Top NBA Picks and Predictions for Feb. 16 (Fade Lakers, Trust Grizzlies, Hawks on Wednesday)
The NBA is nearing the All-Star break, but that means we're getting plenty of action today, as some top contenders are playing as well as the surging Boston Celtics.
BetSided editors Peter Dewey and Donnavan Smoot have broke down their favorite picks in the NBA, and we're here to share the top ones with you for Wednesday, Feb. 16.
Here are the predictions with all odds via WynnBET Sportsbook:
Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction and Pick
There is no way that I can get to this number for the Lakers, even at home.
The Jazz have been on fire since Donovan Mitchell returned to the lineup, and that has continued through Rudy Gobert’s return as well. Utah is the No. 1 offense in the NBA, while the Lakers rank 23rd in offensive rating this season.
Even though they’ve struggled, this is just the sixth time the Lakers have been an underdog at home this season. They are 2-3 against the spread so far in that spot, but I expect that record to get worse tonight.
Utah should be able to get whatever it wants against this Lakers defense, and with LeBron listed as questionable, I am staying far far away from the Lakers tonight.
Lean: Jazz -4.5 (-110) -- Peter Dewey
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.
Toronto Raptors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction and Pick
The Wolves are a slight underdog, but I’m going to back them tonight. Their offense has been in a roll lately and I think that will end up being too much for the Raptors. Toronto has lost two straight and got destroyed by a revamped Pelicans team on Monday.
Minnesota is 7-3 in the last 10 games and it is all because of its offense. The Wolves' offensive rating is 121 in that span, ranking first in the entire league. If Toronto is going to win, it'll need to flex its No. 10 defensive rating over the Wolves -- but that's been lacking the last two games.
With a spread this small, it just makes sense to take the Wolves on the money line. The Raptors haven't covered in their last seven losses and tonight will be the eighth.
Lean: Minnesota ML (-105) -- Donnavan Smoot
You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.
Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics Prediction and Pick
I don’t know if I want to lay the 13.5 points with the Celtics on a back-to-back, as they’ve gone 5-4-1 against the spread in that spot so far this season.
However, Boston was able to rest players in the blowout win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, and I think the Celtics defense shows up once again tonight.
The Pistons rank 29th in the NBA in offensive rating, and if Joel Embiid was slowed by Boston on Tuesday, I can’t see the Pistons’ offense getting much going tonight. Boston beat Detroit 102-93 earlier this month, so I think the total at 215 is just a little too high.
Give me the under with Boston’s defense playing better than anyone else in the NBA.
Lean: Celtics-Pistons UNDER 215 (-110) -- Peter Dewey
Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic Prediction and Pick
The Magic had gone on a nice run to pick up some wins, but they have lost three straight games heading into Wednesday’s matchup.
The against the spread numbers don’t look good for Atlanta (3-7 ATS on the second game of a back-to-back, 3-6 ATS as a road favorite), but there is one trend that I am taking above the rest.
The Magic are dead last in the NBA in terms of ATS record as a home underdog, going 6-17 this season.
The Hawks offense is elite, even without Collins, as it ranks No. 2 in the NBA this season. The Magic clock in at No. 28 in offensive rating.
This is going to be a narrative changing game for a Hawks team that is 25-2 against the spread when it wins.
Lean: Hawks -6 (-110) -- Peter Dewey
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Prediction and Pick
The Blazers have won three straight games, which is shocking considering who they have on the roster. While they have been the feel good story of the week -- and I don't mean to sound like the hater I normally am -- but that story ends tonight. The Grizzlies aren't the type of team to fall asleep at the wheel and disrespect an opponent.
Over the last 10 games, the Grizzlies have the second-best offensive and net rating, while having the fifth-best defensive rating. Memphis has covered its last six games ATS, including an 11.5-point spread against the Detroit Pistons.
Ja Morant likely won't play tonight, as he's still nursing an ankle injury. Still, the Grizzlies have showed that their depth is some of the best in the league and can run anybody out of the gym. I'll take Memphis to close out the "first half" strong.
Lean: Memphis -11.5 (-110) -- Donnavan Smoot