Top NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (2/28)
We’ve got six games on the NBA slate, with two games featured on ESPN.
I’ve added a couple of bets for those matchups below after going 1-1 with yesterday’s games. The Knicks cost us after Jalen Brunson was ruled out with neck spasms way after the article was posted.
Let’s get back on track tonight!
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Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook | All wagers are for 1 unit
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Indiana Pacers
The New Orleans Pelicans shouldn’t have a problem scoring against the Pacers tonight. Although the Pelicans are playing in the second game of a back-to-back on the road, the offense is still facing one of the worst defenses in the NBA.
The Pacers have given up 120.2 points per 100 possessions and a 56.8% effective field goal percentage. On top of that, the Pacers have also allowed 28.8% of offensive rebounds and given up a 23.1 free throw rate, which ranks 29th in the NBA.
New Orleans should capitalize. The Pelicans are above average on the offensive glass. They’re also above average with their free throw rate and rank 12th in the NBA in effective field goal percentage. The Pelicans could still be without CJ McCollum, but that didn’t stop them from scoring 115 points last night.
On the other hand, Indiana’s offense is superior. But against the Pelicans defense, it won’t be. The Pacers have scored 121.5 points per 100 possessions. But they’re not getting to the foul line nearly as much and likely won’t add as many second chances, with the Pelicans holding teams to 26.4% offensive rebounds per game. I also like New Orleans to win the turnover battle and believe those three areas will propel the Pelicans to at least cover in tonight’s showdown.
Bet: Pelicans +6.5 (-110)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
It’s already known that Paul George won’t play in this matchup against the Lakers. Without George, the Clippers dropped a home game to the Kings, 123-107 last time out.
However, the Lakers didn’t win their last game either, losing 123-113 to the Suns on the road a few days ago.
The Clippers have ultimately played more consistent defense this season. They’ve held teams to a 53.7% effective field goal percentage and likely won’t get beat badly on the glass, with the Lakers earning only 22.4% of offensive rebounds per game.
While the Lakers will keep the Clippers away from the foul line more, the Clippers still shoot an effective field goal percentage of 57.2% and have scored 120.9 points per 100 possessions. That’s good for fourth in the NBA.
In the Clippers’ final home game against the Lakers at crypto.com Arena, I’ll back them to get the job done and cover the -3.5.
Bet: Clippers -3.5 (-110)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: