Every night of the 2025-26 NBA season gives us a fresh set of games and numbers to pick apart. This daily column digs into the best sides and totals on the board, using in-depth basketball analysis, betting trends, and our VSiN NBA betting splits to spot value. We’ll also be tackling these slates relentlessly on our live VSiN programming, which is why basketball fans should really consider a VSiN Pro subscription. Below you’ll find some NBA picks and predictions for February 24.

MORE: Check out the VSiN Pro Picks page for more bets from our talented hosts and analysts!

NBA Best Bets Today – Tuesday, February 24

Raptors ML (-110) vs. Thunder

Thunder at Raptors – 7:30 pm ET

The Raptors are a tough team to beat in Toronto, making this a rough spot for a shorthanded Thunder team. Oklahoma City will be missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Ajay Mitchell tonight, and the team also has Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso listed as questionable. Of course, the Thunder were similarly depleted against the Cavaliers on Sunday, yet they were able to emerge with a 121-113 win. However, that was an entirely different game. It’s very difficult to win at the Paycom Center, and the Thunder shot 21 for 41 from 3. I don’t anticipate that happening here — nor do I expect to see the Raptors dig themselves a 28-5 hole, which is precisely what the Cavaliers did.

Toronto is a disciplined team when it comes to guarding the 3-ball, as the Raptors are 10th in the NBA in 3s per game allowed (12.8) and tied for third in opponent 3-point percentage (34.4%). I’d just be surprised if Toronto allows Oklahoma City to get a bunch of good looks. And offensively, I think the Raptors can do just enough to get this one across the finish line. Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes should be able to make things happen against some of the slower — or smaller — Thunder players that will be defending them.

Embed from Getty Images

Cavaliers -3.5 (-118) vs. Knicks

Knicks at Cavaliers – 7:30 pm ET

The Knicks are playing their third game in four nights, so this is pretty brutal rest situation for New York. The Knicks are already struggling a bit lately, as they’re 4-3 in their last seven games and have had some disappointing performances in that stretch — even in wins. New York’s defense just leaves a lot to be desired, with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns being a highly exploitable duo. The intensity level and overall defensive impact of OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges also seems to come and go on the wing. I ultimately think the Knick will get things figured out in the postseason, but I strongly believe the Cavaliers are a tough matchup for them. That said, I think laying the points here makes a lot of sense, especially with the rest advantage.

Cleveland looks like the best offensive team in the NBA with James Harden in the mix now, and I just think that it’s going to be rough on New York figuring out how to stop him and Donovan Mitchell. One of the two will be going to work against Brunson, or it’ll be Jaylon Tyson that has that opportunity. Tyson is capable of punishing that matchup in a way previous Cavaliers wings weren’t.

It’s also big that Cleveland will have Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen to defend Towns, who has gotten himself going lately. So, while this could be a massive Brunson game, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cavaliers do well defending everyone else.

Pelicans +2 (-110) vs. Warriors

Warriors at Pelicans – 8:00 pm ET

The Pelicans won’t have Trey Murphy III tonight, but Dejounte Murray will be making his season debut. I’m not expecting much from the guard after a lengthy recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, but I do think his return will give his team some juice. And honestly, a little extra energy should be all New Orleans needs to beat this version of Golden State. Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis are out for the Warriors, who also have Jimmy Butler missing for the rest of the season. There’s also a chance Golden State will be without Draymond Green and Al Horford, as both of them are listed as questionable.

The Pelicans are just the way more talented team when looking at the two rosters that will be out there tonight. Maybe that won’t mean anything with the Warriors being the better-coached group, but I’m banking on the two days of rest and preparation to be enough for James Borrego to get his group a win tonight.

Added Plays (Late Picks, Parlays, Teasers, Futures)

PARLAY: Raptors Alt +7.5 vs. Thunder & Magic Alt +10.5 vs. Lakers (-111 – 1.5 units)

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2025-26 NBA Record: 350-338 (+2.70 units)

Check out today’s episode of Hardwood Handicappers!

The post NBA Picks & Predictions Today (Feb. 24): Best Bets on Sides & Totals appeared first on VSiN.