The 2023-24 NBA season is in full swing and we’re tackling it hard at VSiN. As always, Jonathan Von Tobel will be providing you with his exceptional coverage of the greatest league in the world. Just click here for all of his content. However, all of my picks will be featured in this daily column, which will combine my NBA best bets and NBA player props. So, keep reading to find out how I’m playing the NBA slate on Wednesday, February 28. Also, check out our NBA Odds page for the latest line movement.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on February 28
2023 Record: 219-195-2 (+13.07 units)
NBA Best Bets Today – February 28
Dallas Mavericks at Toronto Raptors – 7:30 pm ET
The Mavericks had last night’s meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers won…until they didn’t. Dallas was up double digits late in the fourth, but Max Strus went bananas from behind the 3-point line. He hit five clutch 3s in the fourth quarter, with the final one being a shot from beyond halfcourt that won the game at the buzzer. All in all, it was a very disappointing loss for Dallas. And I imagine it’s one that the team will wear into this meeting with Toronto. That’s not good considering the Raptors have won three games in a row, and they have also covered in four consecutive contests. Toronto is also a tough place to play, especially on a back-to-back.
This is going to be a difficult game for the Mavericks to get up for, and the Raptors do have some options for Luka Doncic. Scottie Barnes is a big body with the length and mobility to slide with him. That’s better than most teams have to offer. And overall, Toronto’s defense should be just feisty enough to bother a Dallas team with tired legs. Offensively, the Raptors are in a really nice groove right now. And Immanuel Quickley’s play at the point guard position is a big part of that. Toronto is also getting some solid play out of its bench. Kelly Olynyk is doing a great job of leading the unit. And youngsters Ochai Agbaji and Gradey Dick are looking comfortable in bigger roles. I think the bench play could be a big factor in this one.
It also wouldn’t be surprising if a few key Mavericks players end up missing this game. So, keep an eye on the injury report throughout the day. But I’d suggest getting on this sooner rather than later.
Bet: Raptors ML (+130 – 1.5 units)
Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers – 10:00 pm ET
The Lakers lost by 10 as 3.5-point underdogs against the Phoenix Suns last game, but they should be confident entering this game. The Clippers are going to be without Paul George tonight. That’s big when you consider how uncomfortable they looked without him against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. The Clippers were sloppy on both ends of the floor in that 16-point home loss. Now, the Clippers have to turn around and face a Lakers team that is looking a lot more competent in recent weeks. The Lakers are 7-3 since the start of February and have a net rating of +3.9 since then.
It’s just tough to ask the Clippers to beat the Lakers without George. That’s ultimately why I’m playing the Lakers as one of tonight’s NBA best bets. However, I’m taking the points just in case it ends up being a really tight game. These two don’t like each other very much, so the effort level should be there for both. But George’s absence means one less player that is capable of defending LeBron James. It also means one less reliable shotmaker and playmaker. That makes the job easier on the Lakers defense. On top of all that, home-court advantage won’t be there for the Clippers here. It’s highly likely that the building will be packed with Lakers fans.
This also feels like a game that might be dominated by Anthony Davis. The Clippers really don’t have much of an answer for him.
Bet: Lakers +3.5 (-110)
NBA Player Props Today – February 28
Sacramento Kings at Denver Nuggets – 9:00 pm ET
I’m not in love with the idea of backing a bench player with my NBA player props. However, I find it a little odd that Reggie Jackson’s 3-point total is down at 0.5 tonight. Jackson isn’t a guarantee to play more than 20 minutes, but I still like his chances here. We’re talking about a guy that is shooting 36.1% from deep and attempts 3.5 shots from 3 per game. He’s very confident in his ability to hit triples, even if he is a little cold right now. Jackson is also facing a Kings team that allows opponents to hit 39.6% from 3. That’s the worst mark in the league this season. So, Jackson should get some clean looks at the rim against the league’s worst 3-point defense. I trust him to bury at least one and I’m also sprinkling a little on him to hit two.
Bet: Jackson Over 0.5 Made 3s (-147) & Jackson 2+ Alt Made 3s (+290 – 0.5 units)
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