The NBA has some exciting matchups today. Below are our top NBA picks & predictions for Saturday, February 28th.
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Saturday's NBA Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Charlotte Hornets (-7.5) | O/U 228.5 (-110/-110)
The Hornets are on the rise, having won 10 of their last 13 games and now hold the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. It has a lot to do with the team finally getting healthy and everyone being available. We're also seeing the younger players perform. Brandon Miller is averaging 22.7 points over his last 19 games, but the biggest surprise is Kon Knueppel, who is making a case to be Rookie of the Year. He just set the rookie record for most three-pointers made in a season.
The Trail Blazers are on a great run, holding the ninth seed in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. They are coming into this matchup having won six of their last nine and scoring 120+ points in each win and more than 130 points in three of them. Donovan Clingan is having a stellar February and is a key contributor, as his 15 points and 13.5 rebounds per game rank fourth this month.
Portland plays an uptempo offense, ranking seventh in possessions per game (102.1), and Charlotte will need to keep up. They each do well at reducing opponents' offensive possession time, so there could be plenty of scoring opportunities in this game.
Pick: Over 228.5 Points (-110)
Los Angeles Lakers (-4.5) vs. Golden State Warriors | O/U 230.5 (-108/-112)
The Lakers have struggled since returning from the All-Star break, dropping three of their last four games. The last two losses have been heartbreaking. It started with Luka Doncic passing to LeBron James on an open three to potentially win against the Magic, a decision James later questioned. The following loss came on a last-second three-pointer made by the Suns' Royce O'Neale. This is not a time for Los Angeles to regress, as they hold the sixth seed in the Western Conference but are in jeopardy of dropping to the Play-In Tournament. That loss to Phoenix puts them only one game ahead.
The Warriors aren't far from the Lakers in the standings, and a win would make it more interesting. However, this team feels like it's in a transition period, and the injury to Jimmy Butler and the trade of Jonathan Kuminga give the impression that Golden State is waving the white flag. The team is fading, just 6-9 over their last 15 games, and ranks 20th in points per game during that span (113.4).
This is a game where the Lakers can get back on track and convincingly beat a depleted Warriors squad.
Pick: Lakers -4.5 (-105)
