Free NBA Picks For Today, Friday 2/28/2025

The Detroit Pistons have reached a season-high performance level, winning 10 out of their last 12 games. They are now targeting a ninth consecutive victory after a convincing 117-97 win over the Celtics on Wednesday. Malik Beasley played a pivotal role off the bench, scoring 26 points on 10 of 15 shooting in merely 22 minutes. Cade Cunningham contributed 21 points and 11 assists, while Tobias Harris added 16 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks to the team's success.

The Pick:

Prior to their loss to the Bucks last night, the Nuggets were in outstanding form. They are now set to compete against a Pistons team that is well-rested and coming off a decisive win against the Celtics. The current betting line is a pick 'em, but the Pistons are filled with confidence. I am of the opinion that they can maintain their strong performance and secure another victory at home against a Nuggets team that is facing a challenging situation with no days of rest.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction 2/28/25 NBA Picks

Thunder at Hawks at 7:30 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder have demonstrated impressive form, winning 10 out of their last 12 games. After achieving a 129-121 victory against the Nets on the road on Wednesday, they are determined to continue their successful streak. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 27 points, complemented by six rebounds and five assists. Aaron Wiggins provided a strong contribution from the bench with 24 points, while Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams each contributed 22 points to the team's effort.

The Atlanta Hawks are currently facing a tough stretch, having lost four of their last five games. They are seeking to achieve a more favorable outcome after being overwhelmed by the Miami Heat, who handed them a 131-109 defeat in their recent road game on Wednesday. Dyson Daniels continued to excel, scoring 18 points and providing five assists on an efficient eight-of-ten shooting. In addition, Mouhamed Gueye and Caris LaVert each scored 17 points, while Onyeka Okongwu contributed 13 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks to the effort.

The Pick:

The Thunder arrive at this meeting as one of the league's most impressive teams. They have developed a concerning pattern of falling behind early in games; however, this has not stopped them from achieving victories on a consistent basis. On the other hand, the Hawks have been experiencing difficulties lately, having suffered a heavy loss to the faltering Heat in their previous match. The anticipated point spread for this game was always going to be significant, but it does not influence my decision to favor the Thunder, who are as fit as they have been throughout the season.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics Prediction 2/28/25 NBA Picks

Cavaliers at Celtics at 7:30 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers are on an impressive run, having triumphed in 12 of their last 13 contests. They are eager to enhance their current eight-game winning streak after a straightforward 122-82 victory against the Magic in a road match on Tuesday. Ty Jerome led the scoring efforts with 20 points, while both Evan Mobley and Max Strus contributed 17 points each, and Donovan Mitchell rounded out the scoring with 11 points.

The Boston Celtics have established a strong rhythm, achieving 10 wins in their previous 12 games. Nevertheless, they are looking to rebound following the end of their six-game winning streak, which was broken by a 117-97 defeat against the Pistons on Wednesday. Jayson Tatum led the scoring with 27 points, alongside six rebounds and three assists. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard each scored 18 points, while Kristaps Porzingis added 11 points to the total.

The Pick:

This season, the teams have clashed three times, and the Celtics lead the series with two victories to one. Although the Celtics are favored to win on their home court, they are experiencing some injury challenges. In contrast, the Cavaliers seem to be in excellent form. It is uncommon for the Cavaliers to be considered underdogs, yet I anticipate they may secure a minor upset in this instance.

Portland Trail Blazers vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction 2/28/25 NBA Picks

Trail Blazers at Nets at 7:30 PM ET

The Portland Trail Blazers are regaining momentum as they aim for their fourth consecutive victory following a hard-fought 129-121 win against the Wizards on the road this past Wednesday. Shaedon Sharpe was the standout performer, contributing 36 points, eight rebounds, and five assists from the bench. Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson each added 16 points, while Jerami Grant contributed 15 points to the team's success.

