2023 NBA Feb 29 Betting Predictions
The NBA season continues on Thursday and I'll look at some of the best matchups on the slate.
New Orleans Pelicans (35-24) at Indiana Pacers (33-26)
The Pelicans have shown promise with a 9-3 record in their last twelve games, placing them solidly in 5th in the competitive Western Conference. However, their track record at the current venue is pretty concerning, with just 3 wins in their last 13 meetings there. In their latest game against the Knicks, they secured a convincing 23-point victory with impressive performances from Trey Murphy and Brandon Ingram, who scored 26 and 24 points respectively. With CJ McCollum sidelined, there's pressure on players like Jones and Murphy to step up again in this matchup. But ultimately, the team's success will hinge on the scoring prowess of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
The Pacers suffered a setback on Tuesday, putting an end to their promising three-game winning streak with a 130-122 loss against the Raptors. Despite the defeat, Mathurin's standout performance, scoring 34 points, is a bright spot. The team has been relatively strong lately, winning six of their last nine games, but their performance against the spread (ATS) at home hasn't been consistent, with just two wins in their last seven home games. Now, with Aaron Nesmith's availability uncertain, there's added uncertainty heading into their upcoming road trip after completing this current homestand.
In the past seven games, the total has gone under in five of New Orleans' matchups. Moreover, in their last eight road games, the total has been under in seven of them. Similarly, in five of Indiana's last seven games, the total points scored has been under the set line.
Stadium Record
Indiana are 5-5 in their last 10 at home. New Orleans have lost 10 of their last 13.
Head to Head Record
It's tied 5-5 in the last 10 meetings.
Best Bet
Sacramento Kings (33-24) at Denver Nuggets (39-19)
The Kings three-game winning streak came to an end on Tuesday with an 11-point loss against the Heat at home, falling 121-110. Despite leading by 10 points at one stage, the team should be disappointed with the outcome. However, standout performances from Keegan Murray, who scored 28 points and De'Aaron Fox, who contributed 27 points, offer some encouragement. The uncertainty surrounding Fox's availability adds a layer of unpredictability for upcoming games though. In their last nine games, the Kings have struggled with a 3-6 record, but they have historically performed well against Denver, boasting a 4-1 record in their last 10 matchups and an impressive 10-5 record against the spread (ATS).
The Nuggets seem to be hitting their stride recently. With an impressive 11-5 record in their last 16 games and a dominant 8-1 record at home in their last nine matchups, they're certainly a force to be reckoned with. Their current three-game winning streak, including a convincing 119-103 victory over the Warriors on Monday, showcases their strength. Nikola Jokic's 32-point performance and Jamal Murray's 27-point contribution highlight their offensive prowess. Despite losing all three previous encounters against the Kings this season, the Nuggets appear poised to turn the tide, especially considering they have no major injuries to report.
In their recent home games, Denver has been dominant with an impressive 8-1 straight-up (SU) record in their last nine matchups. Additionally, when playing at home against Sacramento, Denver boasts a strong 9-2 SU record in their last 11 meetings. On the other hand, Sacramento has struggled against the spread (ATS) with a 3-6 record in their last nine games.
Stadium Record
Denver are 8-2 in their last 10 at home. Sacramento are 2-9 in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Denver.
Head to Head Record
The Nuggets are 6-4 in the last 10.
Best Bet
Los Angeles Lakers (31-28) at LA Clippers (37-19)
The Lakers last game saw them suffer a 10-point loss against the Suns in Phoenix, despite LeBron James putting up 28 points and Anthony Davis contributing 22. The inconsistency of key players like Davis and James, who are frequently listed as questionable, adds uncertainty to their upcoming games. While the Lakers have managed a respectable 7-3 record in their last ten games, their historical struggles in derby matchups are evident, with a disappointing 2-12 record in their last 14 encounters.
The Clippers recent defeat against the Kings, with a final score of 123-107, is particularly concerning, especially considering their poor record against the spread (ATS) with just one win in their last seven games. It also doesn't help that Paul George is out with a knee injury. However, one bright spot for Clippers fans and punters is their strong record against the Lakers, winning 8 of their last 10 meetings. In their last encounter with the Lakers last month, Kawhi Leonard's 25 points and James Harden's 23 points contributed to a solid victory with a final score of 127-116. These trends suggest that despite recent struggles, the Clippers could be a favourable bet when facing the Lakers.
In the past 14 games, the total points scored has been under in 10 of the LA Clippers' matchups. Moreover, in their last five home games, the total points scored has been under in four of them.
Stadium Record
Los Angeles are 7-3 in their last 10 at home. The Clippers are 4-3 in their last 7.
Head to Head Record
The Clippers are 8-2 in the last 10.
Best Bet
