The NBA regular season continues with 10 matchups on Thursday's slate. So, our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified NBA best bets for six of tonight's contests.
Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Thursday, February 26.
NBA Best Bets, Picks for Thursday, February 26
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 9 p.m. | |
  | 8:30 p.m. | |
  | 10 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Heat vs. 76ers Player Prop Pick
Joel Embiid has gone under 27.5 points in two of 14 matchups against Bam Adebayo since 2021. That includes four playoff games in 2022 and a play-in game in 2024.
Embiid just had 27 points in 26 minutes versus the Pacers — but that was against the Pacers.
Against Adebayo, he hasn't gone over this line in two years; and has only done it twice in the last five years.
The Sixers would be wise to be Tyrese Maxey-centric against guards like Norman Powell and Tyler Herro tonight.
If Davion Mitchell plays, he'll compete, but he probably won't negate Maxey to the same degree Adebayo can with Embiid.
Embiid could still have a nice game, but I'm playing the matchup history here — and we have Embiid past his prime and likely on a minutes limit.
Pick: Joel Embiid Under 27.5 Points (-115)
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Rockets vs. Magic Prop Bet
Action PRO is projecting 9.04 rebounds for Wendell Carter in the Magic's matchup against the Rockets tonight, presenting an 18.6% edge against his current rebounds prop line of over/under 7.5, which is strong enough for an A-grade in our database.
This one is pretty simple.
Carter has recorded 8+ rebounds in six straight games for the Magic, with four of those performances ringing in at 11+ rebounds.
You could also consider climbing the ladder and backing Carter to grab 10+ rebounds (+230) or 11+ rebounds (+360) at DraftKings.
Pick: Wendell Carter Over 7.5 Rebounds (+100)
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Trail Blazers vs. Bulls Moneyline Prediction
By Bet Labs
This NBA moneyline betting system captures regular-season games where visiting teams show renewed energy and focus after a disappointing home loss.
When a team transitions from playing at home to the road following a poor result, motivation and effort tend to rise, particularly in non-conference matchups where travel can reset rhythm and concentration.
Teams with a solid overall record often channel frustration from a narrow defeat into improved play away from home, benefiting from reduced pressure and sharper preparation.
By targeting quality teams coming off home losses in unfamiliar settings, this approach leverages the psychological edge of redemption and the tendency for capable squads to perform better when seeking to rebound on the road.
Pick: Trail Blazers Moneyline (-185)
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Lakers vs. Suns Player Prop Pick
Action PRO is projecting 18.54 points for Grayson Allen in the Suns' matchup against the Lakers tonight, showing a 16.2% edge against his current points prop line of over/under 15.5, which is good enough to tag the Over with an A- grade in our database.
Allen came up a little bit short of this line in his latest outing, as he scored just 14 points on 2-of-12 field goal attempts against Boston a few days ago. So, the volume was certainly there, he just didn't take advantage of it.
However, prior to last game, Allen scored 21+ points in four straight games for the Suns, while reaching 24+ points in two of those outings.
Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks will both miss tonight's contest for Phoenix, once again.
This should be a good spot for Allen to get back on track in a matchup against a Lakers team that ranks 24th in defensive rating and 19th in points allowed per game.
You could also consider backing him to score 20+ points (+160) or 25+ points (+435) at DraftKings.
Pick: Grayson Allen Over 16.5 Points (-120)
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Kings vs. Mavericks Spread Prediction
By Bet Labs
This NBA spread betting system identifies value in conference games where favorites are struggling but still favored by the market.
When a team has recently underperformed yet remains favored, it suggests the betting line reflects long term strength rather than short term results.
These situations often create buying opportunities on quality teams that are due for positive regression after a rough stretch.
Facing familiar conference opponents adds familiarity and stability to performance expectations, while moderate spreads and balanced totals keep volatility in check.
This approach capitalizes on the overreaction to recent form, betting on strong teams to rebound once market sentiment has dipped too far against them.
Pick: Mavericks -6.5 (-115)
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Timberwolves vs. Clippers Prop Bet
Action PRO is projecting 18.18 points for John Collins in the Clippers' matchup against the Wolves tonight, presenting a huge 21.3% edge against his current points prop line of over/under 15.5, which is strong enough for another A+ grade in our database.
Collins has scored 12 points or less in three straight games entering tonight.
However, prior to his latest three-game stretch, Collins scored 15+ points in six straight games, with three of those performances ringing in at 17+ points.
This should be a good spot for Collins to get back on track in a matchup against a Timberwolves' team that ranks top-10 in pace.
Pick: John Collins Over 15.5 Points (-105)
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