There was just the one game in the NBA on Thursday, but post All-Star break action heats up on Friday where we have nine games on the schedule. The first games of the day begin at 11am AEDT, while the last will tip-off just after 2pm. As always, we bring you our three best bets for the day below!
Also, make sure to head over to our NBA Tips regularly, as we’ll be providing free tips for all the major slates for each and every week of the 2024-25 season!
NBA Betting Tips: Friday, February 21st 2025
Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers (11:00am AEDT)
The Celtics enter this matchup at 39-16, sitting second in the East behind the Cavaliers and riding a three-game win streak. Boston has been dominant on both ends of the floor, boasting one of the league’s most efficient offenses and a defense that has kept them in contention for the top seed. With a fully healthy roster, they will be at full strength in Philadelphia, looking to extend their winning streak and keep pace with Cleveland at the top of the standings. The Celtics have had success against the 76ers this season but will be wary of their opponent’s potential at full health.
Philadelphia has struggled significantly, sitting 11th in the East with a 20-34 record and currently enduring a five-game losing streak. A major reason for their struggles has been injuries, particularly to Joel Embiid, who has played just 17 games this season. However, Embiid is expected to return for this contest, which could give the 76ers a much-needed boost on both ends. Paul George is also expected to suit up, though his form has been underwhelming, including a two-point performance in his last outing. With their full roster available, the 76ers will look to turn their fortunes around at home.
Despite their poor record, the 76ers have shown they can compete when healthy, as evidenced by their upset win over Boston on Christmas Day. With home-court advantage and desperation to end their losing streak, Philadelphia has a strong chance to cover the +7.5 spread, making them a viable underdog pick in this matchup.
76ers +7.5
$1.85 (1.5 Units)
Orlando Magic at Atlanta Hawks (11:30am AEDT)
The Magic head into this one at 27-29, sitting 7th in the East, just ahead of the 26-29 Hawks in 8th. Orlando’s record doesn’t tell the full story—injuries have absolutely wrecked their season. Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, their two best players, have both missed a fair chunk of time, and without them, it’s been tough. But now they’re back, and the Magic are starting to find some rhythm. They’ve won three of their last five, including a dominant 16-point win over the Hornets where they held them to just 86 points. That defensive effort is what makes Orlando dangerous when healthy, and it should give them the edge here.
Atlanta, on the other hand, doesn’t really have an excuse for their underwhelming record. They’ve been relatively healthy all season but just haven’t been able to string together enough wins. They were on a solid three-game win streak before falling to the Knicks in overtime by a single point last time out. They did beat Orlando by six in their most recent meeting, but that was when the Magic weren’t at full strength. Now, with Wagner and Banchero back in rhythm, this matchup feels much tougher for Atlanta.
The Hawks do have home-court advantage, but the Magic’s defence has been elite lately, and with their key players back, they should be too strong. Orlando has the clear talent advantage and the defensive edge, and they should get the job done with a hard-fought win on the road.
Magic to Win
$1.84 (2 Units)
Los Angeles Clippers at Milwaukee Bucks (12:00pm AEDT)
The Clippers roll into Milwaukee at 31-23, sitting 6th in the brutally tough Western Conference. They’ve hit a nice groove lately, riding a three-game win streak and winning three of their last four on the road. This team has been playing solid basketball, and even though Kawhi Leonard missed their last game against the Jazz, he’s a chance to return here, which would be a massive boost. The Clippers already took down the Bucks by 10 points less than a month ago, and given how both teams have been trending, they should feel confident about doing it again.
The Bucks, meanwhile, have been struggling. They’re 29-24 and sitting 5th in the East, but recent form has been shaky, with just three wins in their last nine games. A big reason for that has been the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has missed the last six games. He’s a chance to return here, and if he does, that obviously changes things, but it’s tough to expect him to be at his dominant best right away. Even with Giannis back, the Bucks have been out of sync lately, and they’ll need to step it up to take down an in-form Clippers squad.
With the way the Clippers have been playing, plus the fact they already handled Milwaukee recently, they should have the edge again here. The Bucks are tough to beat at home, but if Kawhi returns, the Clippers’ momentum and recent form should carry them to another win.
Clippers to Win
$1.94 (1 Unit)
