It’s the last Monday of the month with a full NBA betting card for tonight. Listed below are top free NBA picks, predictions and analysis for February 25, 2019 from our expert handicappers.
Click on a handicapper’s name for more of their NBA plays, subscriptions and season packages.
Alex Smart
Indiana Pacers @ Detroit Pistons
Mon, Feb 25 ’19, 7:05 PM ET
Indiana has won 8 of their L/9 overall and Detroit has won 6 of their L/7. both sides are currently playing at about the same level, with home court advantage being the difference maker.
Indiana blew out Detroit 125-88 in their first meeting on Dec. 28 and now with revenge on board Im betting on this hard working Motown crew to get their revenge.
INDIANA is 1-9 ATS after scoring 110 points or more 2 straight games this season
The Pacers are 1-13 ATS/SU on the road when the line is within 3 of pick off a win as a favorite facing an opponent averaging less than 4 blocks per game. The Pacers are 2-16 ATS /1-17 SU as a dog with rest after they shot over 50% from the field.
The Pistons are 13-0 ATS /SU as a favorite with rest after a game as a road dog in which a game that was tied 5+ times.
NBA Home favorites vs. the money line (DETROIT) – average 3PT shooting team (33-36.5%) against an average 3PT defense (33-36.5%) after 42+ games, good ball handling team (14.5 or less TO) vs. an average pressure defense (14.5-16.5 TO) after 42+ games are 109-28 L/5 seasons for a 80% conversion rate for bettors with the point differential clicking in at +7.7 ppg.
Play on the Detroit Pistons to cover
Pick: Pistons -2.5 (-108) at Pinnacle
Jimmy Boyd
Portland Trail Blazers @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Mon, Feb 25 ’19, 7:05 PM ET
These two teams should have no problem cashing the OVER, as I feel we are getting a great price due to the perception of the Cavs offense. Cleveland comes in averaging just 103.2 ppg, but are putting up 111.8 ppg over their last 5. Their surge is no fluke, it’s a direct result of the return of Kevin Love, who is coming off a 32-point performance last time out.
I think they hit that 5 game average and then some, as the Blazers will be playing their 3rd straight on the road. This is also feels like a trap game for Portland, as they just pulled off two big wins at Brooklyn and Philadelphia and have two even bigger games on deck at Boston and at Toronto. Blazers are also giving up 113 ppg on 47% shooting on the road this season.
OVER is 23-11 in Portland’s last 34 road games after playing their previous 2 on the road, 9-1 in their last 10 when playing on 1 day of rest and 4-0 in their last 4 vs a team that’s won fewer than 40% of their games.
Take the OVER!
Pick: OVER 222 (-111)
Larry Ness
Philadelphia 76ers @ New Orleans Pelicans
Mon, Feb 25 ’19, 8:05 PM ET
Joel Embiid won’t be playing for Philadelphia today, but I still think that the motivated visiting side will find a way to get the job done here against the Pelicans.
Philadelphia’s two game win streak came to an end vs. a red hot Blazers team last time out. The 76ers certainly won’t be lacking for motivation tonight as they’re in a tight race right now, sitting six games behind the Raptors, while holding a slim one game lead over the Celtics for top spot in the East.
Overall the 76ers average 115.7 PPG, while allowing 112.3.
New Orleans was without big man Anthony Davis in its win over the Lakers most recently and while Davis is expected back in the line-up tonight, I still don’t think it will matter vs. this deep and talented visiting side. The Pelicans average 115.7 PPG and they concede 115.
I’ll point out as well that the 76ers are a money-making 4-1 ATS in their last five off an upset loss by ten points or more as a favorite.
The Pelicans on the other hand are already a poor 6-8 ATS this season as a home favorite of six points or less.
There’s a small upset a brewin’ in the Big Easy Monday night. Consider Philadelphia in this one.
Good luck…Larry
Pick: 76ers +1.5 (-103) at Pinnacle
Chip Chirimbes
Dallas Mavericks @ Los Angeles Clippers
Mon, Feb 25 ’19, 10:35 PM ET
Mavericks (+) over Clippers – Both clubs are off of losses with the Mavericks in the mist of a four-game slide while Los Angeles dropped their last game 123-96 to Denver yesterday.
Dallas was on the playoff bubble before they made moves at the trading deadline and jettisoned starters Harrison Barnes, DeAnndre Jordan, Dennis Smith Jr and Westley Mathews and are just 1-5 since.
Still, the Mavericks are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
Pick: Mavs +5.5 (-109) at GTBets
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