Short but sweet, you’ve heard the old saying. Today’s NBA slate is an example of that idiom. Tonight’s menu features a modest 3 game spread features a cross-conference collision between emerging powers when the San Antonio Spurs lock horns with the Detroit Pistons in the Motor City. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET and will be televised live on Peacock. After that, the renewal of a Western Conference rivalry when the Houston Rockets host the Utah Jazz. Gametime is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET and also will be televised on Peacock.
You can find our NBA picks for all of today’s matchups, along with EVERY GAME this season. But for now, here are our expert NBA best bets for each of today’s 3 games on Monday, February 23.
Spurs vs Pistons NBA best bet: Spurs +100 (ML)
Odds available at Caesars at time of publishing.
This one has all the makings of a heavyweight classic. Both teams play with intent; both teams are physical; both teams can score in a variety of ways. That’s the build-up. San Antonio and Detroit also have two of the best records in the NBA at present, both teams have already eclipsed the 40-win threshold. The game is essentially lined as toss-up, with Detroit lined as the favorite because of home court. That’s key, but San Antonio’s portfolio of assets and wide array of tools enables them to win in hostile confines regardless. Forgetting about win-loss records in away/home splits, San Antonio has a menace in the interior to disrupt Detroit’s front court in Victor Webanyama, and they also have a dynamic backcourt in guards De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. This a game that can go either way and with that alone, getting the Spurs at plus money is value. The Spurs also can match physicality and have more playmaking ability to get the W.
Read our full Spurs vs Pistons prediction
Kings vs Grizzlies NBA best bet: Kings +5 (-110)
Odds available at Bet365 at time of publishing.
The Sacramento skid continues, reaching historic levels with 16 straight losses. Among the tanking allegations and hyperbole, the Kings are lined as a modest underdog here with all things considered. Neither team are known for their defensive posture and Memphis has low enough floor where dropping this game to the Kings outright isn’t beyond comprehension. That’s the entire point. If Sacramento hadn’t been on such a cold spell to put it mildly, they may be taking back less than a possession here. No one wants the Kings and the only way they will attract any action is through a bloated number next to their logo. Call it daring, Sacramento can not only cover here, but they can get off the streak outright. Fortunately, we don’t need that to happen. We just need the Kings to come in under the number which they can easily do against a Memphis side that is just 3-7 SU in their last 10 overall and 13 games under .500.
Jazz vs Rockets NBA best bet: Rockets -14.5 (-110)
Odds available at BetMGM at time of publishing
Houston has the profile to create separation in this matchup and justify the number. Utah’s identity is built around offense, but the Rockets approach games from the opposite direction, leaning on defensive pressure and physicality first. If Houston is able to disrupt rhythm and force empty possessions, the game can flip quickly. Misses and turnovers from the Jazz will fuel transition opportunities, where the Rockets are most dangerous. That combination creates the potential for scoring runs that extend the margin in a hurry. This isn’t a spot to fear laying the points, the spread reflects a matchup edge that could produce a decisive Houston win. Lay the lumber with the Rockets.
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