Free NBA Picks For Today, Friday 2/21/2025

The Cleveland Cavaliers are on a remarkable winning streak, having triumphed in nine of their last ten games. They are eager to enhance their current five-game winning streak after a convincing 110-97 victory against the Nets last night. Donovan Mitchell led the scoring with 26 points, while both Evan Mobley and Darius Garland added 18 points each. Jarrett Allen also made a significant contribution, finishing with 16 points and 20 rebounds, achieving an outstanding shooting percentage of eight out of nine.

The Pick:

As the Knicks entered the break, they were showcasing some of their most impressive basketball of the season, bolstered by their recent win over the Bulls, which would have instilled considerable confidence. Nevertheless, it will be difficult for them to match that level of play on the road against the surging Cavaliers. Although the Knicks may seem attractive in the betting odds, I expect the Cavaliers to achieve a comfortable win at home in this contest.

Memphis Grizzlies vs Orlando Magic Prediction 2/21/25 NBA Picks

Grizzlies at Magic at 7 PM ET

Recently, the Memphis Grizzlies have seen a decline in their performance, losing three of their last four contests. They aim to rebound following a heavy loss to the Pacers, who defeated them 127-113 in an away match last night. Desmond Bane led the scoring for the Grizzlies with 23 points and seven assists. Jaren Jackson contributed 18 points along with seven rebounds and four assists, while Jaylen Wells added 17 points to the tally. Ja Morant faced challenges during the game, shooting only four out of 15 from the field, which resulted in 12 points and five turnovers.

The Orlando Magic are experiencing a positive shift in their season, winning three out of their last four contests. They are now looking to achieve a third straight victory after narrowly defeating the Hawks with a score of 114-108 in an away match last night. Paolo Banchero was instrumental in the win, scoring 36 points and securing 11 rebounds along with five assists. Franz Wagner also made a significant contribution with 25 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Cole Anthony added 17 points to the team's efforts.

The Pick:

The Grizzlies find themselves in a critical situation, requiring a win to restore their season's trajectory after suffering defeats in three of their last four contests, despite being in full health. Conversely, the Magic are on an upward trend, seeking their fourth victory in five games. With their recent success, the Magic are positioned as the stronger team heading into this encounter, making a win for them a likely scenario. Nevertheless, the Grizzlies are anticipated to bounce back shortly, given that they have all their key players available.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards Prediction 2/21/25 NBA Picks

Bucks at Wizards at 7 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks have demonstrated strong performance recently, winning four out of their last six games. They are set to pursue a third consecutive victory after edging past the Clippers with a score of 116-110 in a home game last night. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge with 23 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Additionally, Brook Lopez contributed 22 points, along with seven rebounds and four blocks, while Damian Lillard provided 15 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

The Washington Wizards are currently facing a tough stretch, as they attempt to halt a four-game losing streak after narrowly losing to the Pacers in a 134-130 overtime match last Wednesday. Jordan Poole emerged as the team's top scorer with 42 points, complemented by five rebounds and five assists. Corey Kispert added 21 points with an efficient eight-of-ten shooting from the bench, while Bub Carrington contributed 18 points, along with eight rebounds and five assists.

The Pick:

The Bucks have not been performing at their highest level due to injury issues, but they seem to have returned to full fitness, as demonstrated by their commendable victory over the Clippers last night. On the other hand, the Wizards are experiencing a continued decline, having suffered another defeat, although they were competitive in their overtime loss to the Pacers before the break. The Bucks will be playing on zero days of rest, while the Wizards will be completely rested. However, the betting line is tight enough to consider. While the Wizards may have a strong start, I expect the Bucks to secure the win and cover the spread.

