NBA Daily Best Bets for Sunday, February 22
Summary
The Cleveland Cavaliers, on a seven-game win streak, face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who lead the NBA but will be without stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Despite Oklahoma City’s strong home record, the prediction favors the Cavaliers to cover the -2.5 point spread.
In other games, the Toronto Raptors and Milwaukee Bucks are both trending defensively, suggesting a low-scoring affair with a best bet on the under. Finally, the Boston Celtics are favored against the Los Angeles Lakers, backed by their strong recent record against Western Conference teams and a trend of close games in this matchup.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs Oklahoma City Thunder 1:00 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Cavs | -2.5 (-110) | -145 | O225 (-110) |
| OKC | +2.5 (-110) | +125 | U225 (-110) |
Cleveland Cavaliers (36-21)
The Cavaliers are the hottest team in the NBA, winning 7 straight and are 12-1 in the last 13 games. Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, as Cleveland beat Charlotte 118-113 on Friday. The Cavs have won by an average of 17 points during their win streak. They also are No. 2 in the NBA for points (119.8) and No. 11 in rebounds (44.7).  Â
Oklahoma City Thunder (43-14)
The Thunder remain the best team in the NBA but have tailed off after an incredible start. OKC is a league-best 23-6 at home, is No. 5 in scoring (119.4) and No. 1 in scoring defense (107.6). Â
But Shai-Gilgeous Alexander is out with an abdominal strain and Jalen Williams will also miss this game with a hamstring injury. Between the two, they average nearly 50 points a game.
Recent Betting Trends
The Cavs are 24-33 ATS this season and 13-14 ATS as the road team.
OKC is 14-15 ATS at home and 28-29 overall this season.
Prediction
While the Cavs are on a roll, it’s hard to bet against the defending champs, especially at home. They have run over elite teams on home court, but they haven’t been dominant ATS.  However, with the Thunder missing two stars, and possibly others, the line has been moving and the Cavs should be able to win and cover. BEST BET: Cavs -2.5
Toronto Raptors vs Milwaukee Bucks 3:30 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Raptors | -3 (-110) | -155 | O223 (-110) |
| Bucks | +3 (-110) | +135 | U223 (-110) |
Toronto Raptors (33-23)
The Raptors come off a 110-101 win vs the Bulls and have won four of the last six. Brandon Ingram scored 31 points as the team resumed action after the All-Star break. Toronto remains a top 7 defense, allowing just 112.1 PPG while scoring 113.7, 23rd overall. The Raptors remain in fifth in the East but are just 3.5 games behind second. This team plays tough and are one of the better road teams going 17-10 this season.
Milwaukee Bucks (24-30)
The Bucks have won three straight and six of seven after a 139-118 win Friday vs. the Pelicans. Milwaukee is just outside the play-in bubble and has been without injured star Giannis Antetokounmpo for four weeks. After winning four straight vs the Raptors, the Bucks have lost two in a row to Toronto. Guard Ryan Rollins has been hot, scoring 27 points vs New Orleans and going 7-10 from 3-point range.
Recent Betting Trends
The Bucks are 32-22 on the UNDER this season (59.3%).
The Raptors are 34-22 on the UNDER this season (60.7%).
Toronto is 28-28 ATS this season and 16-11 ATS as the road team.
Milwaukee is 11–13 ATS at home and 25-29 overall.
Prediction
Both teams have been playing well defensively and their spread numbers show.  The Bucks have relied on tighter defense with Antetokounmpo sidelined, while the Raptors have held opponents to under 113 or less in the last four games. This should be a close game, but low scoring. BEST BET:  UNDER 223.5
Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers 6:30 p.m. EST
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Celtics | -2 (-110) | -130 | O227.5 (-110) |
| Lakers | +2 (-110) | +110 | U227.5 (-110) |
Boston Celtics (36-19)
The Celtics have won 2 in a row and are 8-2 in the last ten games. Boston is one of the better road teams, 18-10 on the season and are looking for their fourth consecutive win away from home. The Celtics have won by an average margin of 15 points in their last six victories. Jaylen Brown continues to lead the team in scoring (29.2) while Neemias Queta is the leading rebounder (8.2).
Los Angeles Lakers (34-21)
The Lakers won a tight one Friday night vs. the Clippers as Luka Doncic scored 38 points in a 125-122 victory. L.A. has won five of the last seven. LeBron James is now the setup guy as he’s had five straight games of double-digit assists. The Lakers have lost two straight to Boston, both on the road and their last win over the Celtics was on their home floor.
Recent Betting Trends
Boston is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games.
The total for the Celtics has gone UNDER in 9 of the last 11 games.
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games vs the Lakers.
The total has gone OVER in 11 of LA Lakers’ last 16 games against Boston.
The LA Lakers are 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home.
Prediction
For whatever reason, the Celtics love playing Western Conference opponents as they are 5-0 in their last five games, and they have covered in five straight vs teams from the Pacific Division. Sure, the Lakers are favored as the home team but this one is likely a game that comes down to the final possession, and taking Boston and laying the points seems like the obvious option. BEST BET: Celtics -2
