SportsTips’ free NBA picks keeps picking winners!! A 19-11 night across all 10 games, including a MASSIVE 8-2 in the spread, saw our followers take home a handy profit. A $100 bettor would have profited $538.19 for the night and we are looking to carry that over to tonight.
A nine game schedule to take us into the All Star break and that means we have 27 more bets for you! Can the Knicks beat the Pistons and go into the break in fourth in the East? Can Portland get a big win over the Warriors and consolidate their spot in second in the West?
We have all the answers and the best free NBA picks for you below.
Los Angeles Clippers @ Washington Wizards – 7PM ET
The Los Angeles Clippers have lost their last two games and three of their last four heading into an All Star matchup with the Washington Wizards tonight. The first four games of this five game road trip has not been very fruitful for LA and things might not get easier as Kawhi Leonard, who was a late scratching in the 112-117 loss in Boston on Tuesday, is just questionable for this clash.
In his absence, Paul George stepped up with 32 points, five rebounds and four assists while Reggie Jackson was promoted to the starting lineup for a very handy 25 points and seven assists but LA sent the Celtics to the line 23 times, 14 more than they shot, and also lost the rebound and turnover battles.
The Clippers will be looking to bounce back and take advantage of a Washington side that has lost their last two games, and that they beat by 19 points just over a week ago. Leonard top scored for the game in that clash but both sides played poor defense and LA are better in that department overall, so they should bounce back better tonight.
📊 25 PTS / 10-14 FG / 5-6 3FG / 7 AST@Reggie_Jackson stepped in and scored a season-high. pic.twitter.com/HUtPRcH2TA
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 3, 2021
Washington’s last game was a 111-125 home loss to Memphis on Tuesday, allowing the Grizzlies to shoot almost 50% from the field and almost 45% from deep, whilst also committing a crazy 22 turnovers. Bradley Beal was restricted to just 23 points while Russell Westbrook also had 23 points along with 15 assists and three steals in the loss.
Tuesday’s loss to Boston was only the second time that the Clippers had lost back to back games all season, and they have lost three in a row. They are an incredible 10-2 after a loss, 12-7 on the road and even without Leonard, they are deep enough to beat a struggling Washington side.
NBA Pick – Los Angeles Clippers (-240)
NBA Spread – Los Angeles Clippers -5.5 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Under 236.5 (-110)
Toronto Raptors @ Boston Celtics – 7PM ET
The depleted Toronto Raptors are limping into the break and need all the luck they can get, having to face the Boston Celtics tonight, in Boston. All of this is after having to play last night, in a game where they were missing three starters due to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, losing to Detroit 105-129.
Allowing the Pistons, who were missing their only main scoring threat in Jerami Grant, to put up 43 first quarter points was the tone setter for the entire evening. Norman Powell put up a massive 36 points on 70% shooting while Chris Boucher had 18 points and eight rebounds off the bench, but the issue was on the other end of the floor.
That isn’t a good sign heading into a game with the Celtics, who have had three straight home games for three straight wins and averaged over 115 per game during that stretch. Tuesday night saw Jayson Tatum have another poor shooting night, going 5/16 for 14 points, but Kemba Walker stepped up in the 117-112 win over the Clippers. Walker had 25 points and six assists while Jaylen Brown had 18 for the game, scoring 14 of them in the first quarter to keep the Celtics in it.
Given Boston has won three straight games, are at home and the Raptors are extremely short handed, we like the Celtics to get the win and extend their gap in fourth place in the East. Every win counts for those teams stuck in a logjam in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings and Boston should be too good, too deep and too much for Toronto to handle tonight.
NBA Pick – Boston Celtics (-370)
NBA Spread – Boston Celtics -7.5 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Over 216.5 (-110)
Detroit Pistons @ New York Knicks – 7:30PM ET
The Detroit Pistons, who were missing Jerami Grant, pulled off their biggest win of the season last night, beating the short handed Raptors 129-105. The issue is they have to back it up again tonight against a fully healthy New York Knicks side, in New York.
