Welcome to Thursday. Tonight’s menu features a savory 8-game medley, headlined by the Chicago Bulls heading to the Great White North to face off with the Toronto Raptors. Both teams were active as the trade deadline neared and both new-look teams are looking to make a run at the postseason here on out. That starts tonight. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET on PRIME 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 8 games on Thursday, February 5.
Wizards vs Pistons NBA best bet: Wizards +14.5 (-110)
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing
On paper, we have two teams metaphorically speaking from opposite ends of the track. The Pistons are the taster’s choice of the Eastern Conference as they have the best record overall at 37-12. The Wizards? They hover near the bottom at 13-36. That disparity shapes the line and makes the Wizards undervalued by default. That’s fine by us. Washington is a team that is looking to recalibrate and make a splash. While the postseason may be out of reach this season, boding the services of Trae Young and Anthony Davis says this team has aspirations. This creates a culture shift and gives this game against Detroit even more meaning. This isn’t a tune-up spot for the Pistons, it’s an opportunity for Washington. Give a highly-motivated and revamped underdog a boat load of points and that is the recipe for an easy cover. Washington is the play.
Nets vs Magic NBA best bet: Under 213.5 (-110)
Odds available at Kalshi at time of publishing
This total is low for a reason—and the reason is game shape, not just “bad offense.” Brooklyn’s scoring profile is fragile, they have the worst scoring offense in the league across all major categories. On the road at the Magic, Orlando is completely fine with that because they are a defense-first squad. The under becomes more playable when the favorite has no need to sprint. Orlando is a double-digit favorite here, and when favorites build even a modest lead, the game often tilts toward control which the Magic like to do regardless of opponent. Orlando will run clock and play defense. The Nets also like the Magic lead with their defense, since their offense is non-existent. Orlando is no offensive dynamo either. This is an under-friendly script if there ever was one.
Bulls vs Raptors NBA best bet: Bulls +8.5 (-110)
Odds available at Sleeper at time of publishing
Both teams were active at the deadline with the Bulls picking up Jaden Ivey while shipping off Coby White and Nikola “The Kraken” Vucecic. The Raptors added veteran Chris Paul to their roster. Both teams have designs for the postseason. This is a spot where the number does a lot of work for you. Toronto being favored at home is logical, but this price assumes a level of clean separation that isn’t always there when the opponent has a viable path to stabilize possessions. Chicago’s best cover script is straightforward: stay connected through shot volume, avoid live-ball turnovers, and turn the game into a sequence of trading points that keeps the margin from expanding. The Bulls are a tough team to put away for this reason. Toronto is a tough out at home and the Bulls aren’t from an optics perspective good on the road, but the Raps got beat in the Great White North last night by the visiting Timberwolves. Many had Toronto winning that game by location alone, but that didn’t translate to a win. It doesn’t translate to a cover here either against a live opponent.
Jazz vs Hawks NBA best bet: Under 240.5 (-110)
Odds available at Kalshi at time of publishing
Another lofty total demands a near-perfect cocktail: pace, efficiency, and minimal empty possessions. That’s a high bar, and the matchup sets up more fragile than the number implies. Atlanta can score, but their best basketball often comes when they’re controlling the game rather than playing all gas/no brakes. Utah can push tempo, but they’re also prone to long stretches where offense turns into the very droughts that overs can’t afford. Both these teams need to light it up for four quarters for this ticket to be in position to cash. The line is priced like a track meet is guaranteed. The problem is – it isn’t. The line suggests every quarter will look like the first quarter. That’s rarely how NBA games play out. Taking the under here is betting on normal variance and the inevitability of a few slow stretches.
Hornets vs Rockets NBA best bet: Hornets +138 ML
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing
With what is prognosticated to be a low scoring affair (O/U of 217), this is a game that can go either way given the fact this also features a short spread. Let’s forget about the logos for a moment. The Hornets though white-hot now were not to long ago, regarded as a featherweight in the Eastern Conference. The Rockets meanwhile have been known as a playoff and championship contender all season long, once they acquired Kevin Durant. That perception is shaping the market, but when we look at how each team is playing overall we can safely say that this is rock fight that can be won by either party. We’ll keep this one short yet sweet. The fact that the Hornets who are still play losing basketball at the moment and also have a less than appetizing road record are taking back such a small number here against a heavyweight like the Rockets says that they have more than a puncher’s chance. We’ll back the upset at plus money and let the chips fall where they may.
Spurs vs Rockets NBA best bet: Spurs -6.5 (-110)
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing
We know there is a rivalry connotation to this contest but these are two teams heading in complete opposite directions. San Antonio is thinking about knocking off the Thunder and NBA Finals; Dallas? They have pretty much written off their season after trading AD to the Wizards. This is the factor of motivated and superior side against a team already focused on the lottery. This is the kind of matchup where the favorite doesn’t need to do much to get us to the window. If San Antonio gets up, they can control the pace and that should be pretty much be it. Not a lot of separation is required for us to cash in and San Antonio may be in position to do that from the first quarter.
Warriors vs Suns NBA best bet: Under 217.5 (-110)
Odds available at Sleeper at time of publishing
This is a total that becomes more attractive to the under once you look at how the game is likely to be scored. Golden State’s offense is significantly less automatic without its primary engine. Stephen Curry being ruled out removes a major source of quick-strike scoring. That doesn’t mean the Warriors can’t score, it means their points often come slower, with fewer instant explosions. That plays ideally into the hands of the Suns who love to play physical, gritty, and dogged basketball. Phoenix can score, but a total low like this one is beaten when both teams are trading efficient possessions. That stands in jeopardy for Golden State and Phoenix has no objections bullying the Warriors instead of trying to outscore them. The mechanics of this spot make the under most appealing.
76ers vs Lakers NBA best bet: Lakers -3.5 (-110)
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing
The Lakers are expected to dictate, and the questions becomes whether they can create separation. LA’s best advantage in these spots is that they can generate offense without needing chaotic pace. The Lakers do this through structured half-court creation, rim pressure, and creating high-quality looks. Philadelphia meanwhile has been marred by inconsistency on both ends of the hardwood. Philadelphia is good enough to win the game, we know that. But their offense can dry up at inopportune times and their defense can be caught out chasing the game. Either of those scenarios allows the Lakers to win and cover easy here. Spotting a possession plus the hook is not calling for dominance either. This can be settled by some late fouling and few trips to the free throw line. Lay the points.
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