I have a bunch of official picks for the packed NBA slate on Thursday, February 19. However, while I normally break things down with two separate articles, I’m bringing everything under one roof instead of splitting up sides/totals and player props — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s slate. That’s because I have a few two-leg parlays, which I know people don’t love to tail. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Thursday.

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

NBA Best Bets Today

Sixers ML (-118) vs. Hawks

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Hawks at 76ers – 7:00 pm ET

The Sixers will be without Joel Embiid tonight, but I still like Philadelphia to win this game. I’m just not seeing it with this Atlanta team. Since January 1, the Hawks are 10-11, scoring only 111.9 points per 100 possessions (26th in NBA) while allowing 114.0 points per 100 possessions (13th in NBA). Atlanta just hasn’t been the elite defensive team it expected to be after moving Trae Young, and the Hawks are clearly missing his ability to create shots. With that in mind, I’m not sure Atlanta can keep Philadelphia’s backcourt in check here, with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe having the speed required to blow by Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels. I’m also not sure the Hawks offense can make the 76ers miss the defensive presence of Embiid.

Atlanta is also just 33-54 straight-up as a road underdog under Quin Snyder. On top of that, the team is just 3-8 both SU and ATS when playing with at least three days of rest under Snyder. I’m just starting to think that Snyder isn’t a great fit for this organization. He has been underwhelming since arriving in The A, and I don’t know that I trust he’ll have the Hawks fired up and ready to go out of the All-Star break.

NBA Player Props Today

James Harden Over 2.5 First Quarter Assists (-128) vs. Nets

Nets at Cavaliers – 7:00 pm ET

On today’s episode of Hardwood Handicappers, I talked myself into taking Harden to finish with at least three assists in the first quarter. This is a game in which Harden really should be able to carve up a weak Nets defense, but there’s a good chance the Cavaliers dominate here. That said, Harden might not have to play much in the second half. So, if you’re looking for ways to play Harden, why not back him to do some damage in the opening 12 minutes? He’s averaging 8.7 minutes per game in the first quarter since arriving in Cleveland, and he has finished with at least three assists in two of his three games with the Cavs. Also, with Evan Mobley back, I see Harden looking to be a facilitator tonight, as it’s his job to keep the peace and spread the wealth.

Bennedict Mathurin Over 14.5 Points (-113) vs. Nuggets

Nuggets at Clippers – 10:30 pm ET

I played Mathurin to finish with 15 points on Wednesday, so hopefully you caught that when I posted it to the VSiN Pro Picks page. However, I’m not against the idea of playing it at 15.5. Mathurin had 16 points against a good Houston defense on February 11, playing 31 minutes for his new team. Well, Mathurin really should play at least 30 minutes on a nightly basis moving forward, as the Clippers have to decide on his future with the franchise this offseason.

If Mathurin does flirt with 30 minutes tonight, I wouldn’t be surprised if he comes close to scoring 20 points. Denver is a bottom-five defense guarding spot-up attempts, so Mathurin should be able to knock down some triples. The Nuggets are also just 17th in the NBA defending inside 10 feet, and Mathurin is dangerous in the paint. I also think Mathurin’s combination of size, speed, and athleticism will help him thrive in transition this evening.

Additional Plays (Late Adds, Parlays, Teasers, Futures)

PARLAY: Rockets ML vs. Hornet & Knicks ML vs. Pistons +145)

PARLAY: Celtics ML vs. Warriors & Magic ML vs. Kings (-114)

2025-26 NBA Record: 339-326 (+4.37 units)

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