NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (2/26)
There are nine games on tonight’s NBA slate, including two matchups that will be featured on ESPN.
I’ve got best bets for both of those games tonight.
Read the analysis below and decide if you’re tailing.
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
It’s not just Joel Embiid who is out. The Philadelphia 76ers also won’t have Kyle Lowry, Guerschon Yabusele or Eric Gordon tonight. Meanwhile, former Knicks guard Quentin Grimes is questionable but will likely play.
The 76ers are 20-37 but still have time to at least get in the Play-In game. At this point, they’re better off tanking this season to allow Joel Embiid to fully recover from his knee injuries.
On the other hand, the Knicks will eventually have Mitchell Robinson back. He won’t play today, but he’s close to returning.
Ultimately, the Knicks have already beaten the 76ers twice this season, both on the road. Now, they will be home, and with so much doubt around the league, they will want to show out.
Yes, the Knicks can’t beat the top teams in the league, but they can handle teams that are 20-37. The Knicks are still 37-20 themselves and playing really good basketball against teams below .500.
The 76ers should struggle on the offensive glass. They’ve added only 25.5% of offensive rebounds, while the Knicks have allowed just 27.5% of offensive rebounds. Meanwhile, the Knicks have allowed a 55.6% effective field goal percentage, but the 76ers aren’t much of a threat with their 52.9% effective field goal percentage this season.
Conversely, the Knicks are a major offensive threat. This team has scored 121.4 points per 100 possessions and has shot an effective field goal percentage of 57%. Since the 76ers have allowed a 57% effective field goal percentage, it’s safe to say the Knicks will get whatever they want on the offensive end at home.
I’m on Knicks -9.5. This will be a statement game.
Pick: Knicks -9.5 (-115)
San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets
Without Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs scored no more than 103 points in back-to-back games against the New Orleans Pelicans. While the Pelicans have added reinforcements like Zion Williamson, they have been one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA.
The Spurs can’t figure it out on offense.
That likely won’t change against the Houston Rockets, who rank fourth in the NBA in defensive points per 100 possessions. The Rockets have held teams to a 52.7% effective field goal percentage and have above-average numbers on the defensive glass. In addition, the Rockets have allowed a 19.2% free-throw rate, which ranks 13th defensively.
The Spurs’ offense was below average before Wembanyama’s departure. Now, it’s even worse, despite the addition of De’Aaron Fox.
That said, the Rockets aren’t much better offensively. They’ve scored 114.9 points per 100 possessions and have shot a 51.5% effective field goal percentage. The Rockets should have their way on the offensive glass but likely won’t see the foul line much at all. After all, the Spurs have limited teams to a 15.5% free-throw rate, which is first in the NBA.
With weak shots and few free throw attempts, the Rockets will likely contribute to the under in this game.
Pick: Under 227.5 Points (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: