The BUCKETS Podcast crew gave out their best NBA bets and expert picks for Friday, Feb. 23 on today's episode — featuring picks and predictions for Bucks vs. Timberwolves and Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers.
Read their analysis and listen to the latest episode of the BUCKETS Podcast below.
Best NBA Bets Tonight: Expert Picks and Predictions for Friday (Feb. 23)
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 10 p.m. | Timberwolves -4 |
  | 10 p.m. | Trail Blazers +9.5 |
| 10 p.m. | Trail Blazers +9.5 |
Timberwolves -4 vs. Bucks
10 p.m. ET ⋅ ESPN
By Matt Moore
Minnesota has just been too good at home this season. The Wolves facing teams with a winning percentage higher than 60% are 10-3-1 and are 4-1-1 at home.
I am not worried about the Wolves' offense, but the defense concerns me. They have been blitzing more of late and I think that will play well against Damian Lillard. Giannis Antetokounmpo is going to get his, we know that.
I think Jaden McDaniels will probably get in foul trouble, but Minnesota's depth at home is so good. The Bucks have a bad bench and benches get worse on the road, so I will ride with the Timberwolves.
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Trail Blazers +9.5 vs. Nuggets
10 p.m. ET ⋅ NBA League Pass
Denver has just not been great on back-to-backs this season.
The Nuggets are 1-6 against the spread with a rest disadvantage, which I believe is the worst cover rate in the NBA. The Blazers have a lot of guys who can score and are clearly going into the tank. They just haven't been able to cover this year.
I still like the Nuggets to win this, but I think the Blazers can cover.
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Trail Blazers +9.5 vs. Nuggets
10 p.m. ET ⋅ NBA League Pass
By Matt Moore
The Nuggets are 3-7 against the spread on a back-to-back. They are 3-6-1 as a double-digit favorite this season. The Nuggets' winning percentage does not match their point differential, though.
They win a lot of games. That is not indicative of the margins, though.
The Nuggets have let teams hang around in the regular season this year. I think this is a really good spot for the Blazers against a Nuggets team on a back-to-back as a double-digit favorite and traveling to Portland.
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