The Brooklyn Nets have been performing well, achieving victories in seven of their last eleven games. They are looking to avert a third consecutive defeat after a heartbreaking 129-121 loss to the Thunder at home on Wednesday. Day'Ron Sharpe was the team's leading scorer with 25 points, along with 15 rebounds and five assists. Cameron Johnson and Killian Hayes contributed 19 points each, while Ziaire Williams added 18 points and 10 rebounds to the overall tally.

The Pick:

In their last encounter, the Nets showcased impressive basketball, building a substantial lead over the Thunder, yet they were unable to clinch the win. Therefore, it is somewhat unexpected to see them listed as favorites in this matchup. Conversely, the Trail Blazers have recorded three straight wins and feature a more consistent trio in Sharpe, Simons, and Henderson, which I anticipate will be sufficient for them to secure a minor upset on the road.

Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls Prediction 2/28/25 NBA Picks

Raptors at Bulls at 8 PM ET

Recently, the Toronto Raptors have encountered difficulties, having lost eight out of their last ten games. They are looking to break a two-game losing streak after experiencing a heavy 111-91 defeat against the Pacers during their away game on Wednesday. Immanuel Quickley led the scoring for the team with 18 points and six assists, while both RJ Barrett and Jonathan Mogbo contributed 16 points each. Additionally, Gradey Dick added 10 points to the team's total.

At present, the Chicago Bulls find themselves in a challenging phase, having lost seven of their last eight contests. They are looking to regain their footing following a narrow 122-117 loss to the Clippers on Wednesday. Zach Collins emerged as the leading scorer for the Bulls, amassing 21 points, 17 rebounds, and seven assists. Furthermore, Josh Giddey also scored 21 points, complemented by eight rebounds and 12 assists, while Coby White contributed 19 points to the team's efforts.

The Pick:

Given the current challenges faced by both teams, it is difficult to confidently back either side. However, the Bulls are still regarded as slight favorites and showed considerable competitiveness in their recent close loss to the Clippers. This performance is adequate for me to support them at the short line.

New York Knicks vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction 2/28/25 NBA Picks

Knicks at Grizzlies at 8 PM ET

The New York Knicks suffered a defeat against the Boston Celtics but secured a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Currently, the Knicks are averaging 117.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 49.3, while they are permitting 113.1 points on 47.5 percent shooting. Jalen Brunson is contributing an average of 26 points and 2.9 rebounds, whereas Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 24.8 points and 3.2 assists.

The Memphis Grizzlies faced a loss to the Cavaliers but triumphed over the Suns. At present, the team averages 122.8 points with a shooting accuracy of 48.2 percent, while allowing 116 points at a rate of 45.1 percent shooting. Jaren Jackson Jr. is posting averages of 22.8 points and 6 rebounds, and Ja Morant is contributing 20.5 points along with 7.4 assists.

The Pick:

With a season record of 35-22-1 against the spread and an outstanding 22-6 straight-up performance at home, the Grizzlies have demonstrated their competitiveness. Additionally, it is reasonable to assume that the Grizzlies have not forgotten their recent defeat to the Knicks, where they lost 143-106. This team is characterized by its resilience and will likely be motivated to seek retribution. Consequently, I will place my trust in the Grizzlies for this home game.

Indiana Pacers vs Miami Heat Prediction 2/28/25 NBA Picks

Pacers at Heat at 8 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers achieved a win against the Raptors but were defeated by the Nuggets. They are currently averaging 116.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 48.9, while their opponents score an average of 115.8 points on 47.4 percent shooting. Pascal Siakam is averaging 20.4 points and 7.3 rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton contributes an average of 18.1 points and 3.5 rebounds.

The Miami Heat suffered a loss to the Bucks and recorded a split in their matchups with the Hawks. At present, the team averages 109.7 points, shooting at a rate of 45.3 percent, while allowing 110.7 points with an opponent shooting percentage of 46.2. Tyler Herro is posting an average of 24 points and 5.5 rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins contributes 18.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.

