NBA Expert Tips and Best Bets | 26 Feb

The big game on the NBA slate Wednesday is the Dallas Mavericks visiting Los Angeles to face recently traded superstar Luka Doncic and the Lakers. It will be the first time Doncic plays his old team.

Preceding that match will be a battle of two Eastern Conference playoff teams in the Cavs and the Magic. We’ll take a hard look at both contests and identify the smart plays for the day.

Lakers -7.5 |$1.80 @ Betfocus

The Lakers come into this game the talk of the NBA after dismantling the Nuggets Sunday behind a masterful performance by Luka Doncic. The Mavericks were last seen getting blown out by the Warriors.

To make matters worse, they are expected to be without their top three big men in Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, and Daniel Gafford. The one advantage they may have had in this game, the Mavs will be without.

This is also expected to be the first of two major revenge games for Luka Doncic against his former team.

Whenever the player props become available, expect the public to hammer the Over on his total points. For now, our expert tip is to take the Lakers to cover.

Mavericks-Lakers Under 228.5 |$1.90 @ Betright

While the lack of frontcourt presence should lead to even less resistance to the Lakers’ prolific offense, the Mavs will also have challenges on the offensive end.

The Lakers have been the number-one team in the NBA in defensive rating since January 15th. They’ve even been better since losing Anthony Davis in that now infamous trade to Dallas for Luka Doncic.

The Mavericks have also hit the Under in four of their last six while the Lakers have accomplished it in three in a row. While everyone expects a blowout, our NBA tip is to expect at least the Under.

Cavaliers-Magic Under 225.5 |$1.88 @ Playup

After some struggles earlier this year, the Magic appear to have turned things around. They have won four of their last six, but more importantly, they have covered four straight.

The Cavs have continued their ferocious winning pace, becoming the first team in the NBA this season to clinch a playoff spot. They have covered four of their last five.

Cleveland is currently on a seven-game winning streak and has held their opponents to just 110.2 points per game during that stretch. Orlando has hit the under in nine of their last 11 games. When the spread doesn’t jump out as a sure winner, it’s often the Over/Under which requires attention. Our NBA prediction for this game is that the Under will hit.