The NBA All-Star games were met with appreciation and criticism, depending on your view. I personally enjoy watching the best in the world, and it was competitive enough at times. Even better, both of our NBA best bets were successful.

Stephen Curry earned well over 10+ points at +160 odds and went on to win the All-Star MVP award. Victor Wembanyama was duped by Chris Paul in his inaugural display in the All-Star Skills Challenge by not attempting a field goal and thus being disqualified. However, he recovered by playing with great effort with blocks, points, and rebounds in both games.

 

 

 

That is now nine successful NBA best bets in a row, but we are not finished!

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets: 2/20

The Fantasy Alarm Betting Bungalow has been spotless from so much sweeping, and it feels like it’s been a month since we had a full slate of games.

Nine NBA matches take place today, and due to the extended time off we have a gift for the FAmily. Not just the Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide & Cheat Sheet, but SIX NBA best bets today!

 

 

 

Clippers vs. Bucks Prediction: LAC -2.5 & Zubac O11.5 Rebounds (+248 SGP on DraftKings) *Bet of the Night

DraftKings is offering a few specials for the return of the NBA, including a ‘No Sweat’ wager. Simply opt into the offer and select it for this bet. The doubt on the Los Angeles Clippers continues for the sportsbooks, and they are currently in an even prediction scenario with the Milwaukee Bucks. They are -1.0 favorites (Now -2.0 after the Bobby Portis suspension news).

The Bucks have lost six of their last ten games and Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are both listed as questionable. Should one of them be declared a late scratch the odds will likely shift in favor of the Clippers. Antetokounmpo did not play in the All-Star match and has recently missed several matches due to injury. Even if he is back tonight, he could be on restricted minutes or not at 100% health.

Meanwhile the Clippers starters are expected to be healthy, and Ivica Zubac is having a career year. Brook Lopez nor Antetokounmpo can truly keep Zubac away from the rim. He is averaging 12.6 rebounds per game and earned double digit rebounds against Milwaukee on January 25th. 

Tease up the spread to -2.5 for the Clippers to get some plus odd value, and stack Zubac over 11.5 rebounds after a week to recover. Although the ‘No Sweat’ promotion only returns $25 a full unit is suggested on this same game parlay.

 

 

 

Suns vs. Spurs Prediction: San Antonio Money Line (+120 on Bet365)

The San Antonio Spurs have one of the most interesting headlines going into the last third of the regular season. A rebuilt roster, and an opportunity to push for a play-in match. They are currently in twelfth of the Western Conference and two games behind their opponent today, the Phoenix Suns.

The Spurs are underdogs at home against a Suns team loaded with star power. Grayson Allen and Devin Booker are both listed as questionable, and for the Spurs Victor Wembanyama is listed as doubtful with an illness.

Even without Wembanayma, De’Aaron Fox, Chris Paul, and Harrison Barnes are veterans that can keep pace with the Suns veterans. Stephon Castle, Jeremey Sochan, Keldon Johnson, and Julian Champagnie are an underrated second unit that will easily outscore the Suns bench.

This is a moneyline bet and if the Spurs go up by 20 at any point it’s an automatic payout on Bet365. If the payout is offering a satisfactory amount, do not hesitate to cashout. Bankrolls are built ‘brick by brick’ and sometimes half bricks. Put a unit on the Spurs’ veterans to earn a victory.

 

 

 

NBA Player Props & Other Picks Today, 2/20

It wouldn’t be an NBA best bets column without a mention of our favorite player, but one we have stayed away from lately.

 

 

 

Bulls vs. Knicks Prediction: Nikola Vucevic Over 10.5 Rebounds (-105 on Bet365)

The Well appeared to run dry, as Nikola Vucevic’s dependability fractured. Vucevic recorded eleven or more rebounds just twice in his last six matches, but he did earn 13 in the Chicago Bulls most recent match.