After three straight wins, including in Detroit on Sunday night, the Knicks suffered a defeat in San Antonio on Tuesday, falling 93-119. After a tight first half, New York managed just a 21-36 third quarter and that was the ball game. Julius Randle, who will play in his first All Star game on Sunday, could only manage 14 points on 37.5% shooting against the Spurs, with Immanuel Quickley top scoring for the game with 26 points off the bench.
They will be looking to put up a better performance across this board in this one, and recapture the flame that got them a 109-90 victory in Detroit just four nights ago. Randle top scored with 25 points in that one while Grant, who is a game time decision, had 21 for the Pistons.
2️⃣ triple-doubles tonight ‼️‼️@masonplumlee & @Dennis1SmithJr pic.twitter.com/kWWEsGjBeP
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) March 4, 2021
Without him last night, Detroit needed some unexpected sources of offense against Toronto last night and that is what they got. Both Dennis Smith Jr and Mason Plumlee had triple doubles while Wayne Ellington top scored with 25 points on 8/11 shooting, all from behind the arc. Saben Lee and Rodney McGruder also chipped in with the pair scoring 20 a piece off the bench.
Toronto were essentially playing their practice squad in that game last night due to health and safety protocol restrictions, so Detroit copped a pretty easy opponent. The issue is how will they go tonight now, given they are 2-5 so far this season when playing with no rest. The Knicks are 10-7 at home, have the best scoring defense in the league and are in a hotly contested pack in the middle of the East. We are taking the Knicks.
NBA Pick – New York Knicks (-200)
NBA Spread – New York Knicks -4.5 (-120)
Total Points Pick – Under 210.5 (-110)
Denver Nuggets @ Indiana Pacers – 8PM ET
The Denver Nuggets are in the middle of a four game road trip heading into the break and they have gone 3-0 so far, looking for a perfect run when they play the Indiana Pacers tonight. The Pacers were on a three game streak of their own recently, falling in Boston, New York and Philadelphia before snapping that skid in Cleveland last night.
The Pacers needed a 32-21 last quarter, which included a 14 second, 5-0 run with under a minute and a half to go, in the comeback win. Malcolm Brogdon top scored for the Pacers with 29 points while TJ McConnell made history against the Cavs. The backup point guard had an NBA record nine steals at half time, finishing with a triple double for the game with 16 points, 13 assists and 10 steals.
One of Denver’s strong suits this season is limiting turnovers and making the most of their opportunities. That will be put to the test as McConnell’s 10 steals was part of an overall defensive effort from the Pacers that caused the Cavs to commit a massive 25 turnovers for the game.
In Tuesday’s 128-97 win in Milwaukee, the Nuggets had just 12 turnovers while shooting 55.8% from the field, ensuring they took advantage of every opportunity they got. Nikola Jokic had another monster game with 37 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and two steals, team highs across the board. Jamal Murray continued his good shooting form with 24 points and six assists, something he will need to continue in order for Denver to get the win in Indiana.
This is the first meeting between the sides, so they will be able to get a good feel for each other early and we expect scoring to be high. Indiana are 4-2 on the second night of back to backs this season but are underdogs in this one, with Denver’s recent streak earning them favoritism. The Nuggets are a very nice 9-4 as road favorites this season and we expect them to get their fourth straight here.
NBA Pick – Denver Nuggets (-180)
NBA Spread – Denver Nuggets -4 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Over 225.5 (-110)
Milwaukee Bucks @ Memphis Grizzlies – 8PM ET
The Memphis Grizzlies would love to head into the All Star break with three straight wins, but in order to do so, they have to get through the Milwaukee Bucks. It is tough to get a read on these teams as Memphis are 7-10 at home this season while Milwaukee is 7-9 on the road.
