The BUCKETS Podcast crew gave out their best NBA bets and expert picks for Thursday, Feb. 22 on today's episode — featuring picks and predictions for Suns vs Mavericks, Lakers vs Warriors and more.
Read their analysis and listen to the latest episode of the BUCKETS Podcast below.
Best NBA Bets: Expert Picks from the 'Buckets' Podcast (Thursday, Feb. 22)
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:00 p.m. | Raptors -1.5 |
  | 7:30 p.m. | Under 245 |
  | 10:00 p.m. | Warriors 3Q -1.5 |
Raptors -1.5 vs. Nets
7:00 p.m. ET ⋅ NBA League Pass
It has been a disappointing season for both of these teams coming out of the All-Star Break.
The Nets have owned this series as of late, winning the last five straight up and covering in eight of the last 10. Yet they come into this matchup as an underdog. Both teams have a chance at reaching the Play-In Tournament but the Nets just fired their head coach Jacque Vaughn.
The Raptors have to play much better in the second half and they are favored against a team that has dominated them recently. I think the young core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickly have had some time to mesh and will figure it out in the second half of the season. Give me the Raptors laying the points.
Pick: Raptors -1.5 (-110)
| |  |
Mavericks vs Suns Under 245
7:30 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT
By Sean Little
The Mavericks are finally healthy.
Both Luka Doncic and Derek Lively are probable with no other injuries to report. On the Suns side, only Bradley Beal is questionable.
Both teams have also started playing serious defense. Heading into the break, both teams were top-10 in defensive rating in their last 10 games. I think this game will be a defensive battle and they will be playing very competitive on that side of the ball.
The additions of Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington gives Dallas a lot more depth in this second half of the season and into the playoffs.
No Bradley Beal for the Suns should help to keep this game under the number of 245. I can see this game being a playoff-type atmosphere and both of their first two games went under.
Pick: Under 245 (-110)
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Warriors 3Q -1.5 vs. Lakers
10:00 p.m. ET ⋅ TNT
By Jay Money
I think the Warriors will continue their hot streak coming out of the All-Star break.
While both teams finished the first half of the season strong, one of them is destined to cool off. I am going back to the well over the last few years of the Warriors in the third quarter. You never know coming out of the break if teams will be rusty after the layoff but Golden State is currently 2.5 games behind the Lakers in the West.
I expect them to be fired up for this one, especially after losing a barn-burner to the Lakers earlier in the season. The first-half is always a crap shoot and I could see them trailing heading into the break. So that is why I am taking the third quarter spread. LeBron James is out tonight so I think this spot is "golden" for the Warriors.
Pick: Warriors 3Q -1.5 (-110)
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