Miami Heat vs Toronto Raptors Prediction 2/21/25 NBA Picks

Heat at Raptors at 7:30 PM ET

The Miami Heat have faced significant challenges recently, suffering defeats in five of their last six games as they approach the All-Star break. They will be seeking improved performance following a narrow loss to the Mavericks, with a final score of 118-113 in their away game on Thursday. Tyler Herro was the standout player, scoring 40 points, along with eight rebounds and three assists on 15 of 30 shooting. Additionally, Kel'el Ware contributed 17 points, while Kyle Anderson added 15 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks.

The Toronto Raptors are currently experiencing a challenging phase, having lost five out of their last six games. They are eager to improve their performance following a significant defeat at home against the Cavaliers, where they were outmatched 131-108 last Wednesday. RJ Barrett was the standout player for the team, scoring 27 points on 11 of 18 shooting. Additionally, Scottie Barnes contributed 16 points, along with 11 rebounds and seven assists. Both Immanuel Quickley and Ochai Agbaji added 15 points each. However, Gradey Dick struggled during the game, managing only two points on one of seven shooting in 25 minutes of play.

The Pick:

The Heat are in dire need of a victory to regain their momentum; however, their challenges will persist if they fail to secure reliable scoring options beyond Herro. On the other hand, the Raptors are entering this matchup with comparable difficulties, and there remains no clear timeline for the introduction of their recent acquisition, Brandon Ingram. Currently, it is difficult to confidently support either team, but I believe the Heat possess a marginally greater potential for success, and I anticipate they will get a W here.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction 2/21/25 NBA Picks

Pelicans at Mavericks at 8:30 PM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans have been struggling considerably, having faced a 10-game losing streak before achieving a dramatic 140-133 overtime win against the Kings on Thursday. CJ McCollum was instrumental in this victory, scoring 43 points with an impressive shooting percentage of 16 out of 25. Furthermore, both Jose Alverado and Trey Murphy scored 18 points, while Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Jordan Hawkins each contributed 16 points.

The Dallas Mavericks are on an upward trajectory, having won four of their last five contests. They are looking to achieve a third straight victory after narrowly defeating the Miami Heat 118-113 in their most recent home game prior to the All-Star break. Dante Exum led the scoring with 27 points on an impressive 11 of 13 shooting performance. Max Christie also made significant contributions with 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie supported the team with 18 points and six assists.

The Pick:

The Pelicans successfully concluded a challenging 10-game losing streak with an exciting win over the Kings just before the All-Star break. Nevertheless, the Mavericks are still considered clear favorites at home, having achieved four wins in their last five outings. Both teams are facing injury concerns, which balances the competition significantly; however, I find it difficult to place my trust in the Pelicans. The Mavericks have the necessary depth to manage in the short term, and I anticipate they will prevail at this modest line.

Detroit Pistons vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction 2/21/25 NBA Picks

Pistons at Spurs at 8:30 PM ET

The Detroit Pistons triumphed over the Bulls and the Hornets in their recent matchups. At present, the team is scoring an average of 114.6 points with a shooting accuracy of 47 percent, while allowing 113.1 points at a rate of 46.4 percent. Cade Cunningham is the standout player, averaging 25.4 points and 6.3 rebounds, while Malik Beasley adds an average of 16.5 points and 1.7 assists to the team's performance.

The San Antonio Spurs suffered a defeat against the Celtics but achieved a win against the Suns. They are currently averaging 113.2 points with a shooting percentage of 46.2, while their opponents score an average of 114.4 points on 46.4 percent shooting. De’Aaron Fox is averaging 21.6 points and 3.4 rebounds, while Devin Vassell contributes an average of 15.9 points and 2.9 assists.

