Top NBA Picks and Predictions for Feb. 17 (Trust Heat, Sixers, Clippers on Thursday)
Thursday is the final day of NBA action prior to the All-Star break, and the BetSided team has you covered with some of the top predictions for tonight's action.
Peter Dewey and Donnavan Smoot broke down their top plays for tonight, with all odds via WynnBET Sportsbook.
Here's who you should consider betting on tonight:
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Prediction and Pick
The Houston Rockets are a terrible team and the numbers prove it. They have the worst net rating (-15.5) in the league over the last 10 games and have gone 1-9 over that span. Houston also has the worst defensive rating at 123.2. The Rockets can't defend anybody and are liable to get shutdown at any moment.
The Clippers come into this game on a betting hot streak. They've covered in their last three games and have pulled off two big upsets this week. This will be the first time they are favored since the start of February and I'm confident they can go into the All-Star break with some momentum.
Los Angeles is in the top 10 when it comes to defensive rating on the year. Although its offensive talent isn't high, the ability to lock down opponents will be key tonight. The Rockets struggle to score as it is. With the Clippers' lockdown defense expected to show up tonight, Houston is in real trouble.
Pick: Clippers -10.5 -- Donnavan Smoot
You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Prediction and Pick
I know that Philly didn’t look good on Tuesday night against Boston, but the Sixers are still the best team in the NBA against the spread as a road underdog at 9-4 this season.
The Bucks are going to have to get contributions from deep in their bench to win this game, and it’s a big reason why they were upset by the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday at 11.5-point favorites.
Milwaukee is just 9-17 against the spread this season when favored at home, and the Bucks have generally been a tough team to bet on, going just 26-33 against the spread on the season.
As long as Embiid plays, the Sixers should be able to hang around in this game, and I think oddsmakers are overreacting to the blowout loss on Tuesday a little too much.
Give me Philly to cover on the road.
Lean: Sixers +6.5 (-110) -- Peter Dewey
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.
Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets Prediction and Pick
I've tried to back the Hornets many times during their skid, hoping they can get their act together, and they've failed me each time. Enough is enough. I'm fading them tonight against the Heat.
The Hornets, in the last 10 games, have been the fourth-worst offensive team in the league. That's a complete pivot from who've they've been all year long. Charlotte is 2-8 in that stretch and are 1-6 ATS in its last seven games. The Hornets have clearly lost their mojo and will have to go into the All Star Break without it.
The Heat, on the other hand, have continued to be one of the league's best teams on defense. They are third in defensive rating over the last 10 games. Miami hasn't slowed down, as they are still chasing the No. 1 seed.
Even though Miami may not be at full strength tonight, the Heat are still the smart bet to make against a struggling Hornets team.
Pick: Heat -4 -- Donnavan Smoot