The Grizzlies have won their last two, in Houston and in Washington, by 49 and 14 respectively, however neither are the calibre of Milwaukee. Their most recent performance saw seven different players reach double figures, led by 35 points and 10 assists from Ja Morant as well as 20 points and five assists off the bench from De’Anthony Melton.
Memphis forced 22 turnovers from the Wizards in that one, are the league leaders in that category and it is a big reason why they win their games. It will be interesting to see if they can get in the lanes and do a similar thing with Milwaukee, who committee the eighth fewest turnovers per game and the fifth fewest turnovers when on the road.
Victorious trip ✈ pic.twitter.com/FnVQ61WXxy
— Jonas Valanciunas (@JValanciunas) March 3, 2021
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points and Khris Middleton had 20 points, with both shooting 50% or better from the field, but the pair combined for 16 field goals on 27 attempts and the rest of the Bucks combined for 16 field goals on 52 attempts. Milwaukee shot just 11/40 from deep and allowed a massive 128 points.
While Memphis has two straight and Milwaukee just got done by 31 points at home, we can see the Bucks bouncing back in this one. The Grizzlies are just 2-6 when home underdogs this season and Giannis will want to come out and make a statement heading into the All Star game, the first time he hasn’t been captain in the last three seasons.
NBA Pick – Milwaukee Bucks (-245)
NBA Spread – Memphis Grizzlies +6 (-105)
Total Points Pick – Over 235 (-110)
Miami Heat @ New Orleans Pelicans – 8:30PM ET
Two teams that are coming off disappointing losses last time out will have one final opportunity to right their wrongs before the All Star break, as the Miami Heat get on the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans tonight. Miami suffered a tough home loss to Atlanta on Tuesday where they managed just 80 points while New Orleans hosted Chicago last night and gave up a massive 128 points in their loss.
The final margin of just four points flatters the Pelicans but they really had no place being close in a game that they looked sluggish in throughout. A 20-38 second quarter put them in a hole they were never able to get out of. Zion Williamson (28), JJ Redick (22) and Brandon Ingram (21) all cleared 20 points and the team shot 55.4% from the field but the problem was obviously the defensive end.
The Pels have given up an average of 126 points per game over the last two and their last eight opponents have all reached at least 115, but they might be lucky coming up against a Miami team that averages the fifth fewest points per game this season.
As a team, the Heat had shooting splits of just 37.3/27.3/68.2, with no surprises they managed just 80 points for the game. Jimmy Butler missed a second straight game in that contest and is just questionable for tonight and no one could get the offense going with him on the sidelines. Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro combined to shoot 6/20 for the game and managed just 20 points total.
If Butler is out, it is hard to see how the Heat will be able to score enough to keep up with the Pelicans and their offense that scores the fifth most points and is rated sixth in the league. New Orleans are just 1-4 in games with no rest and have the second worst defense in the league but against a patchy Miami offense, we like the Pels to bounce back at home.
NBA Pick – New Orleans Pelicans (-155)
NBA Spread – Miami Heat +3.5 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Over 224 (-110)
Oklahoma City Thunder @ San Antonio Spurs – 9PM ET
Things are not looking good for Oklahoma right now, following up a 30 point home loss to the Nuggets with a 78 point showing in Dallas last night. They may have beaten this San Antonio Spurs side by three points last Wednesday, but the Spurs were missing half their rotation and since DeMar DeRozan has returned to the lineup, they have gone 2-1.
Their only loss was in overtime to the red hot Brooklyn Nets and wins over New Orleans and New York are extremely impressive, given they are still missing most of their regular lineup. The Spurs restricted the Knicks to just 93 points on Tuesday night, winning by 26 points thanks to an even distribution across the board.
This was supposed to be a rebuild year for the Spurs, yet San Antonio is barreling towards the playoffs https://t.co/ilAl6uiIGQ
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 3, 2021
Six different Spurs scored in double figures with Dejounte Murray’s 17 leading the way whilst DeRozan had just 10 points on only five field goal attempts, but also had 11 assists and four steals for the night. OKC surprisingly had five different players in double figures despite reaching just 78 points, but their 33.3% shooting effort explains their poor offensive performance.