The Pick:

The Pistons have been inconsistent, and their recent victories against the Bulls and Hornets do not significantly enhance their position. Moreover, the Spurs have had the chance to regain their form, while the Pistons have not played in a week. The Spurs still have capable players on their roster and do not need to travel after their last game. I consider this line to be an overreaction to the Wemby news, as I do not trust the Pistons enough to accept such a line on the road. I am inclined to back the Spurs in a game they could win outright.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets Prediction 2/21/25 NBA Picks

Timberwolves at Rockets at 9:30 PM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a victory against the Thunder but suffered a defeat to the Bucks. Currently, the Timberwolves are averaging 111.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 46, while they permit an average of 108.1 points on 45.6 percent shooting. Anthony Edwards is leading the team with an average of 27.5 points and 5.8 rebounds, whereas Julius Randle contributes an average of 18.9 points and 4.5 assists.

The Houston Rockets achieved a win against the Suns but were defeated by the Warriors. Their forthcoming schedule includes matches against the Jazz, Bucks, and Spurs. The team is currently averaging 112.7 points with a shooting percentage of 44.6, while they concede 108.7 points at a shooting rate of 45.4 percent. Jalen Green is posting an average of 21.2 points and 4.3 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 18.8 points and 10.5 rebounds.

The Pick:

The uncertainty surrounding Gobert, Conley, and Edwards poses a challenge in backing the Timberwolves at this point, particularly with the possibility of their absence. On the other hand, the Houston Rockets are a team that could significantly benefit from the upcoming break, as they have faltered recently, losing seven of their last nine games. This young squad has outperformed expectations, and the break will allow them to regroup effectively. The current line is not excessive, and should the Timberwolves be missing important players, it is likely to increase. Back the Rockets as a logical choice.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz Prediction 2/21/25 NBA Picks

Thunder at Jazz at 9:30 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious against the Heat but were defeated by the Timberwolves. The team is currently averaging 117.8 points with a shooting percentage of 47.5, while they allow 104.9 points on 43.1 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is performing exceptionally, averaging 32.5 points and 6.1 assists, and Jalen Williams is contributing with an average of 21 points and 5.5 rebounds.

The Utah Jazz experienced a loss to the Clippers and recorded a split in their matchups with the Lakers. At present, the team averages 112.3 points, achieving a shooting accuracy of 45.9 percent, while allowing 119.4 points at a shooting rate of 47.7 percent. Lauri Markkanen is contributing an average of 19.6 points and 6.1 rebounds, and Collin Sexton is averaging 18.3 points along with 2.9 rebounds.

The Pick:

With an 18-7-1 record against the spread in their last 26 games as a double-digit favorite, the Thunder demonstrate a strong performance. This is a remarkable achievement. Conversely, the Utah Jazz have not been effective in their defensive efforts, leading to a lack of victories and challenges in covering the spread in these situations. They are also significantly impacted by injuries. While I have some concerns regarding the line, I will persist in backing the Thunder as long as the outcomes remain favorable.

Golden State Warriors vs Sacramento Kings Prediction 2/21/25 NBA Picks

Warriors at Kings at 10 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors triumphed over the Rockets but faced a loss against the Mavericks. At present, the Warriors are scoring an average of 112.1 points with a shooting accuracy of 44.5 percent, while they allow 111.9 points at a shooting rate of 46.3 percent. Stephen Curry's performance includes an average of 23.4 points and 6.1 assists, in contrast to Jimmy Butler's average of 21.3 points and 5.3 assists.

The Sacramento Kings secured a win against the Mavericks and split their series with the Pelicans. At present, the Kings are averaging 116.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47.5, while they allow 115.6 points on 46.8 percent shooting. DeMar DeRozan is posting an average of 21.9 points and 3.9 rebounds, while Zach LaVine contributes 21.5 points and 3 rebounds on average.

The Pick:

The Kings have encountered difficulties in maintaining a successful run, and their home performance, with a record of 14-13 straight up, suggests that the home-court advantage has not been substantial. Conversely, the Warriors have triumphed in three out of their last four contests, fueled by the fresh energy brought by Jimmy Butler's arrival. Draymond Green has confidently proclaimed that the Warriors will clinch the NBA title. The team now displays a level of enthusiasm that was lacking in recent weeks. I am prepared to back the Warriors.