Now that the weekend is here, it’s time to simplify the grind. Instead of splitting sides/totals and player props into separate pieces, my weekend columns will bring everything under one roof — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s slate. Fewer words, hopefully the same results. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Saturday, February 28.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
PARLAY: Hornets ML vs. Trail Blazers & Heat Alt +8.5 vs. Rockets (-123 – 1.5 units)
Blazers at Hornets – 1:00 pm ET
Rockets at Heat – 3:30 pm ET
The Hornets are now 17-2 with their starting five of LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate. The team’s advanced numbers with those five on the floor also happen to show that Charlotte is a high-level team on offense and defense. Well, Portland is a below-average team on both ends of the floor when looking at Dunks & Threes’ rankings. The Blazers also look like they’ll be without Deni Avdija, who continues to deal with severe lower back pain. They’re also missing Shaedon Sharpe already, plus Donovan Clingan is questionable. I’d be surprised if Charlotte can’t win this one. The team’s only losses in this 19-game sample came against the Pistons and Clippers. At this point, a loss to a depleted Blazers team would be out of character.
In the second game, I like Miami’s chances of winning outright, but I’m taking some extra points. I would normally only look for 7.5, as that’s a key number in the NBA. However, I was able to grab an 8.5 for the same price as 7.5 when looking around for the best price on this. Realistically, I’m a little higher on the Rockets than most. They’re one of only five teams in the NBA with a top-10 mark when it comes to both adjusted offensive (117.1) and defensive (111.8) rating. However, there’s no denying this team is slipping a little right now, while the Heat are playing some much better basketball. So, with this being an early tip in South Beach, I can’t imagine Miami getting blown out here. The Heat are a top-five defensive team, so they could stifle a struggling Rockets offense.
NBA Player Props Today
De’Anthony Melton Over 15.5 Points (-125) vs. Lakers
Lakers at Warriors – 8:30 pm ET
Over the last four games, Melton is averaging 20.8 points per game. He has also scored at least 17 points in four consecutive contests, and we only need him to have 16 this evening. Once again, the Warriors will be without Stephen Curry, who continues to miss time with pain in his knee. Well, with Melton having a significant on-ball role in a meeting with the Lakers, how can you not like him to have a decent offensive game? Los Angeles is 24th in the NBA in adjusted defensive rating (116.8). The team is also 22nd in the NBA defending at the rim, where Melton scores 31% of his points. He should have a lot of success putting his head down and going to the rim, and I’d also be surprised if he doesn’t knock down a couple of triples. He has launched 19 of them over the last two contests, so he’s clearly being aggressive. Plus, the Lakers can’t be trusted to stay at home on shooters.
Additional Plays (Late Adds, Teasers, Parlays, Futures)
Nothing yet.
2025-26 NBA Record: 360-346 (+4.40 units)