Darius Bazley had 10 rebounds, which was the only noticeable statline worth mentioning in a game that the Thunder wish they could forget. They should take some confidence from the fact that they beat the Spurs last week, but given it was San Antonio’s B-team, we think the tables may be turned here. OKC are just 2-5 on the second night of a back to back and are playing too poorly to warrant picking here.
NBA Pick – San Antonio Spurs (-250)
NBA Spread – San Antonio Spurs -5.5 (-120)
Total Points Pick – Under 220.5 (-110)
Golden State Warriors @ Phoenix Suns – 10PM ET
We are set for a Pacific Division classic as the Golden State Warriors stay on the road to face the streaking Phoenix Suns. A 114-104 road win over the Lakers on Tuesday night gave Phoenix their third straight win and propelled them up to second in the Western Conference.
Despite Devin Booker getting ejected midway through the third quarter with just 17 points to his name, the Suns managed to hold the Lakers at bay, never trailing in the second half and even winning the last quarter by seven despite an LA effort at a comeback. Dario Saric stepped up with more opportunity in Booker’s absence, finishing with a team high 21 points.
Golden State on the other hand have sputtered of late, losing to the Lakers in LA by 26 before crumbling late against Portland last night. The Warriors reclaimed the lead with 8:41 to go and held the lead for the rest of the game until a Damian Lillard triple with 14 seconds left put them behind and they weren’t able to get back. All of this was despite 35 points from Steph Curry and 12 assists from Draymond Green.
The Warriors were without Kelly Oubre Jr for the clash in Portland but he is still just questionable for tonight. Even if he was to return, Phoenix are one of the hottest teams in basketball, winners of three straight, six of their last seven and 12 of their last 14.
The big three of Booker, Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul have been performing as needed and the supporting cast has played their roles perfectly. Phoenix is one up in the season series, winning the first leg by 21 points and we don’t see why anything different would happen in this one. Phoenix are playing great basketball and will get another win here.
NBA Pick – Phoenix Suns (-230)
NBA Spread – Phoenix Suns -5 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Under 223.5 (-110)
Sacramento Kings @ Portland Trail Blazers – 10PM ET
The Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers were involved in some last second thrillers last night, both coming out with big home wins and they will want to add another before the All Star break.
Portland had a come from behind win over Golden State thanks to some last minute heroics from none other than Damian Lillard. After trailing for most of the last quarter, the Blazers’ All Star point guard hit the dagger three with 14 seconds left to put them 108-106, which ended up being the final score. He finished with 22 points while Carmelo Anthony had another impressive game off the bench with 22 as well.
As a team the Blazers only shot 14/49 (28.6%) from deep and will want a better showing against a Sacramento side that is still struggling but has won two of their last three games and will come in with some confidence to this contest.
2️⃣4️⃣2️⃣ to da 🌎
✅ 29 PTS
✅ 7 3PM
✅ 6 ASTS
✅ 6 REBS
✅ @buddyhield pic.twitter.com/HMKfo8iEf2— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) March 4, 2021
Against a Lakers side that was without LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Marc Gasol and Alex Caruso, the Kings got down by as many as 14 points in the first quarter but made their way back into the game thanks to a game high 29 points from Buddy Hield. Both De’Aaron Fox and Harrison Barnes also reached 20 points but giving up 120 to a depleted Lakers side doesn’t bode well for how they may perform tonight in Portland.
Sacramento is just 2-5 on the second night of back to backs while Portland is 3-3 in those situations. The Kings are actually just 8-9 as road underdogs, which is much more impressive than their 14-21 overall record suggests. With that being said, Portland has back to back impressive wins, is 8-4 as home favorites and is the better overall team in this matchup.
NBA Pick – Portland Trail Blazers (-180)
NBA Spread – Portland Trail Blazers -4.5 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Over 238 (-110)
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*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of Bet365.
