I only have a few plays for the NBA slate on Thursday, February 26. So, while I normally break things down with two separate articles, I’m bringing everything under one roof instead of splitting up sides/totals and player props — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s slate. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Thursday.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today
Magic ML (+118) vs. Rockets
Rockets at Magic – 7:30 pm ET
The Magic are coming back from a couple games on the other side of the country, but they should still have a rest advantage over the Rockets. Houston is getting ready to play its third game in four nights, plus the team played last night. That generally takes its toll on any squad, even if the games were blowouts.
Orlando has also found its groove lately. Over the last 10 games, the Magic are 6-4 and have the league’s fifth-best defensive rating (108.7). Orlando also looks a little better offensively, which always seems to be the case when the team is playing with either Franz Wagner or Paolo Banchero — and not both. Right now, it’s Banchero that is healthy, and he poured in 36 points in a win over the Lakers the other day. The Magic are actually coming off wins over both Los Angeles teams, which does a decent job of telling you how this team is performing at the moment.
I just like the Magic to stifle a Rockets offense that has been miserable lately — and that’s especially true if Jamahl Mosley can continue to carve out a decent role for Jonathan Isaac, who should be able to handle the Kevin Durant assignment. Then, on offense, Desmond Bane and Banchero should be able to do enough for Orlando to get this one at home.
Clippers +5.5 (-108 – 1.5 units) & Clippers ML (+185 – 0.5 units) vs. Timberwolves
Timberwolves at Clippers – 10:00 pm ET
Will Kawhi Leonard be out there tonight? I sure hope so. I’m banking on the Clippers having their superstar, as they haven’t played since Sunday and don’t have another game until Sunday. That said, he should be pretty rested coming into this one, and he’ll have another couple of days to recover after this. And if Leonard is out there, I think Los Angeles’ three days off should allow the team to keep things tight against a Minnesota squad that clearly doesn’t take the regular season very seriously.
The Clippers have also been a top-10 defensive team since the trade deadline when looking at points allowed per 100 possessions (111.7). When you combine that with the half-court scoring superpowers of Leonard, it shouldn’t be much of a shock that Los Angeles has been competitive since moving James Harden. Bennedict Mathurin has also given this team a nice little boost, and he should have a big game against Minnesota tonight.
The Clippers also play at a slow pace, which could bother the Wolves. Minnesota is 1-2 straight-up and 0-3 against the spread under Chris Finch when facing teams that average 83 or fewer shots per game.
NBA Player Props Today
Tyrese Maxey Over 7.5 Assists (+112) vs. Heat
Heat at 76ers – 7:00 pm ET
Maxey should get to play with Joel Embiid tonight, as the big man is listed as probable this evening. Well, in the last 11 games the talented guard has had his big man, he’s averaging 8.3 assists per night. He has also had at least eight dimes in eight of the 11 contests. Maxey just knows how to get the big fella valuable touches, and I think this will be a game in which Maxey really excels as a passer.
Miami is still the No. 1 team in the league when it comes to pace of play, meaning Maxey will get to use his speed in the open floor. That didn’t result in an eight-assist performance the last time he saw the Heat, as he finished with only six dimes. However, he did have 15 potential assists in that one, so some better shooting would have meant an Over. We should see better shooting here, as this is a big home game for Philadelphia.
Additional Plays (Late Adds, Parlays, Teasers, Futures)
Nothing yet.
2025-26 NBA Record: 358-342 (+7.74 units)
