We’re more than halfway into the 2024-25 NBA season. I’ll continue giving out NBA best bets and player props here as often as possible, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on big news that shakes up the league. So, make sure you check out my work throughout the season. With that out of the way, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Thursday, February 13th. Also, make sure you check out the picks page (linked right below) before games tip off. I occasionally add picks throughout the day.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on February 13th
NBA Best Bets Today – February 13th
Miami Heat at Dallas Mavericks – 8:30 pm ET
Last night, I had the Mavericks to cover a 7.5-point spread against the Warriors, and I also sprinkled Dallas to win outright. On my regular Wednesday spot on VSiN PrimeTime, I noted that the team’s lack of centers shouldn’t be a problem against a Golden State squad that is often undersized at the position. However, I don’t think the Mavericks find themselves in as good of a matchup tonight — and I also don’t see Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson replicating their combined 12 for 24 shooting from 3-point land.
Assuming Miami is able to shake the stomach virus that is going around the locker room, the team should have the size required to bully Dallas inside. Bam Adebayo and rookie Kel’El Ware make up a massive frontcourt, and I’m not sure it’s a duo that the Mavericks will be able to play off the court. Kessler Edwards, Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Naji Marshall are now essentially playing as bigs, and that would be intriguing if any of them were reliable 3-point shooters. Spreading the Heat out and making Adebayo and Ware consistently cover on the perimeter would be a path towards winning this game. But none of those guys are good enough shooters or ball handlers to really terrorize the Miami big men. Adebayo will especially be comfortable guarding them. Ware is more of a question mark, but I lean towards thinking he’s up for the task.
The Heat should also be able to do just enough offensively in this one, especially playing through Adebayo as a mid-post hub. He’ll survey the floor and make good reads as a passer, but his big body should also allow him to score a ton around the rim tonight. I also see Tyler Herro doing a good job of matching the offensive production of Irving in this one, and this should also be a good game for Andrew Wiggins.
Dallas is also just 15-19 straight-up over the last three seasons when playing home games with lines of +3 to -3.
Bet: Heat ML (-115)
NBA Player Props Today – February 13th
Los Angeles Clippers at Utah Jazz – 9:00 pm ET
Before recording just two assists against the Grizzlies last night, Norman Powell had dished out at least three dimes in four consecutive games. One of those was a three-assist performance against this same Jazz team on February 8th. And he has now gone Over 2.5 assists in two of his three meetings with this squad. Well, I’m going to Powell to reach that mark again on Thursday, as I don’t think it should be out there at +145 odds. While Powell is a scorer first, he’s going up against a defense that is so bad that it’ll almost be difficult for him not to set his teammates up. Utah is giving up the second-most made 3s per game (14.5) in the NBA this season, so simple swing passes could lead to made jumpers. Also, Powell should be able to get himself going as a driver here, and that will open up kicks to open shooters or lobs/dump-offs to Ivica Zubac.
Bet: Powell Over 2.5 Assists (+145)
Additional Plays
This is where I’ll include any late added plays, teasers/parlays or in-season futures. Come back before tip if you don’t want to miss anything. It’s always possible I’ll add something to my card.
PARLAY: Kings ML vs. Pelicans & Thunder ML vs. Timberwolves (-137 – 1.5 units) – It’s a little hard to play big spreads without a lot of injury information, and motivation is always a question mark before the All-Star break. So, I’m turning to Sacramento and Oklahoma City to win outright. I just don’t think the Pelicans currently have the firepower required to beat the Kings. And without Herb Jones, New Orleans is missing an elite, lengthy wing defender for DeMar DeRozan, who is scorching hot right now. The Kings also need this win as they pursue a spot in the postseason, but the Pelicans are probably just looking forward to the break. In the other game, I’m just riding the Oklahoma City train, especially in a meeting with a struggling Minnesota team. I’m a long-term believer in the Timberwolves, but there’s no denying they’re in need of a little offensive juice. That’s not a good thing against the Thunder, who should also get enough offensively from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to win a tough road arena.
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2024-25 NBA Record: 247-239-2 (+5.79 units)
