Back to the grind? Monday’s NBA slate can help take the edge off. Tonight’s menu features a high-quality 4-game sample, headlined by the Philadelphia 76ers traveling to the City of Angels to square off with the Los Angeles Clippers in a cross-conference clash. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00 pm ET on Peacock for national audiences. 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 4 games on Monday, February 2nd.
Rockets vs Pacers NBA best bet: Pacers +5.5 (-110)
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
This is a fishy number if there ever was an example of one. But to the betting market, it makes sense to rush after the Rockets as the favorite. That in itself should raise some red flags that Houston looks this easy here. Let’s dive a bit deeper. Houston’s identity has been solid defense and explosive transition scoring, but the Pacers are one of the few teams that can dampen both vectors. Houston’s projection of superiority here is credible, but the market may be overrating their ability to create margin instead of just win. With that being said, the line suggests that not only can Indiana be competitive, but they may just stage an upset. We’re not asking the Pacers to do that. We’re following the oddsmakers’ cue and taking Indiana in a game that the authors of the line are weary that they can win outright.
Pelicans vs Hornets NBA best bet: Pelicans +7 (-110)
Odds available at Kalshi at time of publishing.
At first glance this feels like a Hornets spot at home, especially with recent Charlotte success, and after all, who would want to back the Pels ever? However, there are structural reasons as to why New Orleans can cover and potentially win outright. The Hornets are a strong home team, but their success has often come in tracking pace with opponents rather than out-executing them. Whether it be an offensive explosion or dragging the opposition out to the deep end, Charlotte is a not team that we can say has the potential to routinely blowout their opponent. Why should that be assumed here? Bottom line, the Pelicans have no appeal, but that’s why they are offered at the price they are. But the real question that should be asked once again is should the Hornets be laying this kind of lumber to anyone? Our answer is no.
Timberwolves vs Grizzlies NBA best bet: Bulls -1 (-110)
Odds available at Sleeper at time of publishing.
The Wolves control two key possession levers that matter more than total talent across 48 minutes: paint scoring and defensive rebounding. Memphis has flash scoring and athleticism, but their offensive rhythm is volatile — booming in bursts but vulnerable to long droughts. Memphis’s defensive rebounding rate allows the opposition multiple second chances, which inherently increases scoring opportunities for teams with strong interior presence like Minnesota. In summary, this is a nightmare set-up for Memphis and the Timberwolves can take advantage. The best part is by laying the points we don’t need a blowout, even when Minnesota can easily achieve this. We just need the Wolves to be the better side and play a full four quarters. If they do, this ticket cashes easy.
76ers vs Clippers NBA best bet: Clippers -2.5
Odds available at FanDuel Sportsbook at time of publishing.
Philadelphia’s recent form has shown flashes of inconsistency: they can score, but scoring reliability against structured defenses has wavered. Now, they have to deal with the Clippers who specialize in such things on their own court. That’s not a good spot for Phily. Philadelphia’s defense can be opportunistic, but against disciplined offenses that prioritize shot quality over volume like the Clips do here, those opportunities may be limited. Moreover, Los Angeles tends to create second-chance points and offensive rebounds. Against Philadelphia, the Clippers have the physicality to exploit this wrinkle. If that does transpire, Los Angeles wins this going away. Meanwhile, we only need the Clippers to win by a possession here to cash in. Move in hard on the Clippers.
Check out our full 76ers vs Clippers prediction
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