NBA Archives - Page 90 of 146

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

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 31.5 points and rebounds (-109)

Embed: #109789

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.

JJ Redick said that the team will keep Luka Doncic on a minutes restriction tomorrow against Charlotte, but he’s hopeful there won’t be a minutes restriction moving forward.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 19, 2025

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 three times while landing on 31 points/rebounds once.

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 (6-3 against this line).

Quick pick

Bridges over 20.5 points (-122): 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 10:19 a.m. ET 02/19/2025.

Hornets vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions Feb. 19: Bet on Doncic and Ball at +325

The Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers headline the first night of NBA action following the all-star break.

The pregame narrative: I’m bullish on the Lakers for the rest of the season and I’m taking them to cover an alternate spread in their first game back. I also have picks on Luka Doncic and LaMelo Ball in this +325 SGP.

Check out my Hornets vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions for Feb. 19.

Hornets vs. Lakers predictions

Parlay: Lakers -9.5 | Doncic 3+ threes | Ball over 10.5 rebounds/assists (+325)

Embed: #109740

Lakers -9.5 (-220): I don’t know if it’s the hype surrounding the Lakers’ trade for Doncic or their recent play, but I’m buying in.

Since Jan. 21, L.A. is 10-2 with a +12.3 average point differential.

The Lakers covered this spread in 6/10 of those wins.

Fans haven’t seen the full potential of the Doncic and LeBron James duo yet, either.

Doncic played just 23 minutes in each of his first two games with the Lakers. The all-star break gave the Slovenian superstar extra time to settle into his new home while getting back to peak fitness.

The Hornets are 2-11 in their last 13 and 13-39 overall. I feel good buying some extra points in favour of the Lakers.

SGP legs

Doncic 3+ threes (-195): Even in Doncic’s lacklustre 16-point performance against the Utah Jazz, he was able to drain three triples.

That exemplifies his sky-high floor as one of the NBA’s highest-volume shooters.

Even in a year filled with injuries, Doncic averages 3.3 threes on 9.5 attempts per game. In 46 minutes through two starts with the Lakers, he has attempted 15 threes.

The hope here is Doncic has a slight uptick in minutes as his conditioning improves. But he’s capable of clearing this line even with a reduced workload.

Ball over 10.5 rebounds/assists (-143): To start, Ball averages 12.3 rebounds/assists, which is obviously above the number I’m looking for Wednesday.

Ball has dealt with an ankle injury that forced him out in the first quarter in two of his last three starts. But he’s had the entire all-star break to tend to the issue.

If Ball is good to go on Wednesday, I expect big minutes. If he’s ruled out, this leg will be void and there’s no harm.

In the past eight games where he’s played more than 20 minutes, he is averaging 14.4 RA and has cleared this mark seven times.

On Jan. 27, Ball played just nine minutes against the Lakers. He went 4-1 against this line in five previous meetings with L.A.

Picks made at 2:18 p.m. ET on 02/18/2025.

NBA schedule, odds and betting lines Feb. 20: Wembanyama’s Spurs face Suns in first post-all-star matchup

With the NBA All-Star Game and its surrounding festivities in the rearview, it’s time to shift our focus to the 30-ish remaining games of each team’s regular season.

The latest: After a one-off game on Wednesday, the NBA returns to its regularly scheduled programming with Thursday’s nine-game slate.

Check out our basketball betting lines and NBA schedule for Feb. 20.

NBA schedule: Feb. 20

Visit all of tonight’s NBA markets. Click on game odds below to bet now.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Indiana Pacers

Embed: #109658

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Embed: #109657

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets

Embed: #109656

Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks

Embed: #109655

Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks

Embed: #109654

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Embed: #109653

Charlotte Hornets vs. Denver Nuggets

Embed: #109652

Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs

Embed: #109651

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Embed: #109650

Betting insights

Joel Embiid’s health status never feels rock solid, but it’d be fair to expect him to play against the Celtics after playing four of Philly’s final six games before the break (sitting for a pair of back-to-backs). Embiid last faced Boston on Christmas Day, when he led the Sixers to a win as 9.5-point underdogs.

On Feb. 10, Orlando lost at home as a 6.5-point favourite against Atlanta. Now the teams reunite in the Peach State with the Haws riding a 9-1 ATS win streak. Orlando is 1-8 SU and ATS in its past nine road games.

