The 2024-25 NBA season is in full swing. I’ll be giving out NBA best bets and player props here as often as possible, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on big news that shakes up the league. So, make sure you check out my work throughout the season. With that out of the way, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Sunday, February 2nd. Also, make sure you check out the picks page (linked right below) before games tip off. I occasionally add picks throughout the day.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on February 2nd
NBA Best Bets Today – February 2nd
Memphis Grizzlies at Milwaukee Bucks – 8:30 pm ET
The Grizzlies have been good without Ja Morant this season, so I’m not expecting this to be an easy win for the Bucks. However, I do believe that Memphis lacks the type of shot-making required to beat Milwaukee without the All-Star guard. I know the Bucks just lost a bad game against the Spurs, but those types of performances happen on the road. Now, Milwaukee is returning home and hungry to get back in the win column after back-to-back losses — and three losses in its last four games. If these teams were healthy, I’d give the Grizzlies a slightly better chance, but Milwaukee is good enough on both ends of the floor to get the job done against a shorthanded opponent. The Bucks have defensive options for Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr., and they should be able to stay at home on the role players. But over the course of 48 minutes, I don’t see the Grizzlies being able to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo or Damian Lillard in check.
Bet: Bucks ML (-141 – 1.5 units)
NBA Player Props Today – February 2nd
Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons – 3:00 pm ET
Tobias Harris is a bit of a punching bag around the league, but he’s still capable of playing some good basketball. In fact, over the last two games, Harris is averaging 18.0 points per game. Harris still isn’t shooting the 3 well. He’s a miserable 2 for 15 from deep over the last three games, and he’s shooting just 33.5% from 3 on the season. But Harris is probably due for a good shooting stretch soon, as the law of averages is in his favor. He’s a 36.6% 3-point shooter over the course of his career. But either way, Harris should be able to do some damage as a scorer today. Harris had 16 points the last time he faced Chicago, and this Bulls team is 27th in the league in adjusted defensive rating (115.5). They also play at the third-fastest pace (104.0) in the league. This matchup is a scorer’s paradise, so why not ride Harris to continue this recent stretch?
Bet: Harris Over 13.5 Points (-113 – 1.5 units)
Dallas Mavericks at Cleveland Cavaliers – 3:30 pm ET
Luka Doncic was traded to the Lakers not even 24 hours ago, but the Mavericks have a basketball game today. And with so much uncertainty in the lineup, there should be some player prop opportunities here. The one I like is for P.J. Washington to go Over 16.5 points. The other night, I played De’Andre Hunter to go Over his point total against Cleveland, and I noted that the Hawks wing would be able to shoot over, or bully, smaller defenders. I also mentioned he’d be able to drive by the slower, bigger ones. Well, the same applies to Washington. He should be able to knock down a couple of 3s — especially from the corners — and he’ll also get a little going as a driver, or play-finisher.
Bet: Washington Over 16.5 Points (-111)
Additional Plays
This is where I’ll include any late added plays, teasers/parlays or in-season futures. Come back before tip if you don’t want to miss anything. It’s always possible I’ll add something to my card.
PARLAY: Clippers ML vs. Raptors & Celtics ML vs. 76ers (-138 – 1.5 units)
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2024-25 NBA Record: 221-211-2 (+10.42 units)
