Another All-Star weekend is in the books, and the NBA is back! With the second half set to begin, nine games are on the slate today!
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
With two prime-time matchups set to air on TNT, the Philadelphia 76ers (20-34, 10-17 home) will host the eastern conference rivals Boston Celtics (39-16, 22-6 away) in the City of Brotherly Love. In line to play tonight, can Joel Embiid stop the bleeding? After dropping five consecutive games, the 76ers are +7.5 underdogs at home.
For the late-night showdown, the San Antonio Spurs (23-29, 13-12 home) will host the Phoenix Suns (26-28, 10-17 away) at home. With Victor Wembanyama expected to sit this one out, can the Spurs rebound from their 104-93 defeat against Phoenix in early December?
DraftKings NBA odds and schedule for Thursday, February 20
- Boston Celtics (-7.5) (-290 ML) @ Philadelphia 76ers (+7.5) (+235 ML): O/U 223.5
- Memphis Grizzlies (-2.5) (-142 ML) @ Indiana Pacers (+2.5) (+120 ML): O/U 251
- Chicago Bulls (+12) (+525 ML) @ New York Knicks (-12) (-750 ML): O/U 245
- Cleveland Cavaliers (-13) (-850 ML) @ Brooklyn Nets (+13) (+575 ML): O/U 225.5
- Orlando Magic (-1.5) (-118 ML) @ Atlanta Hawks (+1.5) (-102 ML): O/U 222.5
- LA Clippers (-2.5) (-135 ML) @ Milwaukee Bucks (+2.5) (+114 ML): O/U 228.5
- Charlotte Hornets (+16.5) (+750 ML) @ Denver Nuggets (-16.5) (-1200 ML): O/U 230
- Phoenix Suns (-2) (-130 ML) @ San Antonio Spurs (+2) (+110 ML): O/U 238
- LA Lakers (-3) (-155 ML) @ Portland Trail Blazers (+3) (+130 ML): O/U 227
If you're looking to bet on the NBA, you're in the best place! Up to nearly 14 units, I have an NBA betting record of 20-10 in February. While you can parlay these plays, I'm big on bankroll management and responsible betting. Therefore, each wager is a separate bet.
Let's stay hot and crush the books tonight! Let's take a look at my three best NBA prop bets for Thursday, February 20.
Are you looking to bet on NBA player props all season long? Here at Ballislife Bets, we've gathered a complete list of the best sports betting offers here.
NBA Best Prop Bets For Thursday, February 20
NBA Player Prop Bet #1: Stephon Castle
Stephon Castle 2024-2025 Season Stats
G: 51 | PPG: 12.9 | FG: 42 % | FT: 82.4 % | 3PT : 28.9 % | REB: 2.8 | AST: 3.5 | STL: 0.9 | BLK: 0.3
- Over 13.5 Points (-130 FanDuel)
One of my best player prop bets for Thursday, I placed one unit on Spurs rookie
Stephon Castle
to record over 13.5 points against the Phoenix Suns.
As we know, Castle showed out during NBA All-Star weekend, capturing the Rising Stars MVP, and finishing behind Matt McClung in the dunk contest. With that, some would argue Castle deserved to win the Dunk contest over McClung.
For tonight's matchup, Victor Wembanyama will not suit up for the Spurs. With that said, Castle is likely to come off the bench with newly acquired De'Aaron Fox on the squad.
Averaging 12.9 points on the season, this player prop line is slightly higher than his season average. Far less productive off the bench, Castle is averaging 9.9 points on 20.1 minutes, compared to 15.1 points and 29.7 minutes as a starter.
Although Castle hasn't started since Fox was acquired, his minutes have fluctuated quite a bit. Even so, Castle was averaging 25.1 minutes prior to the All-Star break. Now with plenty of rest, Castle should continue to provide a spark off the bench for the Spurs.
Overall, it was very encouraging to see Castle record 16 field goal attempts in 24 minutes against the Celtics. Pouring in 20 points, Castle has soared over the 13.5 point prop line in four straight games. Scoring a career-high 33 points against the Hornets was enough to turn heads in the betting world. Scoring 15+ points in four straight game, the rookie is averaging 21 points over that span.
Will Stephon Castle See More Minutes With Victor Wembanyama Out For The Season?
In addition, Castle has recorded an average of 26 minutes over that four game span. Given he's notching as many minutes as he has off the bench is a great reason for me to believe this will soar over today.
When tallying 26+ minutes, we've seen Castle be quite productive. In fact, he's scored 15+ points in six straight games when playing 26+ minutes. To make this bet even stronger, Castle has notched 14+ points in 11/12 games when playing 26 minutes or more.
Although Fox wasn't with the Spurs, we saw Castle pour in 16 points in 34 minutes in one lone game agains the Suns. Hitting 5-6 free-throw attempts, the rookie was second behind Wembanyama in field goal attempts (5-14).
Given Castle is the Spurs fourth leading scorer behind Victor Wembanyama his production should increase. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Wembanyama will miss the remain of the season with a shoulder injury (blood clot). While I don't expect Castle to enter the starting lineup, I do expect increased scoring.