The Pick:

My skepticism regarding the Miami Heat persists, given their ongoing struggle to achieve 100 points this season and their tendency to score in single digits during multiple quarters. Additionally, I would be reluctant to support the Heat if Bam and Wiggins are sidelined. It is prudent to consult the injury report before engaging in any betting activities. In contrast, the Pacers are among the leading scoring teams in the NBA, and if they are successful with their shots, the Heat have shown repeatedly that they do not possess the offensive capabilities to respond effectively. Thus, I will place my bet on the Pacers.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns Prediction 2/28/25 NBA Picks

Pelicans at Suns at 9 PM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans secured victories against both the Spurs and the Suns. Currently, the team is averaging 110.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 44.7, while they are permitting an average of 118.6 points on 47.9 percent shooting. Zion Williamson contributes significantly with an average of 24.2 points and 7.4 rebounds, whereas CJ McCollum adds 22.2 points and 3.8 rebounds to the team's performance.

The Phoenix Suns faced defeats against the Pelicans and the Grizzlies. They are currently averaging 113.8 points with a shooting percentage of 47.6 while permitting 115.9 points at a shooting percentage of 46.3. Kevin Durant is averaging 26.9 points and 6 rebounds, while Devin Booker is contributing an average of 26.2 points and 4 rebounds.

The Pick:

The Suns are presently 15 games below a .500 win-loss record and hold an ATS record of 20-38-1 this season. The situation appears dire for the team. Kevin Durant's comments during the press conference were quite revealing; he opted for a measured approach rather than fully expressing his thoughts. It would not be unexpected for the Pelicans to achieve another win. I plan to withdraw my support for the Suns for the rest of the season.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Utah Jazz Prediction 2/28/25 NBA Picks

Timberwolves at Jazz at 9:30 PM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves experienced a loss to the Lakers and recorded a split in their matchups with the Thunder. At present, the Timberwolves are scoring an average of 112.1 points, achieving a shooting accuracy of 45.9 percent, while allowing 109 points with an opponent shooting percentage of 45.8. Anthony Edwards stands out with an average of 27.5 points and 6 rebounds, while Julius Randle averages 18.9 points and 4.5 assists.

The Utah Jazz suffered defeats against both the Trail Blazers and the Kings. Currently, the team is averaging 112.4 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.8, while conceding an average of 119.4 points at a shooting percentage of 47.5. Lauri Markkanen contributes an average of 19.3 points and 6.1 rebounds, whereas John Collins averages 18.4 points and 8.1 rebounds.

The Pick:

Although the Jazz have had a poor season, they still hold a profitable record of 30-28 against the spread and benefit from the home-court advantage. The Timberwolves, who played last night, are facing injuries and will be without Edwards due to suspension. Furthermore, they have lost five out of their last seven games, suggesting they are not in peak form. Consequently, I would favor the Jazz and the points.

LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction 2/28/25 NBA Picks

Clippers at Lakers at 10 PM ET

The LA Clippers suffered a defeat against the Pistons but managed to beat the Bulls. They are currently averaging 110.7 points per game with a shooting percentage of 47 percent, while their opponents are scoring an average of 108.5 points on 45.8 percent shooting. Norman Powell is averaging 24.2 points and 3.6 rebounds, while James Harden contributes an average of 21.6 points and 5.9 rebounds.

The Los Angeles Lakers achieved victories against the Mavericks and Timberwolves. They are averaging 113 points per game with a shooting percentage of 48.2 while allowing their opponents to score an average of 111.6 points on 46.2 percent shooting. LeBron James is averaging 24.7 points and 7.8 rebounds, and Austin Reaves contributes with an average of 19.2 points and 4.3 rebounds.

The Pick:

The current line seems peculiar, suggesting that oddsmakers may be safeguarding against the Lakers' recent game. It would not be unexpected to see LeBron or Luka appear as questionable. If that is not the case, I find the reasoning unclear. The Clippers lack the consistency necessary to be favored in this matchup. The Lakers are performing exceptionally well and have already triumphed over the Clippers this month with a score of 122-97. Assuming the Lakers have their star players available, I would opt for the points.