NBA Expert Picks and Best Bets | February 28

After a perfect 3-0 night with our NBA picks, we’re getting right back to it with our special picks for a hot Wednesday night. The Cleveland Cavaliers are the talk of the NBA after their miracle win Tuesday on a 59-foot shot at the buzzer. Tonight they are in Chicago to take on the Bulls who lost to the (checks notes) Pistons. Plus, it’s the final battle as tenants in LA between the Lakers and Clippers.

Pacers -6 (-112) at FanDuel

You know as a sports bettor in Michigan, sometimes there are teams that you just can’t ever get a read on. The Pelicans are that team for me. Just when I think they have it figured out, they throw in a clunker. Truth is the Pelicans are talented, but unfocused.

We saw the focused Pelicans Tuesday night taking down the undermanned Knicks. Zion Williamson had 21 points. New Orleans is fifth in the West at 35-24 and 32-26-1 against the spread. They are 4-5 in back-to-backs this season.

Indiana has won three of four. Tyrese Haliburton is in a slump only averaging 16 points in his last 10 games. The Pacers are eighth in the East, but much better at home than on the road.

I think the unfocused Pelicans show up after the win over New York and the Pacers win a blowout.

Over 215.5 (-105) at BetMGM

The Cavaliers wake up Wednesday morning as the talk of the NBA after Max Strus’ miracle half court shot to beat the Mavs Tuesday. We were fine with it since we had the Mavs +4. Cleveland is now on the road to take on Chicago. They are only 4-5 in back-to-backs, but have to be feeling amazing after the win.

Chicago went 2-29 Tuesday night from 3-point range and fell to the Pistons. There’s no way they shoot that bad again tonight at home.

The last four meetings between these two teams have all hit the under, but both teams are scoring right around 110 points in their last five games. I just like the Cavs to come out hot and the Bulls to not shoot as bad as they did Tuesday. Add it all up and it’s an over.

Clippers -3.5 (-110) at DraftKings

Wouldn’t it be something if we get the Lakers vs. Golden State in a winner-take-all Play-In Tournament game? It could happen if things stay the same.

This is the last time these two franchises will meet sharing the same arena. The Clips are moving to Inglewood next year and just revealed their new jerseys and rebranded logo. I give it a B-minus. I don’t get what they’re doing with a boat in the logo. Looks like The Love Boat.

Neither team has played since Sunday. The Lakers have lost two of their last three and are 0-3 in last three against the spread. The Clippers are 1-6 against the spread in their last seven games.

Paul George will miss this one with a sore knee for the Clippers. Don’t forget, we’re also counting down LeBron’s chase for 40,000 points. He’s 74 away. He won’t get it tonight though. I like the Clippers to win comfortably. They are just the better team right now.