Top NBA Picks and Predictions for Feb. 24 (Back the Over in Hawks-Bulls, Expect Warriors to Cover)

The All-Star break is over, and the NBA is entering the most important stretch of the season before the playoffs.

If you're looking to get back into betting the NBA, you've come to the right place, as BetSided's Peter Dewey and Donnavan Smoot have some of their top predictions for Thursday's games using the odds via WynnBET.

Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction and Pick

They may not be a great team in terms of winning, but the Oklahoma City Thunder are elite against the spread at home and overall, which is why they are one of the teams I will be targeting over the second half of the season. 

The Thunder are very limited offensively, ranking dead last in the league in offensive rating, but they should see a boost with Gilgeous-Alexander back in the lineup alongside impressive rookie Josh Giddey. 

That will be key against the Suns’ No. 3 defense, but I think we see a little regression from Phoenix’s offense with Chris Paul out of the lineup. The Suns are also down backup point guard Cameron Payne in this game. 

Phoenix has been favored by 10 points or more on the road just one other time this season, covering against the Detroit Pistons in that game. I am surprised that this line is where it is, as Paul is an extremely valuable player for Phoenix and SGA’s return is a huge boost for the Thunder. 

I’ll back OKC to continue to stay strong ATS at home tonight. 

Lean: Thunder +10 (-110) -- Peter Dewey

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls Prediction and Pick

This game has two elite bucket getters in it. Trae Young and DeMar DeRozan are both in the top five in points per game this season. I expect a lot of buckets to fall tonight, which is why I'm going with the OVER in this matchup.

I know that 235 is a lot of points. However, in the 10 games leading up to the break, the Hawks and Bulls were 23rd and 24th in defensive rating, respectively. Chicago has a lot of players out. That has led to a shift in mentality on its side. The Bulls now have to outscore everyone to get wins. For the Hawks, that's been the case the entire season.

Chicago has hit the OVER in seven of its last 10 games; Atlanta has done the same. These are offensively skilled and defensively challenged teams -- which leads me to picking the OVER.

Lean: OVER 235 (-110) -- Donnavan Smoot

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.

Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers Prediction and Pick

Portland has shown some serious fight since trading away C.J. McCollum, as Anfernee Simons is blossoming into a star in the making for the Blazers. 

However, playing against the No. 1 defensive rating in the NBA could prove to be an issue for this Portland team, as it ranks 20th in offensive rating and 28th in defensive rating this season. 

The Warriors limped into the All-Star break with some bad losses to the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets, but I think they will turn things on in the home stretch with a chance to catch the Phoenix Suns now that Chris Paul is out. 

I can’t get past this trend that the Blazers can’t cover when they lose, and I think Golden State is able to pull off the win, and the cover, on Thursday night. 

Lean: Warriors -9.5 (-110) -- Peter Dewey