losing each matchup by double digits.

To put it bluntly, Doc Rivers hasn’t got the most out of this group. The Bucks are 47-44 since he took over as head coach and are a miserable 24-29-1 ATS this year (10th-worst mark in the NBA).

L.A. is 32-22 ATS, has won three straight games, and handed the Bucks (with Giannis and Lillard) a 10-point loss on Jan. 25.

SGP legs

Harden over 20.5 points (-152): Harden was the driving force behind that win, scoring a game-high 40 points on 50.0% shooting — I’m asking for just over half of that production tonight.

The Bucks have gotten torched by point guards since acquiring Lillard last season, giving up the most points to that position on a per-game basis (26.9), according to Fantasy Pros.

Harden has cleared this mark in seven of his last 10 games while attempting 16.9 shots a night.

This is a smash play in my book.

Leonard over 5.5 rebounds (-118): Leonard seemingly has his minutes restriction lifted and played north of 30 minutes in three straight games heading into the all-star break.

He fell short of this number in each contest, but that doesn’t worry me.

  • Leonard has 5+ rebounds in seven of his last eight games, clearing this mark four times.
  • The Bucks allow the third-most rebounds per game (8.24) to small forwards.

Leonard is right around this total on a nightly basis. In a plus matchup, I expect the board man to get paid.

Picks made at 11:00 a.m. ET on 02/20/2025.

Best NBA prop bets Feb. 20: Back James Harden and Jamal Murray to clear modest point totals

NBA prop bets

I’ve got four NBA prop bets for Thursday’s NBA slate.

The pregame narrative: James Harden, Jamal Murray and Paolo Banchero all draw favourable matchups and I expect them to score. Ayo Dosunmu also has solid value to can a pair of 3s.

Check out how I’m betting on them in the best NBA prop bets for Feb. 20.

Best NBA prop bets

Best bet: Harden over 20.5 points (-130)

Harden isn’t shooting the lights out but he is shooting with volume, which I love to see.

The veteran guard is averaging 21.5 points on 39.5% shooting while taking 15.9 shots a game. That’s led to him clearing this line frequently, even if it hasn’t been efficient.

  • Harden is averaging 22.6 points in his last 10 games.
  • He’s 7-3 against this line in that span while playing 37.3 minutes a night.

Harden exploded for 40 points the last time he played the Milwaukee Bucks, tonight’s opponent, on Jan. 25.

Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell both played, so it’s not like he was unnaturally thrust into a primary scoring position.

Milwaukee has been horrible at defending point guards since acquiring Damian Lillard and I expect Harden to exploit that weakness.

Key stat: The Bucks allow the most PPG (26.9) to opposing point guards, according to Fantasy Pros.

Quick picks

Murray over 21.5 points (-120): The biggest risk betting on Thursday’s Charlotte Hornets vs. Denver Nuggets matchup is blowout potential.

Charlotte is a 16-point underdog after beating the Los Angeles Lakers last night. But the Hornets have been pesky lately and I expect them to keep things somewhat close.

They own a 6-3-0 ATS record on no rest this season and played the Nuggets tight on Feb. 1., narrowly losing 107-104.

Murray scored 20 in that game on 8-of-16 shooting, part of a solid 10-game stretch he rode into the all-star break capped by a career-high 55 points against the Portland Trail Blazers.

  • Denver’s PG is averaging 25.9 PPG across his last 10 games on 53.1% shooting.
  • He scored 20+ points 7 times and 23+ points 5 times.

Charlotte owns the third-worst mid-range defence in the NBA and Murray takes 46% of his shots from that area of the court (ranking in the 84th percentile of all players), per Cleaning the Glass.

Back a pair of young guns

Banchero over 24.5 points (-108): I backed Banchero to clear this point total as part of a +295 parlay which you can read about here. But let me give you some CliffsNotes:

  • The Hawks allow the fourth-most points per game to power forwards.
  • Banchero scored 24 and 31 points in his last two games (20+ FGA in both).
  • He’s cleared this mark in three straight games against Atlanta, scoring 30-plus points twice.

Orlando’s superstar has been slumping since returning from an injury but this is a good spot for him to snap out of it.

Dosunmu over 1.5 threes (-134): The Chicago Bulls are finally rebuilding. Zach LaVine is out of the door and his volume — specifically his 7.3 three-point attempts — will have to be replaced.

I think Dosunmu is the man for the job.

The fourth-year guard has hit at least one 3 in 12 of his last 13 games, clearing this mark seven times.

