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Free NBA Picks Today for Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021

We have 18 teams in action for a Tuesday night in the NBA, meaning we have nine winners handpicked for you!

Free NBA Picks Today for Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021
Picks & Predictions
Tue 23rd February 2021

What a start to the week for our NBA picks! Monday night saw us go 15-3 overall, including 6-0 on money line picks including the Wizards as +215 underdogs to beat the Lakers!!

We now have nine games to focus in on which means 27 free NBA picks for all of our followers! Will the Hawks hand the Cavs their 11th straight loss? Can the Nets making it seven in a row and five in a row without Kevin Durant?

We have all of the answers and all of the best free NBA picks for tonight’s action below!

Atlanta Hawks @ Cleveland Cavaliers – 7PM ET

Can the Cleveland Cavaliers break out of their slump? They have now dropped a league worst 10 straight games and are hosting an Atlanta Hawks team that has found some form of late, beating both the Celtics and Nuggets in their last three games. 

Trae Young has been leading the way for Atlanta, exemplified by his 35 point, 15 assist night against Denver on Sunday in the Hawks 123-115 win. Atlanta beat Denver 66-43 in the middle two quarters and were able to hold off the Nuggets after entering the final frame with a 17 point lead. Both Clint Capela and John Collins had double doubles and will be looking to have another big night against Cleveland’s thin front court. 

The Cavs most recent performance might be one of their worst, losing 101-117 to the struggling OKC at home. Jarrett Allen had a monster night with 26 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks plus Collin Sexton scored 27 points on 50% shooting, but the bench managed just nine points. That’s right, nine points… 

Cleveland never won a quarter against the Thunder on Sunday and will have it tough again tonight, despite having some confidence after beating the Hawks in Atlanta seven weeks ago, the team’s only other meeting so far this season.

However we think that works more in favor of the road side, as they will have extra motivation and they have been playing much better basketball of late and we are taking them to win here tonight. 

NBA Pick – Atlanta Hawks (-290)
NBA Spread – Atlanta Hawks -7 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Under 229 (-110)

Detroit Pistons @ Orlando Magic – 7PM ET

The Detroit Pistons will be looking for revenge after falling to the Orlando Magic by nine points just two nights ago. Sunday saw the Magic pick up their third straight win whilst handing the Pistons their third straight loss and we don’t see any reason for things to change in this one. 

Jerami Grant had a modest night with 24 points, five rebounds and four assists while Josh Jackson continues to impress off the bench, finishing with 17 and 10, but no other Detroit player could get it going. Dennis Smith Jr was completely uninspiring in his first game, and start, for his new team but the Pistons have no other options with both Killian Hayes and Delon Wright on the sidelines. 

Orlando will be looking to take advantage once again after dominating the first half and keeping Detroit to just 20 fourth quarter points when the game was still on the line. Nikola Vucevic keeps putting his name in the conversation for All Star reserve with his incredible play and Sunday was no different, putting up 37 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Evan Fournier is also playing at a very high level right now and he finished with 29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. 

It is hard to find a way for Detroit to be able to bridge the gap and overcome Orlando after Sunday’s performance. Orlando didn’t even play that well, with their other three starters combining for just nine points on 3/10 shooting. The Magic are only favored by 2.5 points at the moment and we like this one to be much more lopsided than that.

NBA Pick – Orlando Magic (-145)
NBA Spread – Orlando Magic -2.5 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Under 208 (-110)

Sacramento Kings @ Brooklyn Nets – 7:30PM ET

A battle between two teams heading in opposite directions and a rematch of a clash just eight days ago sees the Sacramento Kings continue their East Coast road trip when they take on the Brooklyn Nets. The Kings are currently on a seven game losing streak while the Nets have just returned from a five game West Coast road trip where they defeated all five teams in the Pacific Division, seeing their winning streak extend to a league best six games. 

Kevin Durant missed the last four games of that road trip and has missed five of their six wins, with both James Harden and Kyrie Irving stepping up to the plate in his absence. In Sunday’s 112-108 win over the Clippers, Harden put up a massive 37 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals while Irving had 28 points and a team high eight assists but Deandre Jordan was the star of the show.

The big man came off the bench to have his best game of the season, ending up with 13 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, four blocks and the game winning tip in with 11 seconds left. 

Sacramento on the other hand is coming off a 115-128 thumping in Milwaukee, never getting the margin out of double figures for the entire second half. Rookie Tyrese Halliburton got some increased minutes in the blow out and had a very fine game with 23 points on 62.5% shooting, along with eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. 

When these sides met in Sacramento, the Nets set a franchise record when they went a blistering 27/47 from deep. Irving had 40 points on 68.2% shooting and Harden had a 29 point triple double, with the pair combining to shoot 15/21 from downtown. 

