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The 2nd half of the NBA season got started last night with a 12-game slate. Tonight, we have 10 games on the docket with 15 teams playing on their 2nd leg of a back-to-back. Be wary of injury news as the day goes on. Let’s dive into my best NBA player prop bets for Friday, February 23, as we look to build on our HUGE 10-1 run! In addition to that, make sure you read also read our NBA predictions for today’s matchups.
James Harden, PG, LAC, Over 16.5 points (-110)
Odds available at BetMGM Sportsbook at time of publishing.
The Los Angeles Clippers are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder last night that would’ve catapulted them into the #2 seed in the Western Conference. James Harden got going late by scoring 8 points in the closing quarter, but it was too late as the Thunder had a comfortable 15+ point lead most of the way. There’s no time to take games off, especially in the Western Conference. The #1 seed is still in play, as the Clippers are 2.5 games back, while the Nuggets are breathing down the Clippers’ necks for the #3 seed. Against the injury-plagued Memphis Grizzlies tonight, I expect Harden to come out aggressive on the 2nd leg of a back-to-back.
Harden saw just 29 minutes as he was pulled at the 4-minute mark in the 4th quarter last night. His normal rotation is playing all of the 2nd and 4th quarters while getting his breather halfway through the 1st and 3rd quarters. As 9-point favorites, the blowout potential is real, but I’m trusting Harden to surpass this line for the 8th time in his last 10 games, and 7 of his last 8 with Paul George and Kawhi Lenoard active. George has returned to his normal minute outlook, but this is a number and price I feel great backing.
Lock in our NBA mega parlay for tonight’s action at +782 odds
Bam Adebayo, C, MIA, Under 20.5 points (-110)
Odds available at BetMGM Sportsbook at time of publishing.
The sharper books are already showing that they’ll most likely move this down to 19.5 points. FanDuel has the under of 20.5 points priced at -122, while DraftKings is down to -125. The return of Jimmy Butler has me all over Bam Adebayo’s under, as he’s stayed under this line in 9 straight games with Butler active. With full disclosure, Tyler Herro was active for 8 of those. He’s listed as questionable tonight with a foot injury and may sit this game out. But with the Heat not having a game till Monday, the hope is Herro gives it a go. Let’s dive into Adebayo and the Heat’s opponent tonight, the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans’ top-10 defense since the new year has them right in the mix in the Western Conference playoffs. The pace they play at helps as well. Both teams rank in the bottom half in pace of play, which has this duel being one of the lowest totals of the slate. With this being the 1st meeting between the 2 teams this season, we’ll see how Adebayo and Jonas Valanciunas match up against each other. Still, I envision the stout Pelicans defense giving Adebayo trouble.
Read our full Miami Heat vs New Orleans Pelicans predictions