Tonight, he takes on a New York Knicks team with the worst 3-point defence (37.8%) in the NBA. Dosunmu hit two 3s against them earlier this year with LaVine in the lineup.

Picks made at 8:59 a.m. ET on 02/20/2025.

Best NBA prop bets Feb. 20: Back James Harden and Jamal Murray to clear modest point totals

NBA prop bets

I’ve got four NBA prop bets for Thursday’s NBA slate.

The pregame narrative: James Harden, Jamal Murray and Paolo Banchero all draw favourable matchups and I expect them to score. Ayo Dosunmu also has solid value to can a pair of 3s.

Check out how I’m betting on them in the best NBA prop bets for Feb. 20.

Best NBA prop bets

Best bet: Harden over 20.5 points (-120)

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Harden isn’t shooting the lights out but he is shooting with volume, which I love to see.

The veteran guard is averaging 21.5 points on 39.5% shooting while taking 15.9 shots a game. That’s led to him clearing this line frequently, even if it hasn’t been efficient.

  • Harden is averaging 22.6 points in his last 10 games.
  • He’s 7-3 against this line in that span while playing 37.3 minutes a night.

Harden exploded for 40 points the last time he played the Milwaukee Bucks, tonight’s opponent, on Jan. 25.

Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell both played, so it’s not like he was unnaturally thrust into a primary scoring position.

Milwaukee has been horrible at defending point guards since acquiring Damian Lillard and I expect Harden to exploit that weakness.

Key stat: The Bucks allow the most PPG (26.9) to opposing point guards, according to Fantasy Pros.

Quick picks

Murray over 21.5 points (-115): The biggest risk betting on Thursday’s Charlotte Hornets vs. Denver Nuggets matchup is blowout potential.

Charlotte is a 16-point underdog after beating the Los Angeles Lakers last night. But the Hornets have been pesky lately and I expect them to keep things somewhat close.

They own a 6-3-0 ATS record on no rest this season and played the Nuggets tight on Feb. 1., narrowly losing 107-104.

Murray scored 20 in that game on 8-of-16 shooting, part of a solid 10-game stretch he rode into the all-star break capped by a career-high 55 points against the Portland Trail Blazers.

  • Denver’s PG is averaging 25.9 PPG across his last 10 games on 53.1% shooting.
  • He scored 20+ points 7 times and 23+ points 5 times.

Charlotte owns the third-worst mid-range defence in the NBA and Murray takes 46% of his shots from that area of the court (ranking in the 84th percentile of all players), per Cleaning the Glass.

Back a pair of young guns

Banchero over 24.5 points (-103): I backed Banchero to clear this point total as part of a +295 parlay which you can read about here. But let me give you some CliffsNotes:

  • The Hawks allow the fourth-most points per game to power forwards.
  • Banchero scored 24 and 31 points in his last two games (20+ FGA in both).
  • He’s cleared this mark in three straight games against Atlanta, scoring 30-plus points twice.

Orlando’s superstar has been slumping since returning from an injury but this is a good spot for him to snap out of it.

Dosunmu over 1.5 threes (-103): The Chicago Bulls are finally rebuilding. Zach LaVine is out of the door and his volume — specifically his 7.3 three-point attempts — will have to be replaced.

I think Dosunmu is the man for the job.

The fourth-year guard has hit at least one 3 in 12 of his last 13 games, clearing this mark seven times.

Tonight, he takes on a New York Knicks team with the worst 3-point defence (37.8%) in the NBA. Dosunmu hit two 3s against them earlier this year with LaVine in the lineup.

Picks made at 8:59 a.m. ET on 02/20/2025.

Suns vs. Spurs same-game parlay predictions Feb. 20: Back Wembanyama and Booker at +320

Suns vs. Spurs predictions

Two teams fighting for a play-in spot meet on Thursday when the San Antonio Spurs host the Phoenix Suns.

The pregame narrative: San Antonio hobbled into the all-star break and Phoenix wasn’t much better. Neither side is playing solid defence, so I’ll turn to the over alongside a pair of prop bets on Victor Wembanyama and Devin Booker.

Check out my +325 Suns vs. Spurs same-game parlay predictions for Feb. 20.

Suns vs. Spurs predictions

Editor’s note: Victor Wembanyma is listed as doubtful with an illness as of the NBA’s 9:30 a.m. injury report on Feb. 20.

