NBA Predictions and Top Picks – February 25, 2021

The NBA gets a treat on Thursday, as two potential NBA MVP hopefuls square off in the first game of the night.

Joel Embiid and the 76ers host Luka Doncic and the Mavs in a thrilling showdown of two of the most exciting teams in the NBA.

That’s the marquee game of the night, but there’s a lot more going on in this six-game slate. 

See who else is in action on February 25th, 2021.

Doncic vs. Embiid takes the cake, but it’s just one game to watch and bet on. Big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, Nikola Jokic, and more will also be hitting the hardwood on Thursday.

Looking to place some bets? Before you do, check out my NBA predictions and top betting picks.

Perhaps the game of the night goes down in Philly, where the 21-11 Sixers cling to first place in the Eastern Conference.

Joel Embiid continues his NBA MVP tour, as he’s putting up nearly 30 points and 11 rebounds per game.

Luka Doncic is on the other side, and he’s been about as good. He also dropped in a season-defining moment with a clutch game-winner in his last outing.

LUKA. DONCIC. CLUTCH. pic.twitter.com/6BXV4Mzt84

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 24, 2021

This game is a toss-up, but Dallas has injuries they’re dealing with, and they’re on the road. Philly also offers more defensive potential, and they happen to be pretty tough to beat (13-2) at home.

For the best bet in this game, check out this Mavericks vs. 76ers betting preview.

The previously defensively inept Nets are still having issues on that end of the floor, but now they’re consistently winning.

Even without Kevin Durant, the Nets are on a roll these days, having won seven straight. 

They’re now right behind the 76ers for the best record in the Eastern Conference, and they’ll be pressing to take over first place tonight.

Philly has to lose to oblige, but I expect the Nets to hold up their end of the bargain.

Nikola Vucevic could destroy them down low, but the Magic have little else to throw at the Nets as a retort. There should be plenty of offense here, but the safest bet on the board is the Nets getting that 8th win in a row.

New York couldn’t contain Stephen Curry and the Warriors in their last loss, but this is still a decent Knicks team that competes on a regular basis.

There’s nothing sexy to see here, of course, as New York struggles offensively and only puts up 103 points per game.

Their weak offense is one good reason why they are among the teams that should be interested in trading for Andre Drummond.

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It’s a sharp contrast of styles when the Kings come to town, to be sure. I favor Sacramento’s faster pace and offensive upside, while this feels like the perfect spot for them to snap a nasty eight-game skid.

This is a possible spot for the Clippers to rest some guys, so keep track of who is in or out for L.A. before betting on this game.

Los Angeles has otherwise been a fun team to back. They just downed the Wizards at home, and 23-10 on the year (6-4 over their last 10).

Memphis has some nice young talent, and they’re at home, but they’ve also been pretty banged up. Unless key players are out, the Clippers are the clear bet.

The Wizards are unstoppable, it appears. After being left for dead following a brutal start to the season, they’re now on fire with a 5-1 record over their last five games.

Washington did just fall to the Clippers in their last game, however, and now they have to head to Denver.

While the hot run is worth noting, the Wizards are still awfully tough to trust. I don’t mind giving the Over a cursory glance or even considering the Wiz to beat the spread, but Denver is winning this game.

After a rough patch (four losses in a row), the Bucks have bounced back. They have some fans in the stands these days, and on Thursday, they’ll be looking for their fourth straight win.

Milwaukee is the obvious favorite here and the easy call as they keep this winning streak going. They’re the much better team, and they’re 12-4 at home this year.

More revenge could be on its way for Bledsoe in a return to Milwaukee. I think the Bucks still hold on for the win, but the Pels ATS and the Over are two solid secondary bets. 

These are the best NBA bets, in my opinion. Secondary wagers include Dallas (+4.5), Memphis (+8) if the Clippers rest anyone, and the Over in the Mavs vs. 76ers game.

I am not enamored with a lot of the other spreads and game totals, and most of the other moneylines are a tad egregious.

I love Philly to keep it going at home tonight. They’re 13-2 on their home floor, and Dallas won’t have any answer for Joel Embiid down low.

Most Nets games are in flames, so while the Magic aren’t a very reliable offense, the matchup should be good enough to where they contribute to the Over.

Sacramento is reeling, but the Knicks are down their starting point guard. It’s a nice value for the Kings to get back on track.

Ready to bet on the NBA on Thursday? Take these bets – and whatever other wagers you like – over to the best real money sports betting sites.