How’s this for a welcome back after the break? After facing Luka Doncic, LeBron James and the Lakers in Wednesday’s standalone matchup, the Hornets have a back-to-back against the Nuggets. Denver surged into the all-star break on an NBA-high win streak (eight games).
Cleveland has the highest over rate in the NBA (36-18-0, 66.7%), per Team Rankings. But Brooklyn’s over rate (23-31-0, 42.6%) is among the league’s lowest.

His scoring is down a touch, but look at what Victor Wembanyama has accomplished since the calendar flipped to 2025: 22.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals. The Suns, who sit 1.5 games outside the play-in picture, will need to keep him in check to win.

NBA All-Star Game predictions and odds: Chuck’s Global Stars have what it takes to win at +170

The NBA’s all-star weekend wraps up on Sunday night with a multi-part all-star game that features four teams.

The narrative: Last year featured a cut-and-dry showdown between Eastern Conference and Western Conference stars. But now there are four teams vying for the bulk of a $1.8 million purse, with a mishmash of players from both conferences.

Check out our NBA All-Star Game predictions and odds for the event on Feb. 16.

NBA All-Star Game predictions

Team	Odds to win
Team Shaq (OGs)	+100
Team Chuck (Global Stars)	+170
Team Kenny (Young Stars)	+450
Team Candace (Rising Stars)	+1,100

NBA odds as of 9:55 a.m. ET on 02/16/25.

To bet on the NBA All-Star Game, you first have to understand how the event works. And in typical NBA fashion, there’s been some tinkering.

There are four teams consisting of eight players each.

It’s a three-game tournament (not a round-robin), with just a semifinal round and the finals.

For each matchup, the first team to 40 points wins.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1889469563546251419

Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal were tasked with drafting their teams from a pool of 24 all-stars (Trae Young and Kyrie Irving are serving as injury replacements).

The fourth team, overseen by WNBA legend Candace Parker, is a group of rookies and sophomores including Zach Edey, Stephon Castle, Keyonte George and Dalton Knecht.

NBA ASG pick to win

Chuck’s Global Stars (+170)

The NHL and NBA have opposite problems right now during their respective midseason hiatuses.

NHLers are arguably trying too hard in the 4 Nations Face-Off, while many are skeptical that NBA players will try hard enough.

This year’s NBA All-Star Game format is a valid attempt at preventing another shoot-from-anywhere circus. With a hard cap of 40 points per side, maybe teams will play with a bit more structure.

If you’re willing to bank on a heightened level of competitiveness, you have to love what Chuck’s Global Stars are bringing to the table.

Go to full NBA all-star betting markets

The NBA MVP race is down to two players, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, and both are on Chuck’s squad.

So too is the runaway frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama.

Oh, and let’s not forget Karl-Anthony Towns, who dropped a 50-burger for the West at least year’s event.

Shaq’s OGs still have the most overall brand recognition, led by LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum. They’re likely also favoured because they have a perceived easier path to the final game (the OGs are heavily favoured in the semis against the Rising Stars).

The Global Stars, meanwhile, are -200 moneyline favourites to beat the Young Stars and reach the all-star finale.

If that happens, I expect the Global Stars’ impressive consolidation of talent to carry them all the way.

NBA All-Star Game predictions and odds: Chuck’s Global Stars have what it takes to win at +175

The NBA’s all-star weekend wraps up on Sunday night with a multi-part all-star game that features four teams.

The narrative: Last year featured a cut-and-dry showdown between Eastern Conference and Western Conference stars. But now there are four teams vying for the bulk of a $1.8 million purse, with a mishmash of players from both conferences.

Check out our NBA All-Star Game predictions and odds for the event on Feb. 16.

NBA All-Star Game predictions

Click on linked odds below to bet now. Note: Lines have changed/market no longer available if grey.

Team	Odds to win
Team Shaq (OGs)	+110
Team Chuck (Global Stars)	+175
Team Kenny (Young Stars)	+400
Team Candace (Rising Stars)	+800

NBA odds as of 9:15 a.m. ET on 02/16/25.

To bet on the NBA All-Star Game, you first have to understand how the event works. And in typical NBA fashion, there’s been some tinkering.

There are four teams consisting of eight players each.

It’s a three-game tournament (not a round-robin), with just a semifinal round and the finals.

For each matchup, the first team to 40 points wins.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1889469563546251419

Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal were tasked with drafting their teams from a pool of 24 all-stars (Trae Young and Kyrie Irving are serving as injury replacements).

