It’s NBA Trade Deadline Day! With so much excitement leading up to tonight’s games, I’ve asked the AI Model for its best three plays of the night.
Let’s get right to it! And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more betting advice. Today, our expert covered the Magic vs. Nuggets and Kings vs. Blazers games!
Picks Summary
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Thursday, February 06, 2025 – 10:00 PM ET at Moda Center
The AI Model thinks the Blazers will earn a two-point win over the Kings tonight. Meanwhile, the Blazers are -1.5 against the spread at most top sportsbooks. Consider the Blazers tonight.
The Kings Made Some Moves
The Sacramento Kings have been involved during the Trade Deadline. The Kings brought in Zach LaVine and Jonas Valanciunas but parted with De’Aaron Fox.
LaVine will be reunited with DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls days. He already debuted in a 19-point loss to the Magic at home. It’s unclear if Valanciunas will play in this one, but it’s probably unlikely at this point.
Still, the Kings rank 9th in points per 100 possessions and should have no problems scoring against the Blazers’ defense, which ranks 23rd in that same category.
The Kings have still been underwhelmed, with an effective field goal percentage of 54.2%. Sacramento might need time to get used to its new teammates.
The Blazers Are Playing Well!
Portland might have 29 losses on the season, but the Blazers have won nine of their last ten games. They’re playing extremely well and continue to see progress with their offensive numbers.
After all, the Blazers just defeated a Pacers squad 112-89. The defense was tremendous, and the offense, led by Anfernee Simons, has done wonders.
Ride the hot team with the AI Model. The Blazers are legit!
NBA Pick: Blazers -1.5 (-110) at BetMGM (check our BetMGM Review)
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Thursday, February 06, 2025 – 10:00 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena
The AI Model believes the Lakers will earn a 115-107 victory over the Warriors tonight. However, you can find the Lakers at -7.5 against the spread via Bet365. That’s the play.
Don’t Expect Jimmy Butler To Play!
The Golden State Warriors traded for Jimmy Butler before the NBA Trade Deadline. He hasn’t played with the Heat for a couple of months while he held out.
He’s now with the Warriors, but I wouldn’t expect him to play right away. Maybe we’ll see him over the weekend.
That said, the Warriors will be shorthanded after spending multiple pieces to Miami and Utah in that deal for Butler.
The Lakers Will Be Shorthanded, Too!
The Los Angeles Lakers traded for Luka Doncic and Mark Williams. Both will be in the starting lineup by the weekend. However, neither will play in tonight’s game.
Still, the Lakers are an above-average offense, scoring 115.7 points per 100 possessions. With LeBron James healthy and leading the team, they’ll find a way at home against an underwhelming Warriors team.
Back the Lakers at -7.5.
NBA Pick: Lakers -7.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Indiana Pacers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Thursday, February 06, 2025 – 10:30 PM ET at Intuit Dome
The AI Model predicts that the Clippers will escape the Pacers, 117-111. That said, the Clippers are -5.5 against the spread. A six-point win would help the Clippers cover in this scenario.
Good Luck On The Glass, Indiana!
The Indiana Pacers have an above-average offense. They average 115.3 points per 100 possessions and shoot an impressive 56.7% effective field goal percentage.
But what happens when the Pacers don’t make shots as consistently?
That’s what could happen in tonight’s game against the Clippers. After all, the Clippers have limited teams to a 53.2% effective field goal percentage and have forced 15.5% of turnovers.
Better yet, the Clippers have limited teams to 25.4% of offensive rebounds, which ranks second in the NBA. The Pacers have grabbed only 23.7% of offensive rebounds.
When the Pacers struggle from the floor on the road, earning second chances will be hard.
Better Shots For The Clippers
The Clippers aren’t a better all-around offense. However, the Clippers have still shot an effective field goal percentage of 54.3% with a free throw rate of 19.4.
Those two areas should be key for the Clippers, as the Pacers rank 19th in both defensively.
Los Angeles needs to improve its ball-protection and turnover-limiting strategies. If the Clippers can do that at home, they will survive and cover.
Take the Clippers at -5.5.
NBA Pick: Clippers -5.5 (-110) at Bet365
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