Every night of the 2025-26 NBA season gives us a fresh set of games and numbers to pick apart. This daily column digs into the best sides and totals on the board, using in-depth basketball analysis, betting trends, and our VSiN NBA betting splits to spot value. We’ll also be tackling these slates relentlessly on our live VSiN programming, which is why basketball fans should really consider a VSiN Pro subscription. Below you’ll find some NBA picks and predictions for February 20.
MORE: Check out the VSiN Pro Picks page for more bets from our talented hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today – Friday, February 20
Blazers ML (+105) vs. Nuggets
Nuggets at Trail Blazers – 10:00 pm ET
The Nuggets are coming off a hard-fought loss to the Clippers last night. Los Angeles ended up winning that one 115-114, with Denver needing to play Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Cameron Johnson, and Christian Braun at least 34 minutes apiece. Now, the Nuggets have to go to Portland and face a tough Blazers team. Denver will have to do it without Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson, two of the team’s best wing defenders. Plus, you never know what the Nuggets will decide to do with players on the second leg of a back-to-back. While these teams all just had a week off, front offices never like to play guys two nights in a row.
I just don’t think Denver can be trusted defensively in this game. The Nuggets are 26th in the NBA in defensive rating (118.1) over the last 10 games, and their on-ball defense has been a major problem. Well, the Blazers have some relentless drivers, so I expect Portland to have success attacking the rim.
I’m also interested in seeing Donovan Clingan defend Jokic. The second-year pro has a big body, is good at contesting shots, and has elite defensive awareness. He profiles as one of the few players in the league that can one day be a decent Joker stopper, but he’ll need to avoid foul trouble tonight. However, even if he can’t, this is still a game that I believe Portland can win. The Blazers will have a ton of energy, they’re above average on defense, and they have the attacking juice required to terrorize a weak Nuggets defense.
Added Plays (Late Picks, Parlays, Teasers, Futures)
PARLAY: Cavaliers ML vs. Hornets & Heat Alt +7.5 vs. Hawks (-130)
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2025-26 NBA Record: 342-328 (+5.19 units)
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