The fourth team, overseen by WNBA legend Candace Parker, is a group of rookies and sophomores including Zach Edey, Stephon Castle, Keyonte George and Dalton Knecht.

NBA ASG pick to win

Chuck’s Global Stars (+175)

The NHL and NBA have opposite problems right now during their respective midseason hiatuses.

NHLers are arguably trying too hard in the 4 Nations Face-Off, while many are skeptical that NBA players will try hard enough.

This year’s NBA All-Star Game format is a valid attempt at preventing another shoot-from-anywhere circus. With a hard cap of 40 points per side, maybe teams will play with a bit more structure.

If you’re willing to bank on a heightened level of competitiveness, you have to love what Chuck’s Global Stars are bringing to the table.

Go to full NBA all-star betting markets.

The NBA MVP race is down to two players, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, and both are on Chuck’s squad.

So too is the runaway frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama.

Oh, and let’s not forget Karl-Anthony Towns, who dropped a 50-burger for the West at least year’s event.

Shaq’s OGs still have the most overall brand recognition, led by LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum. They’re likely also favoured because they have a perceived easier path to the final game (the OGs are heavily favoured in the semis against the Rising Stars).

The Global Stars, meanwhile, are -190 moneyline favourites to beat the Young Stars and reach the all-star finale.

If that happens, I expect the Global Stars’ impressive consolidation of talent to carry them all the way.

NBA All-Star Game MVP odds and predictions: Durant, Wembanyama are solid value plays

The NBA All-Star Game returns with a revised format for the 2025 festivities in San Francisco.

The narrative: Three teams — selected by Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith — are comprised of the all-stars. The fourth squad is the winning NBA’s Rising Stars Challenge team. A semi-final is played and the winning squads go at it in the final. The first team to 40 wins each contest.

Check out our NBA All-Star Game MVP odds for the event on Feb. 16.

NBA All-Star Game MVP odds

Click on linked odds below to bet now. Note: Lines have changed/market no longer available if grey.

NBA odds as of 1:15 p.m. ET on 02/14/25.

Curry won the All-Star Game MVP — now known as the Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player — in 2022 and he’s favoured to do so again.

The future Hall of Famer is having a down year, scoring 23.4 PPG (his lowest since the 2012-13 season), but these games aren’t exactly known for stingy defence.

Curry also benefits from being on Shaq’s team which will face Candace Parker’s Rising Stars — a sure cakewalk to the final.

I want to tap into that built-in value by backing another former MVP, Kevin Durant, alongside Victor Wembanyama.

Go to full NBA all-star betting markets.

NBA ASG MVP best bets

Kevin Durant (+1,600): At 36 years old, Durant could certainly be considered an OG in today’s league. But he’s not playing like a man at the end of the road.

The Phoenix Suns superstar is averaging 27.3 points to go along with 6.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists. KD enters the all-star break on a scoring binge, dropping 37, 34 and 27 points in his last three games.

He’s won this award twice before (2012, 2019) and is a good bet to nab a third.

KD has attempted 12-plus shots in five straight all-star games, averaging 24.4 points in 11 appearances.

He also said this about the new format: “I hate it. Absolutely hate it. Terrible.” The Slim Reaper has run off of spite for years, though, making me like this play even more.

Victor Wembanyama (+800): A real MVP is bound to come for Wembanyama sooner or later but I think he’d settle for all-star honours this time around.

At 7-foor-4, the French Phenom is practically unguardable.

He loves to let it fly from deep and can rattle the rim, too, which makes him a compelling pick in a game with little to no defence.

I think Chuck’s Global Stars are much deeper than Kenny’s Young Stars and that has me looking toward Wemby as a value play.

NBA slam dunk contest 2025 odds and predictions: McClung favoured, Castle has value at all-star event

The NBA slam dunk contest takes place on Saturday so let’s break down the odds.

The narrative: Mac McClung looks for a three-peat while three debutants look to steal the crown. I personally like the value on rookie Stephon Castle doing well.

Check out our NBA slam dunk contest odds for the all-star event on Feb. 15.

NBA slam dunk contest odds

Click on linked odds below to bet now. Note: Lines have changed/market no longer available if grey.

Player	Odds
Mac McClung	-225
Andre Jackson Jr.	+500
Matas Buzelis	+700
Stephon Castle	+700

NBA odds as of 10:32 a.m. ET on 02/14/25.