Parlay: Over 229.5 points | Wembanyama 25+ points | Booker over 1.5 threes (+325)

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Over 229.5 points (-114): As it stands, neither Phoenix (26-28) nor San Antonio (23-29) would make the play-in. There’s plenty of season left but each team needs to kick things into gear quickly.

Over the last 15 games, neither squad has inspired much confidence:

  • Spurs: 5-10 record, 27th in D rating
  • Suns: 7-8 record, 21st in D rating

Taking the over has a lot to do with those defensive ratings, but I’m also keyed in on each team’s pace (number of possessions per 48 minutes) in the same span.

The Spurs are playing at the fifth-fastest pace (101.3) while the Suns are 17th (99.3).

Unsurprisingly, this has resulted in plenty of overs for San Antonio.

The over is 12-3 in its last 15 games. Phoenix doesn’t play quite as fast and loose but the over is still 7-3 in its last 10, and 9-6 in its last 15.

SGP legs

Wembanyama over 25+ points (+116): I expect Wembanyama to lead to the scoring charge.

The French phenom is averaging 24.3 PPG this year. He entered the break in a bit of a rut, clearing this line just once in his last five games (while also landing on 24 points once).

But he cleared this line in three of five games prior, never finishing below 20 points.

Wemby has a unique skill set — being 7-foot-4 with a jumper — that makes him a nightmare to defend. And with the way Phoenix is playing, I like his chances of having a night.

The Suns also allow the fourth-most PPG to opposing centres, per Fantasy Pros.

Booker 2+ threes (-315): Booker missed Phoenix’s last game with an injury so I’m hoping he’ll suit up with a week of rest.

And maybe the rest was much-needed considering the shooting slump he was in from beyond the arc. Booker is shooting 28.9% from deep this month but still cleared this line in four of six games.

That’s because he’s averaging a healthy 6.3 attempts per night, putting us in a great spot volume-wise.

The Spurs are a middle-of-the-pack team at defending the perimeter so I love this leg’s outlook if Booker keeps on firing.

Picks made at 3:50 p.m. ET on 02/19/2025.

NBA parlay picks Feb. 20: Back the Celtics against 76ers, Banchero to score at +300

NBA parlay picks

The NBA returns to regular-scheduled programming on Thursday with a nine-game slate. I’ve built out a +300 three-leg parlay for the action.

The pregame narrative: Paolo Banchero is in a great spot to light up the scoreboard against the Atlanta Hawks. Elsewhere, take the Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers on alternate spreads in their matchups against the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers.

Check out the full NBA parlay picks for Feb. 20.

NBA parlay picks

Parlay: Banchero over 24.5 points | Celtics -4 | Trail Blazers +8.5 (+300)

Banchero over 24.5 points (-112): Banchero hasn’t looked like himself since returning from a torn oblique muscle on Jan. 10.

He’s averaging 20.6 PPG across 17 appearances while shooting a miserable 40.6% from the field and 28.9% from deep.

But there are a few reasons to believe he’ll snap out of it on Thursday:

  • Banchero scored 24 and 31 points in his last two games while attempting 20+ field goals in both contests.
  • He’s had a week to rest up and scored 30+ points when he’s ultra fresh (first game of the season and first game when returning from injury).
  • The Hawks allow the fourth-most points per game to power forwards, according to Fantasy Pros.

Banchero has cleared this mark in three straight games against Atlanta, scoring 30-plus points twice.

Other picks

Celtics -4 (-223): The Celtics shook off their New Year’s slump and entered the all-star break on a rampage.

Boston is 7-1 in its last eight games, winning five of those games by double digits. Its last three victories came by a combined 58 points against some solid opponents (Knicks, Heat, Spurs).

The same can’t be said for the 76ers, who have been a disaster all year long.

The 76ers have lost five straight games and seven of their last eight. That includes a 118-110 loss to the Celtics in Philadelphia.

Joel Embiid played in four of those games and Philly went 1-3 outright and 0-4 ATS.

Trail Blazers +8.5 (-209): The Trail Blazers entered the all-star break on a three-game losing streak but I’ll forgive them.

Those games were all on the road and came against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets (twice). Before that, Portland had won six straight and 10 of its last 11.

The Blazers are locking in defensively and should get the best of a Lakers team playing on a back-to-back.

Portland is 9-5 ATS with a rest advantage and Los Angeles will have to travel after hosting the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.

Picks made at 11:03 a.m. on 02/19/2025.

