This is the last big slate of basketball games until next Thursday. Let’s enjoy it while we have it. Here are three NBA picks to consider for Wednesday, February 15.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Charlotte Hornets
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 – 07:00 PM EST at Spectrum Center
The Charlotte Hornets dominated the San Antonio Spurs earlier in October, 129-102.
Game Analysis
The Hornets are coming off a 144-point explosion in a win against the Hawks. Charlotte’s offense might be going places tonight.
The Spurs have allowed the most points per 100 possessions in the league. Teams scored 121.4 points per 100 possessions and shot an effective field goal percentage of 58.2%.
Charlotte hasn’t been consistent offensively. But they’re coming off an excellent game against the Hawks at home and will stay home for this game against the Spurs.
The Hornets should be able to limit turnovers and gain plenty of offensive rebounds against a Spurs team that has allowed 28.9% of offensive rebounds. Still, the Spurs have at least kept teams away from the foul line.
On the other hand, the Spurs have just 14 wins this year. That’s less than the Hornets, who have 16.
The Pick
It’s tanking season. This game matters a lot. The team who losses will position themselves better in the NBA Draft.
The Spurs have allowed their last five teams to score at least 112 points, with three scoring at least 125. This is going to be an offensive frenzy against two defenses that stink.
NBA Pick: Over 241 (-110) at Bet365
Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 – 07:00 PM EST at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
The Bulls are truly falling apart. Chicago is now missing DeMar DeRozan along with Lonzo Ball.
Game Analysis
The Bulls have only scored 112.9 points per 100 possessions. They’re also terrible on the offensive glass. Against the Pacers, that could change. The Pacers have allowed 30.5% of offensive rebounds.
But with the Bulls, don’t count on it. The Bulls rarely crash on the offensive glass. Still, Chicago should get solid looks from the floor, with the Pacers giving up a 55% effective field goal percentage.
Indiana has also allowed a 23.1 free throw rate, which is 27th in the league. Therefore, the Bulls have ways to score in this game, despite needing a healthy roster. On the other hand, Chicago still has an outstanding defense. The Bulls allowed only 112.4 points per 100 possessions while limiting teams to a 54.5% effective field goal percentage.
The Bulls have earned over 14.5% turnovers and allowed under 25% offensive rebounds on the defensive end. Also, don’t count on the Pacers earning a ton of foul shots in this game.
The Pick
While the Bulls have lost four straight games, it’s been even worse for the Pacers. I know the Pacers are home. That gives them a little bit of an advantage. But the Bulls still have the better numbers analytically and should be able to come away with the win.
I’ll take the Bulls +2.5 in this game.
NBA Pick: Bulls +2.5 (-106) at SBK
Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 – 08:00 PM EST at FedExForum
The Grizzlies are supposed to be one of the best teams in the West. They have been, at 34-22, but they’re just a little bit too inconsistent right now. The offense should get back on track tonight against the Jazz, though.
Game Analysis
Memphis has scored 115.5 points per 100 possessions while earning 31.1% of offensive rebounds. The Grizzlies won’t dominate at the foul line but should be able to limit turnovers against a Jazz group that has earned just 13.2% of turnovers on the defensive end this year.
The Jazz have also allowed 28.5% of offensive rebounds and are giving up 117.6 points per 100 possessions.
On the other hand, Utah’s offense has been surprisingly good this season. The Jazz have scored 118 points per 100 possessions while earning an effective field goal percentage of 55.7%. Utah has also added 29.5% of offensive rebounds and should still be successful on the offensive glass in this one.
But the Jazz won’t get to the foul line at a high rate and will have a more challenging time earning quality looks against a Grizzlies team that has allowed just a 52.4% effective field goal percentage.
The Pick
Utah has kept it close over their last three games. And I think they keep it close against the Grizzlies, even on the road. Back the Jazz at -106 betting odds in this one.
The Jazz should earn plenty of offensive rebounds without Steven Adams playing for the Grizzlies and will at least force the Grizzlies to put up some poor shots in this game.
NBA Pick: Jazz +8.5 (-106) at SBK