Go to full NBA all-star weekend betting markets.

There is good reason for McClung being the odds-on favourite.

He won the last two dunk contests.

He’s only played one game on an NBA roster (Orlando Magic) this season but has made a name for himself as a staple in this contest.

The other three contestants are newcomers.

Buzelis, Jackson and Castle are high fliers, however, so I think fans could be in for the best contest in years.

No one has ever won three in a row since the dunk contest’s inception in 1986 so the pressure will be on for McClung to etch his name in the history books.

He would also join Nate Robinson and become the second player ever to win three dunk contests.

A rookie with value

Best bet: Castle to win (+700)

Out of everyone in this, I’m the most excited for the rookie out of San Antonio.

Castle’s thrown down several monstrous dunks in his first NBA season. Check this jam and how he looks like he’s effortlessly floating to the rim.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1871980819369394357

According to NBA.com’s dunk score metric, this ranks as the 26th-best dunk of the season with a score of 92.0.

This metric uses player-tracking data to find an objective measurement of every dunk. Power, jump, style and defensive contest make up the categories used in these calculations.

Castle’s 52 in-game dunks rank 52nd in the NBA above players like Myles Turner (40), Scottie Barnes (38), Jaylen Brown (35) and Aaron Gordon (33).

This rook clearly loves to dunk and at 6-foot-6, he’s got the size of a rim rocker while maintaining the agility of a point guard.

NBA 3-point contest 2025 odds and predictions: Lillard favoured, Powell has value at all-star event

Damian Lillard defends his crown at the NBA 3-point contest during all-star weekend.

The narrative: Lillard is favoured to three-peat from 3-point land with a bunch of sharpshooters right behind. Norman Powell and Darius Garland are next on the odds board and I’m looking toward the former as a value play.

Check out our NBA 3-point contest odds for the all-star event on Feb. 15.

NBA 3-point contest odds

Player	Odds to win
Damian Lillard	+375
Darius Garland	+500
Norman Powell	+500
Buddy Hield	+550
Tyler Herro	+700
Jalen Brunson	+700
Cameron Johnson	+800
Cade Cunningham	+1,000

NBA odds as of 10:45 a.m. ET on 02/14/25.

Go to full NBA all-star weekend betting markets.

Lillard won each of the last two contests … so is he a lock to do it again?

Lillard secured 26/40 points in the final round of both victories.
But Karl-Anthony Towns (29), Steph Curry (28) and Hield (27) all had better scores in the previous three seasons.
Lillard is shooting 38.2% from deep this year, his best mark since the 2020-21 season.

Darius Garland (43.1%) has the highest 3-point percentage out of anyone in the field.

Best 3-point contest bet

Best bet: Powell to win (+500)

Powell is within spitting distance of Garland in 3-point efficiency (42.6%) while taking 7.8 threes a game.

He’s been lights out all season for the Los Angeles Clippers and should probably be playing in the actual all-star game instead of just this competition.

With that said, I think the former Toronto Raptor will have some extra motivation to shoot the lights out on Saturday night.

I’m also going to write a few players off.

Cade Cunningham is shooting 35.1% from deep and is a career 33.6% three-point shooter.
Hield is on the wrong side of 30 and has posted his worst 3-point rate (36.7%) in five years.

Powell is on the top of his game and is firing on all cylinders. Don’t be surprised when he wins this thing.

NBA 3-point contest 2025 odds and predictions: Lillard favoured, Powell has value at all-star event

Damian Lillard defends his crown at the NBA 3-point contest during all-star weekend.

The narrative: Lillard is favoured to three-peat from 3-point land with a bunch of sharpshooters right behind. Buddy Hield — who won this event in 2020 — is next on the odds board but I’m looking toward Norman Powell as a value play.

Check out our NBA 3-point contest odds for the all-star event on Feb. 15.

NBA 3-point contest odds

Click on linked odds below to bet now. Note: Lines have changed/market no longer available if grey.

Player	Odds to win	Odds to reach finals (1-3)
Damian Lillard	+300	-121
Buddy Hield	+400	+100
Tyler Herro	+500	+110
Darius Garland	+600	+125
Jalen Brunson	+700	+150
Cade Cunningham	+800	+200
Cameron Johnson	+800	+200
Norman Powell	+800	+200

NBA odds as of 3:00 p.m. ET on 02/13/25.

Go to full NBA all-star weekend betting markets.