While those sorts of shooting numbers are unlikely to occur again here, we still like the Nets to win and win comfortably.

NBA Pick – Brooklyn Nets (-300)
NBA Spread – Brooklyn Nets -7.5 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Over 242 (-110)

Golden State Warriors @ New York Knicks – 7:30PM ET

The Golden State Warriors are in the middle of a four game East Coast road trip that has seen them start 0-2, but can they get back on track against the New York Knicks tonight? New York enters this one on the back of a four point victory over Minnesota and has now won four of their last five games. 

Julius Randle led the way once again, finishing with team highs in points (25) and rebounds (14) while RJ Barrett played second fiddle with 21 points. New York had a 12 point first quarter lead and even entered the final period up 16 but saw their lead diminish to a stage where they actually trailed with 32 seconds remaining but Randle and Alec Burks hit a pair of free throws each to seal the game. 

They will need a much more consistent approach against a Golden State side that can shoot and score with the best of them but has struggled on the road this season, just a 5-9 record. The Warriors should have had the win in Charlotte but a pair of technical fouls by Draymond Green with just 9.3 seconds remaining allowed the Hornets to tie it before a Terry Rozier jumper as time expired handed the Warriors their second straight loss. 

Golden State were without Steph Curry due to illness in that game, he is expected back tonight, and his play should give the Warriors the edge but their road record, combined with New York’s 8-6 home record and the fact that the Knicks beat the Warriors, in Golden State, by 15 points, has us siding with the home team.

NBA Pick – New York Knicks (TBA)
NBA Spread – New York Knicks +1.5 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Over 214.5 (-110)

Philadelphia 76ers @ Toronto Raptors – 7:30PM ET

Another rematch on Sunday night action sees the Toronto Raptors look to take a second two game sweep against one of the East’s powerhouses in as many weeks. Just last week the Raptors completed a mini sweep in Milwaukee and is now halfway through another against the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Philly’s struggles on the road can’t really be ignored anymore, 7-9 overall record and losing their last four when travelling. The Sixers actually lead by a point leading into the last quarter but could only manage 19 points in the final 12 minutes, allowing Toronto to take over. Ben Simmons had a rare high scoring night with 28 points along with nine rebounds and five assists while Joel Embiid added 25 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks. 

The pair’s big games weren’t enough as the Sixers shot just 38.8% from the field, compared to Toronto’s 49.4%. However, Philly should really have still managed to pick up the win. They had more free throw attempts & makes, more assists, more rebounds and less turnovers than Toronto but still fell by seven points. 

Despite still missing Kyle Lowry, who is questionable but will likely be out again tonight, the Raptors still picked up the win behind 23 points a piece from Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet. The former added eight assists and a team high seven rebounds while the latter had a team high nine assists and five rebounds. 

As mentioned, the Sixers actually had a statistically better game, they just shot poorly from the field and we like them to be able to turn things around. Philly are now just a half game in front of the Nets for first in the East and they will want to keep their position on top of the conference. 

NBA Pick – Philadelphia 76ers (TBA)
NBA Spread – Philadelphia 76ers -2 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Over 224.5 (-110)

Boston Celtics @ Dallas Mavericks – 7:30PM ET

After eight days off from games, the Dallas Mavericks will look to make it two wins in as many nights when they host the Boston Celtics tonight. The Mavs are coming off a 102-92 win over the Grizzlies last night and will be full of confidence against a Celtics side that just dropped to 0.500 on the season following an embarrassing loss in New Orleans. 

Boston had a lead as big as 24 points in the second half but ended up losing 115-120 in overtime, allowing New Orleans to complete the biggest comeback in the franchise’s history. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combined for 57 points while everyone else who played combined for just 58 points and shot a putrid 20% from three. 

Kemba Walker has been a nightmare for Boston and Sunday afternoon showed that as the former All Star shot 5/21 from the field and 1/12 from deep, finishing with 14 points. They will need a much better performance from him and the rest of the team against Dallas who easily took care of Memphis, leading by 19 heading into the last quarter before taking the foot off the gas. 

Tim Hardaway Jr led scoring for the game with 29 points off the bench while Luka Doncic ended up with 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. They did all this without Kristaps Porzingis, who was a late scratching with back tightness, but is likely to return on the second night of a back to back for this much tougher matchup.

This sounds as if Dallas should be getting the win here but the Mavericks are a dismal 1-4 on the second night of back to backs this season and after their terrible performance last time out, we expect the Celtics to play with a tenacity on both ends of the floor that should get them the win. 

