NBA Predictions and Best Bets – February 11, 2021

After a pretty loaded schedule to start the week, the NBA cools down a bit with five games on the docket on Thursday.

It’s a welcome break, where bettors still get enough games to work with but aren’t overwhelmed.

Before you decide what to bet on, let’s see who is in action on Thursday, February 11th, 2021.

The fun gets started with Toronto and Boston facing off. Bettors should anticipate potential rest from the Raptors, who played on Wednesday.

There really isn’t a bad game on this schedule, while the star power is off the charts despite the slate size. Joel Embiid, Stephen Curry, and Damian Lillard are all set to hit the hardwood, potentially giving fans – and bettors – a fun stage for NBA action.

But how should you bet? First, find one of the reputable NBA betting sites, and then join me as I break down my NBA predictions, and top betting picks for February 11th.

These teams are presently going in opposite directions. Toronto has nearly climbed out of a brutal hole, and Boston has collapsed of late.

Boston holds an edge at home, and they’re starting to get healthy again. Jaylen Brown made his return in a tough road loss to Utah, and he should be on hand for this one, as well.

The Celtics had a rough road trip, but are at full strength, are at home, and won the first meeting (126-114). I think they’re a solid bet to stop the bleeding and go up 2-0 in this season series.

Miami and Houston are two other teams that had awful starts to the 2020-21 NBA season but have since begun to turn things around.

Houston hasn’t been at their best lately, though, and the team is missing big man Christian Wood. 

Christian Wood's MRI result is out and thank God it's nothing more than a right ankle sprain.

Get well soon, CWood! ? pic.twitter.com/mXWFJknAn0

— Rockets Nation (@RocketsNationCP) February 6, 2021

It hasn’t helped that the team keeps resting their starters, so hopefully, they’ll be at 100% for this one.

They better be, as Miami is surging with three wins in a row. 

It’s never easy to get one on the road, but Jimmy Butler has been wheeling and dealing lately, and Bam Adebayo should provide resistance down low for Miami.

The Pacers just got done battling with the Nets last night, so they are certainly on fatigue watch. Detroit also just faced the Nets two days ago and shocked everyone with a win.

Bad in record, the Pistons have otherwise battled injuries and a lack of talent to be pretty competitive this year. They may not be the cupcake they’re made out to be.

Even so, I still love Indiana here.

Domantas Sabonis has been a monster all year, and he should work with Myles Turner to destroy Detroit in the paint. This matchup also sets up well for Malcolm Brogdon, while Indiana really just needs to slow down Jerami Grant.

The Warriors should be an attractive bet on Thursday, as they’re at home against a very beatable Magic squad.

Stephen Curry remains a risk to go off as a scorer each night, and he’ll be a threat against a struggling Orlando defense. 

He already scored a career-high 62 points in a game earlier this year but reminded everyone of his greatness with another gem recently.

Golden State still aren’t great defensively, but they have a fast-paced and explosive offense, and they’re a solid 8-5 on their home floor.

Nikola Vucevic could drop career-high numbers in this matchup, but Orlando is a one-man show these days. An injury to Cole Anthony in their last outing may not help matters, either.

Perhaps the game of the night, the final contest features Joel Embiid leading his 76ers into the Moda Center against Damian Lillard.

The 76ers are not known for their road game prowess, but they have an excellent matchup in front of them. 

Lillard needs to be perfect to keep Portland alive, but he’s been good enough to keep a mangled Blazers squad afloat at 13-10.

I don’t think he does enough to get the win here, but the Blazers ATS and the Over should be two of the most appealing bets on the board on Thursday.

Indiana rallied last night after getting destroyed in the first half against the Nets, but they ultimately lost. I think they make up for their off night with a big win over the inferior Pistons.

The Pacers feel like a steal at their -140 moneyline at BetOnline, and they are a solid bet to cover (-2), as well.

I think Philly stays hot in Portland tonight, but I also think the Blazers can give them a good fight. Portland tends to play some of their best ball at the Moda Center, and it’s worth noting that the 76ers are just 5-6-1 ATS on the road this year.

This game should also just be on fire. The Over is above .500 for both teams that year, while both teams come in averaging over 114 points per game. Expect plenty of points in this one.