Final NBA Player Prop Betting Prediction: Stephon Castle Over 13.5 Points (-130 FanDuel)
Today, the Spurs get an inconsistent Suns team, who allow the third most points to guards. With that information, they have forgiving on the defensive end. Prior to All-Star break, we saw Jalen Green (22 points), Ja Morant (26), and Jamal Murray (30) light up the Suns for well over this prop line.
Overall, Castle has been stellar over the last 10 games. Averaging 39.5 % from downtown, his field goal percentage (47.2 %) has increased drastically. Recording 18.3 points over that span, he's shooting well over 50 % from the field in February.
- With an average of 12.6 shot attempts over the last seven games, I only expect that to rise. I'm going with Stephon Castle to record over 13.5 points today.
NBA Player Prop Bet #2: Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday 2024-2025 Season Stats
G: 44 | PPG: 11 | FG: 43.8 % | FT: 73.9 % | 3PT : 34.2 % | REB: 4.4| AST: 3.7| STL: 1.0| BLK: 0.4
- Over 12.5 Points + Assists (-104 FanDuel)
My second best bet and player prop for today, I placed one unit on Celtics guard
Jrue Holiday
to record over 12.5 points and assists.
I truly believe 12.5 points and assists is a bit low for Holiday. Given he's averaging a combined 14.3 points and assists on the season, Holiday and company are back after plenty of rest.
Yes, Im aware Holiday's scoring has been up and down, especially in January. With that, Holiday has a combined 18 points in the last three games. With a fully healthy Celtics lineup, the fight for more production is becoming more. However, I will point out Holiday never agreed to join the Celtics for stat reasons. A unselfish roster is a main reason why they are the reigning champs.
There's no doubt Holiday was struggling before the break, shooting 28.6 percent from the field, and 22.2 percent from three. In a nut shell, those are true Jrue Holiday numbers. We are talking about a guy that has a career 46.2% field goal and 36.9 three-point percentage.
Jrue Holiday Has A Prime Matchup vs The Philadelphia 76ers
And with that, we've clearly seen a decline and inconsistency in shot volume since the start of the season. I won't deny that, but we need to look at the stats and the opponent.
Set to face his former team, Holiday gets the 76ers, who allow the 7th most points to point guards. And most recently, we saw Holiday pour in nine points and five assists against Philadelphia on February 2. Amongst a healthy Celtics roster, Holiday managed eight field goal attempts, seven of which came from the three-point line.
While the Celtics almost let that game slip away, I fully expect this game to be more competitive with Joel Embiid in the lineup. Even with Payton Pritchard coming off the bench, I expect a hefty amount of minutes for Holiday.
Given Holiday is averaging 3.5 dimes over the last 10 games, I fully expect most of this player prop bet to hit off scoring alone.
Final NBA Player Prop Betting Prediction: Jrue Holiday Over 12.5 Points + Assists (-104 FanDuel)
Overall, here's what makes this one of my best bets for today. Holiday has recorded over 12.5 points and assists in 12 straight games vs the 76ers. Mind you, that's an average of 20.4 point and assists.
With that, one would think Holiday will have more opportunities assist wise with a healthy Kristaps Porzingis, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown in the lineup. Having missed the last four games before the break, Holiday is coming off 18 days rest.
- Today, I'm taking Jrue Holiday to record over 12.5 points and assists. It's hard to pass up a player prop bet that's nearly valued at plus money.
NBA Player Prop Bet #3: James Harden
James Harden 2024-2025 Season Stats
G: 51 | PPG: 21.5 | FG: 39.4 % | FT: 88.7 % | 3PT : 34.2 % | REB: 5.8 | AST: 8.6 | STL: 1.5 | BLK: 0.6
- Over 2.5 Made Threes (-130 FanDuel)
My third best player prop bet for today, I placed one unit on Clippers guard
James Harden
to record over 2.3 made threes against the Bucks.
There's no doubt Hardens shooting percentages have taken a massive dip, especially from the field (39.4 %). With Kawhi Leonard a game time decision, will Harden continue to 18-20 shots per game?
Coming off a 5 three-pointer game vs Utah before the All-Star break, Harden hadn't hit the over in two consecutive games. What was encouraging in that matchup was 13 three-point attempts in 49 minutes (including overtime).
There's no doubt Harden will get his fair share of three-point attempts. With 20 trey ball attempts over the previous two matchups, Harden is averaging 8.5 three-point attempts over the last six games. Any time a player is averaging a 29.4 % three-point percentage in any given month, of course the prop bets won't hit.
I truly believe this prop relies on how well Harden will shoot the rock from the three-point line. Dipping from 35.2.% to 29.4 % in one month's time frame can be all the difference. Although he didn't log heavy minutes, Harden did shoot 2-3 from three-point range in the NBA All-Star games.
Final NBA Player Prop Betting Prediction: James Harden O 2.5 Made Threes (-130 FanDuel)
While Harden has struggled from a shooting perspective, we have to look at the matchup. In one lone game against the Bucks, Harden exploded for 40 points, off 4-10 shooting from beyond the arc. And mind you, that was with Leonard and Norman Powell both in the lineup.
Considering the Bucks allow the 2nd most three-pointers to guards, the last six guards to face Milwaukee have all soared over 3+ threes. The only player to record less was Luke Kennard since the end of January.
- Is today the day James Harden goes absolutely nuclear on the Bucks? After all, they give up the most points in the NBA to guards. For that reason, I like James Harden to record over 2.5 made threes.
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