NBA Pick – Boston Celtics (TBA)
NBA Spread – Boston Celtics -1 (-105)
Total Points Pick – Over 230.5 (-110)

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Milwaukee Bucks – 8PM ET

It may be too early to say that the Milwaukee Bucks are officially back on track, but they have looked very impressive over their last two games. After five straight losses, Milwaukee replied with back to back 13 point victories, albeit over the Thunder and Kings. However you can only play the team in front of you and when the Bucks host the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight, they should be adding a third straight big victory. 

Minnesota has lost four straight games, three of which were at home, and haven’t looked any better with Karl-Anthony Towns back in the lineup. In their 99-103 loss to the Knicks, Towns put up 27 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three blocks but had minimal support around him.

Malik Beasley, who averages over 20 points per game, scored just six points in 38 minutes and the Wolves just didn’t score enough points to win, something that may be an issue again in Milwaukee. 

The Bucks score the second most points and have the fourth best offensive rating in the league, averaging 119.2 points per game this season. Sunday saw them score a massive 128 points in their win over the Kings as Giannis Antetokounmpo had another monster statistical game.

The back to back MVP had 38 points, 18 rebounds and four assists while Khris Middleton put up one of the best full lines of his season with 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks. 

Simply put, the Bucks should be too much for Minnesota to deal with. The Timberwolves have a bottom three offense and a bottom 10 defense coming up against a Bucks side that is in the top 10 for both categories. Take the Bucks and put them in a parlay as an absolute lock. 

NBA Pick – Milwaukee Bucks (-700)
NBA Spread – Milwaukee Bucks -11.5 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Under 230 (-110)

Portland Trail Blazers @ Denver Nuggets – 10PM ET

This is a battle between two of the most inconsistent teams in the league this season. The Denver Nuggets return home after going just 1-3 on their East Coast trip to host the Portland Trail Blazers who have followed up six wins with two disastrous losses. 

Portland were in action in Phoenix last night but they may as well have not rocked up, losing every quarter on the way to a 100-132 defeat. After trailing by just nine points at halftime, the Blazers managed just 17 in the third quarter while allowing Phoenix to score 37 and that was the ball game there.

Damian Lillard had 24 points and seven rebounds with the only positive being that he played under 29 minutes on the first leg of a back to back. However Lillard shot just 1/7 from deep and had six turnovers, very uncharacteristic for him of late and the Nuggets should be looking to capitalise on a Blazers team that were torn to shreds last night. 

Despite a third straight game with 30+ points from Jamal Murray, the Nuggets couldn’t keep up with the Hawks on Sunday, falling 115-123. Nikola Jokic had 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals but shot 5/15 from the field for 15 points.

Both of these sides are banged up, missing regular starters and rotation players, but we like the Blazers to bounce back in this one. They are 3-2 on the second night of back to backs, 10-6 on the road and an incredible 7-3 following a loss. All Portland needs is for Dame to have a good shooting night and they can match it with anyone, so expect them to come out a bit better tonight after their third quarter showing in Phoenix.

NBA Pick – Portland Trail Blazers (+270)
NBA Spread – Portland Trail Blazers +8 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Over 231 (-110)

Washington Wizards @ Los Angeles Clippers – 10PM ET

The Washington Wizards are on the second night of a back to back Staples Center double and will be looking to make it two wins in as many nights when they aim for their sixth straight. A fully healthy Los Angeles Clippers team coming off a tough loss is the toughest test they may have faced however. 

The Clippers are coming off a 108-112 loss to the Nets on Sunday night that saw them come all the way back from 15 points down with 8:30 remaining, but never quite capture the lead. Paul George had a very efficient 34 pints, seven assists, six rebounds and two blocks while Kawhi Leonard had 29 points and 13 rebounds, however they had little assistance from the role players. The three other starters combined for just 16 points on 7/20 shooting but losing the turnover battle 16-6 was the dagger.

They will be looking to take care of the ball better and push the tempo against a Washington side coming off a 127-124 overtime victory over the Lakers last night. Bradley Beal lead scoring for the game with 33 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals plus Russell Westbrook added 32 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists but the worry is that both played over 44 minutes. 

The pair, particularly Westbrook, have missed games this season in back to back situations and given the volume of minutes they both played, one or both could easily be rested for this tough matchup.

While the Wizards seem to have put things together, the Clippers are a much better team than anyone they have faced during their streak and should win this one comfortably.

NBA Pick – Los Angeles Clippers (TBA)
NBA Spread – Washington Wizards +10.5 (-110)
Total Points Pick – Over 234.5 (-110)

If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our NBA hub page for all your basketball needs.

*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of Bet365. 

Tim is a keen follower of all American sports, in particular the NBA and NFL. He has followed both sports for over a decade and would happily sit down and watch every game, regardless of who is playing! No matter the sport, whether it be NFL and NBA or even MLB, NHL, UFC and all sports, Tim covers it from every angle, staying in the loop to bring you the most up-to-date information and the best picks and predictions on the market.

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