NBA best bets and expert picks for Saturday include three picks from this small slate, and all of them are from the props market.
Our analysts have keyed in on a Paolo Banchero prop in Magic vs. Pistons, and have two more props from the nationally televised prime time game between the Celtics and Knicks.
Continue reading below for our NBA picks and best bets for Saturday, February 24.
On March 11, North Carolina sports betting fans will be able to bet NBA games at NC legal sportsbooks. Learn about the best North Carolina sports betting apps to place those bet.
NBA Best Bets Today | Expert Picks for Saturday, February 24
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 8:30 p.m. | |
| 8:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Magic vs. Pistons
By Joe Dellera
Paolo Banchero has a great bounce-back spot here against the Detroit Pistons, who play at the seventh-fastest pace in the league.
While Banchero returned from the All-Star break and scored just 12 points while playing through an illness, he’s now had some time to rest and should come back strong.
Banchero averages 22.8 ppg this season, but this spikes to 24.1 ppg with one day of rest. Banchero has a physical play style and getting that extra bit of rest is extremely helpful for him.
This matchup is a pace-up opportunity, and his 21.5 points prop is one he has exceeded in 71% of games with one day of rest.
Pick: Paolo Banchero Over 21.5 Points
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Celtics vs. Knicks
I'm going to keep hitting this bet as long as Josh Hart keeps this up.
This was a best bet I had Thursday and Hart cashed without much of a sweat. Today, he faces the Celtics, which is obviously a tough matchup, but it hasn't mattered who he's gone against.
And frankly, the ball needs to be in his hands with a short-handed squad. Hart has gone over 12.5 R+A in 10 of his last 11 games, and in that span he's gotten 10 or more boards in nine instances, recording six double-doubles in the process.
I've been playing this R+A over and sprinkling in Hart to get 10 or more boards and to record a double-double. Again, sprinkling.
That said, even against the Celtics, the main bet here should be within Hart's reach yet again given recent performance.
Pick: Josh Hart Over 12.5 Rebounds + Assists
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By Joe Dellera
While the Celtics have dominated the season series, there is one player who has excelled in these matchups.
Kristaps Porzingis loves playing the Knicks. Ever since he was traded from the team, he’s consistently performed against them. He has averaged 21.9 ppg with 20+ points and 3+ 3s in six straight games.
Today, his points prop is set at 18.5, a number he’s exceeded in 56% of games this season with his 20.1 average. With the Knicks having some difficulty with injuries to the center position, I expect Porzingis to continue his strong play against New York.
I’ll also sprinkle his 3+ 3s (+200) given his recent history against New York.
Pick: Kristaps Porzingis Over 18.5 Points & 3+ 3-pointers
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