NBA Betting Picks for Wednesday 2/14/24: The Magic Deal More Heartbreak to the Knicks

The 82-game NBA regular season offers us a wide variety of betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, and totals. The Association features 1,230 regular season games, which can make sifting through the odds an overwhelming task.

However, various advanced statistics can help narrow the choices. numberFire's NBA power rankings and daily projections paired with advanced stats from the NBA can help give the inside track to winning big.

While utilizing some of the mentioned tools, which NBA odds from FanDuel Sportsbook look like the best bets today?

Please note lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published.

NBA Best Bets

New York Knicks at Orlando Magic

Magic -3.5 (-112)

Two top-eight units in defensive rating and two of the NBA's top-eight slowest paces meet on Wednesday with the New York Knicks taking on the Orlando Magic. The defensive ratings and slow tempos certainly suggest a low-scoring game -- hence the 211.5 total.

However, the Magic have upped their scoring production over the last three games at 118.0 points per game (PPG) -- compared to their season average of 111.6 PPG (fifth-worst). During this span, the Magic have increased their three-point volume with 13.3 converted threes per game. Orlando averages only 10.9 made threes on the season (last), and one of the Knicks' weaknesses on defense is defending the perimeter.

New York gives up the 17th-most three-point shots and has the 13th-worst mark in opponent three-point percentage. Looking at the interior defense is like comparing dirt to diamonds as the Knicks allow the 8th-fewest points in the paint and have the 11th-best opponent two-point percentage. This could spell trouble for the Magic, who total the ninth-most points in the paint.

Fortunately, Orlando could stand a chance of turning in another solid scoring performance due to their recent three-point shooting. New York could also be without three key pieces in the frontcourt: Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and Isaiah Hartenstein. This could present the Magic's leading scorer Paolo Banchero (22.8 PPG) with an opportunity to excel.

The Knicks' offense is also in a bit of a lull with only 107.3 PPG over their previous three contests. Additionally, Orlando gives up the 5th-fewest three-point shots while New York attempts the 13th-most threes. With the Knicks failing to cover five straight spreads, give me the 3.5 points.

Chicago Bulls at Cleveland Cavaliers

Cavaliers -8.5 (-112)

The Cleveland Cavaliers come off perhaps their biggest blunder since December, as they lost 123-121 as 11.5-point favorites against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. After their nine-game winning streak was snapped, Cleveland will be looking to take out their frustrations on the Chicago Bulls, who is 3-1 over their last four.

Chicago has played quite well over their previous four with 122.8 PPG. However, the Cavaliers boast the second-best defensive rating in the league and have held their past 10 opponents to only 106.0 PPG. Improved three-point shooting has helped fuel the Bulls over the last four contests as they have shot 40.5% during the stretch. But Valentine's Day could be a day of heartbreak for Chicago because Cleveland seems poised to roll to a victory.

First off, the Bulls' successful three-point stretch could come to an end. This has not been a reliable three-point attack by any means, for Chicago has the ninth-worst marks in three-point percentage and three-point shots per game. As they say, all good things come to an end, and the Cavs certainly have the tools to slow the barrage as they allow the eighth-fewest three-point attempts and makes each contest.

Additionally, the Bulls surrender the most three-point attempts and makes per game. Cleveland attempts the ninth-most threes in the NBA and has averaged 14.8 made threes over the last five games. For reference, the Sacramento Kings total the fourth-most made threes at 14.9 per contest.

Ultimately, Chicago's offense -- which has the 10th-worst rating -- could go back to their low-scoring nature, and the Cavaliers' three-point attack looks set up for success. Even with the large spread of 8.5, I like Cleveland to cover at home.

Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics

Under 228.5 (-110)

With two point spread picks out of the way, I'm focusing on a total wager for my final pick of the day. The Boston Celtics continue to be the cream of the crop in the NBA with the best overall record at 42-12 while sitting at the top of numberFire's nERD-based power rankings. Of course, Boston has dominated to this degree by being a complete team with the second-best offensive rating and the third-best defensive rating.

Keying in on the Celtics' elite defense reveals which side of the total could be the most favorable pick. Wednesday's opponent -- the Brooklyn Nets -- has failed to eclipse 110 points in four of their last five games. Even with their scoring slump, the Nets have shot 45.7% from three over their last three games. Boston has the fifth-best mark in opponent three-point percentage, though. Brooklyn should still get some good looks with the Celtics giving up the third-most three-point attempts.

Ultimately, I see this game unfolding similar to Tuesday's head-to-head meeting, which Boston won 118-110. The Nets shot well from deep, making 15 of 33 shots (45.5%), but Brooklyn found little success around the rim with 42 points in the paint. It was also a slow-paced game with each squad totaling under 84 field goal attempts; this lines up with the Nets holding the fourth-fewest possessions for the season.

I'm siding with numberFire's suggestion of backing the under.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.