Top NBA Picks and Predictions for Feb. 28 (Fade Nets, Kings and Cavaliers on Monday)
By Peter Dewey
Are you looking to bet on the NBA on Monday night?
We've got you covered at BetSided with predictions for every game, and yours truly will be delivering my best bets in the NBA in my column later today.
However, until then, here are some of the top predictions I have for Monday's action, with all odds via WynnBET:
Sacramento Kings vs. Oklahoma Thunder Prediction and Pick
This is setting up as a perfect spot to back the Thunder now that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is back, as the Kings are one of the worst road teams in the NBA, going 7-22 straight up this season.
The Thunder are 14-9-4 against the spread as a home underdog this season, and I think they can at least cover in this game even with Josh Giddey and Lu Dort out of the lineup.
I would sprinkle on the Thunder moneyline if Giddey and Dort were healthy, but regardless I can’t back this Kings team that is 29th in defensive rating and 20th in offensive rating this season.
The Thunder should be able to keep this game close in OKC.
Lean: Thunder +4.5 (-110) -- Peter Dewey
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.
Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers Prediction and Pick
I took the Wolves at -1.5 before the line moved as my best bet on today’s episode of the Bet & Breakfast podcast, and I still like them at this number as well.
The Cavs have really struggled offensively without Garland and LeVert, as they lack a true top-flight ball-handle and creator with both players sidelined.
That could spell trouble against a Minnesota team that is third in the NBA in pace and 11th in offensive rating coming into this matchup. The Wolves have a plethora of scoring options in D’Angelo Russell, Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, and I think it may be too much for the Cavs to keep pace.
Cleveland has scored just 195 points in two games since the All-Star break, and it didn’t play a team close to Minnesota’s level in those contests. I think the market may have over adjusted for the Cavs strong start to the year, as they have covered in just five of their last 15 games and have failed to do so in four straight.
Lean: Wolves -2.5 (-110) -- Peter Dewey
Raptors vs. Nets Prediction and Pick
The Nets are a league worst 6-22-1 against the spread this season at home, and I’m going to bet on that trend continuing even with the Raptors down Anunoby on Monday.
Without Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons, the Nets lack the star power to really carry them at home, and the Raptors are actually an impressive 5-3 ATS as a road favorite this season.
Toronto should be able to take advantage of the Nets’ bottom-10 defense this season, as Anunoby’s absence does create more chances for Gary Trent Jr. and Scottie Barnes on the offensive end.
The Nets are still just 3-7 in their last 10 games, and I’ll keep fading them at home until they get healthy.
Lean: Raptors -4.5 (-110) -- Peter Dewey