NBA Best Bets Thursday 2/20/25

The NBA is back in full swing, and tonight’s slate is packed with intriguing matchups featuring key injuries, tight spreads, and high-scoring potential. We’ve got a mix of top-tier teams looking to solidify playoff seeding and others just trying to stay afloat in the standings. Based on the latest info, I’ve broken down the best bets for tonight’s games with key insights into why each play stands out.

Let’s get into it.

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Boston Celtics (-7) vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Suggested Bet: Celtics -7

The Celtics enter this game fully healthy, a rarity this late in the season. They’ve dominated the Sixers, and with Joel Embiid still working his way back into form, Boston holds a major edge.
Boston is 18-10 to the under on the road, signaling their defensive dominance, and they’ve consistently handled weaker teams well.
The Sixers are just 9-17-1 against the spread (ATS) at home, and their struggles in recent weeks don’t inspire confidence. Even with Embiid available, the Sixers’ supporting cast has been subpar, with Paul George and Tyrese Maxey needing huge games to stay competitive.
With the Celtics locked in and pushing for the No. 1 seed in the East, expect them to cover comfortably.

Memphis Grizzlies (-2.5) vs. Indiana Pacers

Suggested Bet: Over 252

This is a fast-paced matchup between two of the league’s most explosive offenses—both teams rank in the top 10 in pace.
Memphis is 21-6 to the over on the road, and Indiana plays at a breakneck speed with Tyrese Haliburton leading the charge.
Ja Morant is healthy and playing, meaning the Grizzlies should have plenty of firepower to keep up with the Pacers.
The 252-point total is high, but both teams have routinely hit these numbers. This one has track meet potential—take the over.

New York Knicks (-12.5) vs. Chicago Bulls

Suggested Bet: Knicks -12.5

The Bulls have lost four straight, including back-to-back blowout losses to Detroit. They’re designed to tank, and it’s showing in their effort.
New York, on the other hand, is 14-4-1 ATS at home, one of the best home covers in the league.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns give the Knicks a major offensive edge, and without Josh Hart, Brunson should see even more usage.
Chicago has no defensive resistance, and against a Knicks team that plays hard every night, this could get ugly fast. Expect a blowout win for New York.

Los Angeles Clippers (+1.5) vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Suggested Bet: Clippers +1.5

Major injury concerns for the Bucks, with both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard listed as questionable. If one (or both) sits, Milwaukee is in trouble.
Even if both play, the Clippers have been the more consistent team this season.
James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George have the firepower to take advantage of a Bucks defense that has looked shaky even with a full roster.
Milwaukee is just 12-13-1 ATS at home, showing they’re not a dominant cover team. Clippers on the road is the sharp play here.

Denver Nuggets (-16) vs. Charlotte Hornets

Suggested Bet: Nuggets -16

The Hornets are on the second leg of a back-to-back at altitude—a death sentence for teams with little depth.
Denver has won eight straight, and Nikola Jokić is playing at an MVP level.
Charlotte is actively tanking, and they’re likely to get blown out here against a fully healthy Nuggets team that needs to keep winning for playoff positioning.
Denver is 16-10-1 ATS at home, making them a strong cover bet in high-spread games. Expect a 20+ point win.

Phoenix Suns (-2) vs. San Antonio Spurs

Suggested Bet: Over 237.5

Victor Wembanyama is doubtful, which means San Antonio’s defense will be non-existent.
The Suns have been a mess, but they still have Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, two elite scorers.
San Antonio plays at a fast pace (Top 10 in the NBA), and the Suns are 18-9 to the over on the road.
This game has minimal defensive resistance, making the over the best play here.

Los Angeles Lakers (-4) vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Suggested Bet: Over 226.5

The Blazers have no Deandre Ayton and possibly no Jerami Grant or Scoot Henderson, meaning their defense will struggle mightily.
The Lakers might be on a back-to-back, but LeBron and Luka Doncic should dominate against a weak Blazers squad.
Portland is 16-11-1 to the over at home, while the Lakers’ pace and lack of defense should push this game past the total.

Final Thoughts

That wraps up today’s NBA Best Bets. Whether you’re targeting strong ATS plays like the Knicks or taking advantage of high-scoring matchups like Memphis-Indiana and Phoenix-San Antonio, there’s plenty of value on the board.

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Happy betting! 🚀