It’s Monday and the NBA has a small slate of games to help us unwind after a long day of work. We have 4 games in total and I have scoured betting sites to bring you the best props, bets, and predictions available. Here are the best NBA bets for February 26th.
Best NBA Props, Bets, And Predictions For February 26, 2024
Raptors @Pacers
Over 245 (-110)
We have a matchup between two young teams on different ends of the competitiveness spectrum. Also, we will have two of the most promising talents in the league on display, All-Stars Tyrese Haliburton and Scottie Barnes.
There are some familiar faces on both sides like Pascal Siakam on the Pacers, formerly on the Raptors. Bruce Brown and Jordan Nwora on the Raptors also played for the Pacers.
These teams have met twice this season already and the season series is tied 1-1 as both teams have each won on the road.
In both meetings, the over has hit pretty comfortably with both games finishing with 250+ points. I’m expecting more of the same. In the most recent meeting, the Pacers were missing Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin. They are the 2nd and 3rd highest scorers on the Pacers this season respectively. That points to more points from the Pacers’ perspective.
Both teams have a mostly clean bill of health. Aaron Nesmith is the only doubt for the Pacers and RJ Barrett is doubtful for the Raptors.
This is the 2nd game of a back-to-back for the Pacers so fatigue could play a factor for this pacy team. Usually, teams play less intensive defense on such nights.
In 4 of the last 5 games, the Pacers have scored at least 125 points. In their last 3 games, the Raptors have scored at least 121 points. Over the last 5 games, both teams rank in the top 10 in PACE. This is a straightforward bet. Give me the over in an entertaining matchup.
Jakob Poeltl over 8.5 rebounds (-135)
This is a situational pick. We’re backing on this game being a track meet. When teams with high pace meet, it meets there will be more shot attempts.
Jakob Poeltl on the year is averaging about 8.6 RPG. This is a game I see him getting 10+ rebounds due to the amount of shots that will be put up.
In the most recent matchup, he had 11 rebounds. In the last 3 games, he has put up 9+ rebounds. In the most recent game for the Pacers, their starting center, Jalen Duren put up 13 boards.
Pistons @ Knicks
Knicks -11.5 (-110)
The Knicks have hit a rough patch recently, losing 5 of their last 6 games. For a team with deep-playoff-run aspirations, it is a rot they have to stop sooner rather than later.
They will be grateful to be going up against the Pistons, who have the worst record in the league. Also, the Knicks have a 10-game win streak against the Pistons in the H2H.
The Pistons come into this game on a 5 game losing streak. Also, this is the second game of a back-to-back for them. This team really can’t catch a break.
These teams have faced once already with the Knicks coming out on top though the Pistons covered the spread.
Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and OG Anunoby remain out for the knickerbocker. The Pistons have only Marcus Sasser as an injury concern.
The reason for this pick despite the large number is because of the sheer difference in offensive power. I can see them putting 120 points on the board.
Also, the Knicks are a good defensive team and I can see them holding this Pistons team to under 105 points.
There is the possibility of a late-game cover by the Pistons but it’s not really a cause for concern because I trust the Knicks bench to maintain the lead or even extend it. This is a deep team and players will be making a claim to be in Thibodeau’s rotation down the stretch. Bet on the Knicks to give the Pistons a beatdown at Madison Square Garden.
Bojan Bogdanovic over 14.5 points (-115)
Yes, this over was just picked in the Knicks’ previous game against the Celtics and he fell well below the mark. Are we doubling down on him? There’s a method to this madness. Trust me?
This will be the first meeting for Bojan against his former team and NBA players get up for games against their former players.
I can see a situation where he gets 12+ shot attempts. If that happens, he will smash through this number.
I understand this bet seems risky because of how the Knicks have spread their offense in the absence of Julius Randle. Its a common sense pick so go low on this.
Nets @ Grizzlies
Grizzlies ML (+114)
This is a matchup between two retooling teams. Two similar teams in almost completely different situations.
The Grizzlies had their season derailed early on with a plethora of injuries and on most nights, you won’t know the majority of their rotation. Despite all that, they play hard every night. You can’t fault their effort.
On the other hand, this Nets team has been around a play-in spot all season. Heading into the trade deadline, they were a team in limbo. While they traded away some assets, they are a rebuilding team not really motivated to tank their season because they don’t have their picks.
The Nets are a team that has talented role players but the sum total of their parts doesn’t reflect that.
The Grizzlies have won only 5 games at home all year but you won’t think they have such few wins if you watch those games. They are competitive in almost every game.
This is the first meeting between these two ballclubs so we don’t have a precedent for this matchup.
Ben Simmons is doubtful for the matchup while Grizzlies have no new additions to their long list of injuries.
The Grizzlies have beaten the Bucks and Rockets at home recently while the Nets come into this game on a 4-game losing streak.
Getting this at plus money is a huge value and I think the odd makers are overvaluing the dysfunctional Nets.
Cam Thomas over 19.5 (-145)
We got burned two days ago when we made this pick but we have to put that burn into context. Cam Thomas had a team-high 18 points on 19 shot attempts (!), finishing with an FG% of 37.
The Timberwolves are a very good defensive team and used a variety of defensive schemes to force him to have that poor night.
Cam Thomas is averaging 21PPG this season so I don’t expect him to have back-to-back bad shooting nights. He has hit 20 points in 3 of his last 6 games.
He is a volume scorer and I expect him to have another 19+ Field goals attempted game. Over the last 5 games, he has 4 games where he has attempted at least 16 shots. Give me Thomas to have a bounce-back game against a young Grizzlies team.
Heat @ Kings
Heat +7.5 (-110)
The Miami Heat travel to Sacramento to take on the Kings in the final game of their season series. Both teams head into this meeting on 3-game winning streaks.
The Heat won their first meeting at home, covering the spread. The Heat will be without Josh Richardson while the Kings will be without Sasha Vezenkov. Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier are minor doubts for the Heat.
This is a competitive game and I expected this game to be closer to a pick ’em so getting plus odds for the Heat is too good an offer to pass up.
The Kings picked up an impressive win over the Clippers in their last game but this will be the second game of a back-to-back. The logic here is we’re getting a spread of 6 points in a game I see ending within 3/4 points.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of approximately 2:00 p.m. EST on February 26th. These are for entertainment purposes only and by no means a guarantee. Wager responsibly.