Lillard won each of the last two contests … so is he a lock to do it again?

Lillard secured 26/40 points in the final round of both victories.
But Karl-Anthony Towns (29), Steph Curry (28) and Hield (27) all had better scores in the previous three seasons.
Lillard is shooting 38.2% from deep this year, his best mark since the 2020-21 season.

Darius Garland (43.1%) has the highest 3-point percentage out of anyone in the field.

Best 3-point contest bet

Best bet: Powell to reach final (+200)

Powell is within spitting distance of Garland in 3-point efficiency (42.6%) while taking 7.8 threes a game.

He’s been lights out all season for the Los Angeles Clippers and should probably be playing in the actual all-star game instead of just this competition.

With that said, I think the former Toronto Raptor will have some extra motivation to shoot the lights out on Saturday night.

Three of the eight players make the finals which gives us a 37.5% chance, assuming all things are equal. This bet carries a 33.33% implied probability so that’s a nice start.

I’m also going to write a few players off.

Cade Cunningham is shooting 35.1% from deep and is a career 33.6% three-point shooter.
Hield is on the wrong side of 30 and has posted his worst 3-point rate (36.7%) in five years.

Powell is on the top of his game and is firing on all cylinders. Don’t be surprised if he wins this thing.

NBA slam dunk contest 2025 odds and predictions: McClung favoured, Castle has value at all-star event

The NBA slam dunk contest takes place on Saturday so let’s break down the odds.

The narrative: Mac McClung looks for a three-peat while three debutants look to steal the crown. I personally like the value on rookie Stephon Castle doing well.

Check out our NBA slam dunk contest odds for the all-star event on Feb. 15.

NBA slam dunk contest odds

Click on linked odds below to bet now. Note: Lines have changed/market no longer available if grey.

Player	Odds
Mac McClung	-167
Matas Buzelis	+450
Andre Jackson Jr.	+450
Stephon Castle	+650

NBA odds as of 1:32 p.m. ET on 02/13/25.

Go to full NBA all-star weekend betting markets.

There is good reason for McClung being the odds-on favourite.

He won the last two dunk contests.

He’s only played one game on an NBA roster (Orlando Magic) this season but has made a name for himself as a staple in this contest.

The other three contestants are newcomers.

Buzelis, Jackson and Castle are high fliers, however, so I think fans could be in for the best contest in years.

No one has ever won three in a row since the dunk contest’s inception in 1986 so the pressure will be on for McClung to etch his name in the history books.

He would also join Nate Robinson and become the second player ever to win three dunk contests.

A rookie with value

Best bet: Castle to reach the final (+140)

Out of everyone in this, I’m the most excited for the rookie out of San Antonio.

Castle’s thrown down several monstrous dunks in his first NBA season. Check this jam and how he looks like he’s effortlessly floating to the rim.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1871980819369394357

According to NBA.com’s dunk score metric, this ranks as the 26th-best dunk of the season with a score of 92.0.

This metric uses player-tracking data to find an objective measurement of every dunk. Power, jump, style and defensive contest make up the categories used in these calculations.

Castle’s 52 in-game dunks rank 52nd in the NBA above players like Myles Turner (40), Scottie Barnes (38), Jaylen Brown (35) and Aaron Gordon (33).

This rook clearly loves to dunk and at 6-foot-6, he’s got the size of a rim rocker while maintaining the agility of a point guard.

And this bet doesn’t require a fade on McClung. Castle can simply make it to the final but don’t be surprised if he wins.

Shaq’s OGs	Kenny’s Young Stars	Chuck’s Global Stars
Steph Curry (+600)	Anthony Edwards (+1,000)	Victor Wembanyama (+800)
LeBron James (+800)	Jalen Brunson (+2,000)	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+800)
Damian Lillard (+1,000)	Jaren Jackson Jr. (+2,500)	Donovan Mitchell (+1,600)
Kevin Durant (+1,600)	Tyler Herro (+4,000)	Karl-Anthony Towns (+2,000)
Jayson Tatum (+1,600)	Cade Cunningham (+4,000)	Nikola Jokic (+3,000)
Kyrie Irving (+2,500)	Evan Mobley (+6,000)	Alperen Sengun (+4,000)
Jaylen Brown (+3,000)	Darius Garland (+6,000)	Pascal Siakam (+4,000)
James Harden (+4,000)	Jalen Williams (+6,000)	Trae Young (+4,000)