NBA parlay picks Feb. 20: Back the Celtics against 76ers, Banchero to score at +295

NBA parlay picks

The NBA returns to regular-scheduled programming on Thursday with a nine-game slate. I’ve built out a +295 three-leg parlay for the action.

The pregame narrative: Paolo Banchero is in a great spot to light up the scoreboard against the Atlanta Hawks. Elsewhere, take the Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers on alternate spreads in their matchups against the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers.

Check out the full NBA parlay picks for Feb. 20.

NBA parlay picks

Parlay: Banchero over 24.5 points | Celtics -3.5 | Trail Blazers +8.5 (+295)

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Banchero over 24.5 points (-105): Banchero hasn’t looked like himself since returning from a torn oblique muscle on Jan. 10.

He’s averaging 20.6 PPG across 17 appearances while shooting a miserable 40.6% from the field and 28.9% from deep.

But there are a few reasons to believe he’ll snap out of it on Thursday:

  • Banchero scored 24 and 31 points in his last two games while attempting 20+ field goals in both contests.
  • He’s had a week to rest up and scored 30+ points when he’s ultra fresh (first game of the season and first game when returning from injury).
  • The Hawks allow the fourth-most points per game to power forwards, according to Fantasy Pros.

Banchero has cleared this mark in three straight games against Atlanta, scoring 30-plus points twice.

Other picks

Celtics -3.5 (-250): The Celtics shook off their New Year’s slump and entered the all-star break on a rampage.

Boston is 7-1 in its last eight games, winning five of those games by double digits. Its last three victories came by a combined 58 points against some solid opponents (Knicks, Heat, Spurs).

The same can’t be said for the 76ers, who have been a disaster all year long.

The 76ers have lost five straight games and seven of their last eight. That includes a 118-110 loss to the Celtics in Philadelphia.

Joel Embiid played in four of those games and Philly went 1-3 outright and 0-4 ATS.

Trail Blazers +8.5 (-230): The Trail Blazers entered the all-star break on a three-game losing streak but I’ll forgive them.

Those games were all on the road and came against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets (twice). Before that, Portland had won six straight and 10 of its last 11.

The Blazers are locking in defensively and should get the best of a Lakers team playing on a back-to-back.

Portland is 9-5 ATS with a rest advantage and Los Angeles will have to travel after hosting the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.

Picks made at 11:03 a.m. on 02/19/2025.

Hornets vs. Lakers prop picks Feb. 19: Back LeBron James to clear his rebounding total

Hornets vs. Lakers prop picks

The NBA returns from the all-star break on Wednesday when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Charlotte Hornets at 10:00 p.m. ET.

The pregame narrative: With Luka Doncic still reportedly on a minutes restriction and no centre depth to speak of, I expect LeBron James to have a night on the glass for L.A. Also, bet on Miles Bridges to clear his point total.

Check out my Hornets vs. Lakers prop picks for Feb. 19.

Hornets vs. Lakers prop picks

Best bet: LeBron over 30.5 points and rebounds (-118)

Anthony Davis is gone and a trade for Charlotte’s Mark Williams fell through due to a failed physical.

That’s put the Lakers in a pickle on the glass. Right now, rookie Jaxson Hayes is slotted at the No. 5 with recent free agent signing Alex Len — who averaged 1.9 rebounds in 31 games with Sacramento — backing him up.

Doncic will also remain on a minutes restriction tonight, per Mike Trudell.

With that said, it’s time for LeCentre to step up.

James didn’t play in the all-star game and is listed as questionable tonight, but I wouldn’t read into that. The festivities are a joke, and he probably just wanted some extra rest to gear up for the home stretch.

LeBron is averaging 28.6 points and 9.8 rebounds across five games this month, clearing this line four times.

Charlotte ranks 21st in rebounding rate and 14th in defensive rating over the last 15 games, per NBA.com.

Key stat: LeBron is averaging 30.3 points and 7.7 rebounds in nine games without Davis this season (7-2 against this line).

Quick pick

Bridges over 20.5 points (-106): Getting Doncic for Davis set up Los Angeles for years to come, but it’s unquestionably made them a worse defensive team in the short term.

And even with Davis in the lineup, the Lakers struggled to defend the small forward position.

L.A. allows the eighth-most points and 11th-most 3s to SFs, according to Fantasy Pros.

Bridges has also been on a nice scoring binge lately. He’s averaging 21.6 PPG across his last 20 games and has cleared this mark 14 times.

Picks made at 10:42 a.m. ET 02/19/2025.