NBA Predictions and Best Bets – February 8, 2021

The Super Bowl is finally over, so the main focus for most sports bettors is now betting on the NBA. That’s not such a bad thing, once you start forgetting about all of the horrible blowouts.

There is a strategy as to how to benefit from NBA blowouts, however, and it’s worth diving into.

Each slate is different, of course, and Monday offers a nice eight-game NBA schedule. Blowout or not, let’s see who is hitting the hardwood on February 8th, 2021.

This looks like a pretty fun schedule. Right away, you can cross some big names off of your list, as some of these teams played last night.

I tend to doubt Russell Westbrook will be available for this one, while Christian Wood will likely still be out for Houston.

Keep an eye on other big names like Giannis Antetokounpo, Kristaps Porzingis, the Lakers stars. Beyond that, let’s dive into Monday’s NBA predictions and top betting picks.

As mentioned, Christian Wood (ankle) is expected to be sidelined for some time, so it’s DeMarcus Cousins Szn in Houston.

The Rockets are concerned that star center Christian Wood could be sidelined for an extended period after injuring his right ankle for the second time in a span of less than three weeks, sources told ESPN.

“It didn’t look great," coach Stephen Silas said. "It was unfortunate.”

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 5, 2021

The Rockets should be in a good spot on Monday, as they face a beatable Hornets team. Charlotte is at home and just crushed the Wizards, but that isn’t saying a whole lot.

Houston is in good form with a 7-3 mark over their last 10 games, and this game could elevate them into the Western Conference playoffs. I think they get the job done tonight.

Speaking of the Wiz, their defense was positively ghastly yesterday. That’s really been the case all year long, and it’s largely off-set a brilliant offensive season out of Bradley Beal.

I mean, few can forget his 60-point gem.

Beal has been a monster, and he’ll need to keep it rolling if Westbrook indeed takes a breather here.

Chicago is obviously a beatable opponent, but the Bulls have a decent offense, are at home, and they’re not the Wizards. I like Chicago here.

Toronto continues to head in the right direction. They’re just 5-5 over their last 10 games, but that’s a bump up compared to an awful start to the year.

They should be the aggressor against the Grizzlies, who are going in the opposite direction.

After a hot start, Memphis has dropped three straight, and a 3-6 home record – not to mention a rash of injuries – makes them a poor bet.

Luka Doncic and co. got the last laugh in a wild rematch with the Warriors the other day. That helped stop the bleeding, but the Mavs still have the second worst record in a super tight Western Conference.

Dallas needs to keep it going, and a winnable home game against an inferior T’Wolves team is one they can’t let get away.

There should be next to no defense in this one, but I think the Mavs should pull through as they try to inch their way up the standings.

The Dubs are hit or miss due to an atrocious defense, but as Stephen Curry showed again in their last game, they’re always going to be relevant.

San Antonio is ahead of Golden State in the win column, but they have been shaky (6-7) at home, and are dealing with some injuries. Look for another vintage scoring effort from Curry to keep the Dubs in the 8th seed.

Phoenix hosts the Cavs in a very winnable game on Monday. The Suns have been pretty mediocre across the board, of course, and it’s always possible an aging Chris Paul takes the night off.

Regardless, Phoenix is the team to like here. Cleveland has some size and are healthy now, but they’re trending in the wrong direction after losing three in a row.

The main problem is their weak offense, which will surely struggle on the road against a very good defensive team in the Suns.

This is the game of the night. No doubt about it. Fans get a fun one, as The Greek Freak heads to Denver to battle The Joker.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic will hopefully both be on hand for a pretty awesome showdown, especially since these teams have combined for some good games in the past.

Milwaukee is on fire right now with four straight wins, but they’re a bit more vulnerable on the road. Denver has also lost two in a row and needs to snap out of their funk.

Bet the Over, and look for the Nuggets to get back on track at the Pepsi Center.

Lastly, LeBron James and Anthony Davis prepare to host a battered Thunder team. OKC should have most of their guys for this one, but that isn’t something they’ve been able to say lately.

To their credit, OKC has remained pretty competitive, and they’re still a respectable 10-12 on the year.

I don’t give them much of a chance to take down the Lakers, though. The Thunder are 7-4 on the road, but they just don’t have the pieces to seriously challenge L.A.

The full NBA betting lines for Monday aren’t out at the top NBA betting apps just yet, but I still love the three NBA picks listed above.

Based on my NBA predictions, you already know I like Toronto and Golden State. You can get the Dubs as mild road dogs, which means once moneylines pop out, that should be pretty appealing.

Toronto is going to be favored, but this spread is super tiny. Bet them to cover here, or just take them straight up.

Lastly, while I love Dallas at home against Minnesota, I don’t love them to win by nine points.

The Mavs have lost a lot of winnable games this year, and are just 10-14 ATS. I’ll bet on Minnesota to avoid a total housing.