The NBA is back in action after the weeklong All-Star break. We have a 7 game slate to welcome the return of NBA basketball, with many spots to target to make winning wagers. Using the OddsTrader BetStation app, we can find out in which games the OddsTrader algorithm has found the biggest edges.
The free OddsTrader BetStation app is designed to give us a baseline expectation of what’s most likely to happen, so we can find the games on the NBA odds board that have the highest potential profit margin, and hammer them with appropriately sized bets.
Those margins are still pretty small: Even a 5-star “deadbolt lock” is going to be a 60/40 flip at best. It’s anything but rare to end up 0-3 (or 3-0) when you make three NBA picks; more often, you’ll go 2-1 or 1-2. Let’s see which of these 3 advantage spots our money falls into tonight.
Picks Summary
- Nuggets vs. Cavaliers: Over 222.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Pelicans vs. Raptors: Over 225 (-113) at BetRivers
- Thunder vs. Jazz: Oklahoma City Thunder +1 (-109) at BetRivers
Denver Nuggets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Thursday, February 23, 2023 – 07:00 PM EST at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
The Denver Nuggets are in first place in the Western Conference conference with a 41-18 record. The Cleveland Cavaliers are a top contender in the East and come into the game at 38-23.
The Cleveland Cavaliers however have a stellar home record of 25-6. Both teams are playing well. The Denver Nuggets are 7-3 over their last 10 and the Cleveland Cavaliers are 8-2. This should be a great game between two of the top teams in the NBA.
Will These Teams Put Up A Lot of Points Tonight?
The Denver Nuggets are 6th in the league in point scores at 117.1 points per game. The Cleveland Cavaliers average 111.8 points per game.
The OddsTrader AI-generated model has the Cleveland Cavaliers defeating the Denver Nuggets 116-113. With the total set at 222.5, the computer has found a nice 6.5-point edge for us to bet.
NBA Pick: Over 222.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Toronto Raptors
Thursday, February 23, 2023 – 07:30 PM EST at Scotiabank Arena
The New Orleans Pelicans and Toronto Raptors are both mired in seasons of disappointment. The New Orleans Pelicans were in first place in the Western Conference when they were fully healthy, but injuries have caused them to slump. They are currently 30-29 in a stacked Western Conference.
The Toronto Raptors are 28-31 and on the precipice and missing the Playoffs. In a season in which they came in with high hopes, the Raptors have disappointed. But it is not too late for either team, and a strong stretch run could catapult them into the playoffs where anything can happen.
Why Did the Books Post this Total So Low?
The New Orleans Pelicans average 114.8 points per game, and the Toronto Raptors average 113.3 points scored per game. However, tonight’s total is 226. Our OddsTrader AI prediction has the final score of this game at 120-113 in favor of the Toronto Raptors.
Our second AI pick has a 7-point edge. That is the type of edge we are looking for when running NBA models. The OddsTrader AI prediction has this game at 233 and the books are currently listing this total at 226.
NBA Pick: Over 225 (-113) at BetRivers
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Utah Jazz
Thursday, February 23, 2023 – 09:00 PM EST at Vivint Arena
After hosting the All-Star Game, the city of Salt Lake City will now host more regular season action when the Oklahoma City Thunder visit to take on the Utah Jazz. These teams have similar records. The Oklahoma City Thunder are 28-29 in the Utah Jazz are 29-31. The Utah Jazz are 18-12 at home this season and the Oklahoma City Thunder are 11-17 on the road.
However, most of the trade deadline moves indicate that the Utah Jazz are not interested in finishing the season with a playoff push. They traded team leader Mike Conley away, as well as integral pieces Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley. The Jazz have had a nice season so far, but they are looking toward the future and improving their Lottery odds rather than making a push for the playoffs.
The Thunder are making a push for the playoffs behind the stellar play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who is averaging 30.8 points per game 5th in the NBA. The Thunder are 3-2 in their last five while the Jazz are 2-3.
Which Team Will Get the Win?
The Thunder seemed more interested in making a push up the standings right now. The OddsTrader computer projections have taken that into consideration.
Our computer algorithm has projected the final score of this game to be 120-118 in favor of the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the line set at Utah -1, we have a 3-point edge on betting the Thunder to win.
Bet accordingly; the AI has spoken.
NBA Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder +1 (-109) at BetRivers