Their first game back is at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks. The Knicks are 2.5 games back from the Boston Celtics for second in the Eastern Conference, and 5.5 games ahead of the Indiana Pacers. They had their two best players represented in the All-Star match, and one of them was Karl-Anthony Towns.

Vucevic will be matched up on Towns most of the night and Towns’ rebounding line is set at 13.5. The Knicks will be without Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart who are both excellent rebounders. This helps Vucevic’s odds in reaching eleven rebounds.

Not that he needs much help, he is averaging 32.1 minutes and 10.2 rebounds per game. He has had a week of rest, he knows he is not being traded, and the Bulls are in tenth place of the Eastern Conference. They are currently in the play-in but only have a 1.5 game lead over the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.

Look for Vucevic to cover his rebounding line tonight against a depleted Knicks rebounding unit. Put a unit on it.

 

 

 

Celtics vs. 76ers Prediction: Boston -7 (-115 on Bet365)

The Boston Celtics travel to the Wells Fargo Center to play the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers are expected to have Joel Embiid, but will be without Justin Edwards, Eric Gordron, and Kyle Lowry. Meanwhile the Celtics will have all their starters and only Xavier Tillman is out.

The spread seems a little off given that Boston has a +9.1-point differential, have won eight of their last ten games, and are on a three-game win streak. They are 5.5 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for first in the conference, and only 2.5 games ahead of the New York Knicks. 

If home court advantage is important to them, they must continue to play well over the last two months of the regular season. They have a great record but are 24-31 against the spread this season. Look for them to cover the -7 spread with a group that knows how to turn on the switch late in the season. 

 

 

 

Lakers vs. Trail Blazers Prediction: Clingan Ladder: 13+ Rebounds (+265 on Bet365), 17+ Rebounds (+1200 on Bet365) 

The Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets played a makeup game yesterday and the Hornets surprised everyone with a victory. Now the Lakers have to turn around and play against a much-improved Portland Trail Blazers.

The Trail Blazers are banged up, Jerami Grant, DeAndre Ayton, and Scoot Henderson are all out. That leaves a perfect opportunity for Donovan Clingan to make a name for himself. The 2024 seventh overall draft pick is poised to do that as the biggest player on the court.

He had an excellent game against the Denver Nuggets, a game that he started. He played 31 minutes, scored 17 points, and recorded 20 rebounds. What is even more impressive is he did that against reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. 

Tonight he’s going against a tired Los Angeles Lakers team that is void of a good center. Clingan is 7’ 2” and the former Husky is poised to have a great rebounding night. The Lakers may have size but they don’t have rhythm and will be playing on tired legs from last night. There will be several missed field goals in this match from both teams.

Instead of taking Clingan’s rebounding line (9.5 at -140), or taking his double-double line (+145), tease up his rebounds on a two step ladder. The Lakers do not have any player props, Clingan is poised for another 31+ minute night, and the Trail Blazers play much better at home (15-13). 

Once Clingan gets to 13 rebounds, this bet has ensured a profit. The quest for 17 then begins and will be an excellent payout. Put a unit on each teased-up line and cheer for the back-to-back national champion to earn 17 or more rebounds at the Moda Center.

 

 

 

Get $1,000 In Bonus Bets At Bet365 Sportsbook Today

Bet365 Sportsbook offers an outstanding sign-up promotion that sets it apart from other betting sites. This deal goes beyond the usual incentives, giving new users a variety of attractive choices. Notably, you can start your adventure today without needing a Bet365 promo code! 

Both options require a minimum deposit of $10. The first choice allows you to receive $100 in bonus bets after placing a wager of $5 or more, no matter the result. 

Alternatively, if you prefer a safety net for your first bet, you can place a wager of $10 or more, up to $1,000, and if luck isn't on your side, your entire stake will be returned as bonus bets. Whether you want to tail our NBA best bets today or not, use this link to create your Bet365 account now!

 

 

 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

*All odds accurate at time of writing and NBA best bets to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise