2024/2025 NBA Feb 22 Betting Predictions
It's another massive day of NBA action on Saturday and we're here to preview the top 3 matchups, starting with an East battle between the Knicks and Cavs.
New York Knicks (37-18) at Cleveland Cavaliers (45-10)
The Knicks are on a roll, coming into their matchup against the Cavaliers with three straight wins. They’ve gone 3-2 in their last five games, putting up an impressive 123 points per game but also giving up 124 on the defensive end. On the road, New York has been solid, winning their last three away games and holding an 8-2 record in their last 10 road matchups. Historically, they’ve had the upper hand against Cleveland, winning seven of their last 10 meetings.
Jalen Brunson has been a problem for the Cavs, averaging 26 points in their last nine matchups. In their most recent game, the Knicks pulled off a gritty two-point win over the Bulls, led by Karl-Anthony Towns’ 32 points and Miles McBride’s 23. Shooting-wise, they hit 43% from the field, 30.4% from deep, and 70% from the line while keeping turnovers in check with just 11.
With a strong 37-18 season record and momentum on their side, the Knicks will look to keep their streak alive against a Cleveland team they’ve had success against in recent years.
The Cavaliers are on fire, riding a five-game winning streak and boasting a dominant 9-1 record in their last 10 matchups. They’ve been putting up serious numbers, averaging 124.2 points over their last five games while holding opponents to just 110.2. At home, they’ve been solid with a 7-3 record in their last 10 and a recent 4-1 stretch.
In their last game, Cleveland handled business against the Nets, securing a 13-point win behind Donovan Mitchell’s 26 points and Darius Garland’s 18. Mitchell has been a consistent problem for the Knicks, averaging 30 points over their last seven meetings, while Garland dropped 34 in their most recent clash.
Despite struggling against New York in recent matchups (3-7 in the last 10), the Cavaliers are rolling with a league-best 45-10 record and will look to stay hot against a Knicks squad that has also been in great form.
Stadium Record
Cleveland are 7-3 in their last 10 at home. New York are 5-1 in their last 6.
Head to Head Record
The Cavaliers have lost 7 games against the Knicks in the last 10 meetings since 2022.
Best Bet
I like the chances of a high-scoring affair here. The Over has gone 5-0 in the Knicks last 5 and 4-1 when they hit the road. Cleveland are 6-3 against the Over and 4-2 at home.
Minnesota Timberwolves (31-25) at Houston Rockets (34-21)
The Timberwolves head into their matchup against the Rockets with a solid 3-2 record over their last five games, averaging 113 points while giving up 108.8. They’ve been decent on the road, going 6-4 in their last 10 away games, but they’re looking to bounce back after a recent road loss.
Minnesota is coming off a strong 15-point win over the Thunder, led by Naz Reid’s 27 points and Anthony Edwards’ 23. Edwards has been a nightmare for Houston, averaging 29 points in their last 10 meetings, including a monster 41-point performance in their last showdown. Reid has also found success against the Rockets, dropping 25 in their most recent matchup.
The Wolves have had the upper hand against Houston, winning eight of their last 10 meetings. Sitting at 31-25 on the season, they’ll aim to keep that dominance going and pick up another road win.
The Rockets are looking to bounce back after a rough 105-98 loss to the Warriors, marking their third defeat in their last five games. They’ve struggled a bit lately, going 3-7 in their last 10, but have still managed a solid 34-21 record on the season. At home, they’ve been decent with a 6-4 record in their last 10 and a 3-2 mark in their last five.
Offensively, Houston has been averaging 106 points over their last five games while allowing 109.2 on the other end. Turnovers were a big issue in their last outing (20 total), and shooting struggles (40.9% from the field, 33.3% from deep, and just 55.6% from the line) didn’t help either.
Jalen Green has been a bright spot against the Timberwolves, averaging 27 points in their last five meetings, including a 28-point effort in their most recent matchup. However, Houston has had trouble with Minnesota, going just 2-8 in their last 10 head-to-head matchups. They’ll need a strong performance to turn things around in this one.
Stadium Record
Houston are 6-4 in their last 10 at home. Minnesota are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston.
Head to Head Record
The Rockets hold a 2-8 record in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
The T-Wolves are coming off a nice win over the Thunder before the All-Star break and I think they can get another upset here. They're 10-4 ATS when they play the Rockets and have a nice record at this venue. Houston are just 2-7 and 0-6 ATS in their recent games too.
Minnesota Timberwolves Win = $2.30
Golden State Warriors (28-27) at Sacramento Kings (28-27)
The Warriors head into their matchup against the Kings with some momentum after a 7-point win over the Rockets, where Stephen Curry dropped 27 and Jimmy Butler added 19. They’ve been solid lately, going 6-4 in their last 10 and 3-2 over their last five while averaging 116.2 points per game. On the defensive end, they’ve been giving up 110.2 points per game in that stretch.
On the road, Golden State has been a bit inconsistent, going 4-6 in their last 10 away games but picking up a win in their most recent road outing. Their shooting was off last game (39.3% from the field, 26.8% from three), but they still managed to build a 24-point lead at one point.
Curry has been a force against Sacramento, averaging 31 points in their last nine meetings, but the Warriors have struggled against the Kings overall, going 4-6 in their last 10 matchups. Sitting at 28-27 on the season, they’ll look to grab another win and gain ground in the standings.
The Kings are looking to bounce back after a tough 140-133 loss to the Pelicans. They’ve gone 4-6 in their last 10 games but have been solid at home, winning four of their last five. Offensively, they’ve been lighting it up, averaging 121.2 points over their last five games, but their defence has been shaky, allowing 121 per game in that stretch.
Sacramento has had the edge over Golden State recently, winning six of the last 10 meetings. DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, and Harrison Barnes have all had big scoring nights against the Warriors, with Barnes dropping 39 in their last matchup. The Kings shot 43.8% from the field and 36.2% from deep in their last game but struggled to hold onto the lead.
Sitting at 28-27 on the season, Sacramento will need to tighten up defensively to take down the Warriors and get back in the win column.
Stadium Record
Sacramento hold a 4-1 record in their last 5 home games. Golden State are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Sacramento.
Head to Head Record
The Kings hold a 6-4 record in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
A tough game to pick in the head to head so I like the points and plenty of them. The Over is now 9-4 in the Warriors last 13 games and the Kings are 6-2 in their last 8. The Over is also 4-1 in this matchup.
