Just a couple of days of 2024-25 NBA regular season action are left before the All-Star break! We’re coming off a perfect 3/3 betting day on Tuesday that netted us +5.7 units, continuing our hot form over the last couple of weeks. Here, we take a look at the monster 15-game slate on Thursday and offer our three best bets for the day!
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: Thursday, February 13th 2025
Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks (11:30am AEDT)
The Hawks enter this matchup in strong form, having won three straight and four of their last five, pushing them to 26-28 and eighth in the East. They have had recent success against the Knicks, winning three of the last four meetings, including two of three this season. One key factor has been Dyson Daniels’ defence on Jalen Brunson, as Daniels—who leads the league in steals—has held Brunson to 23 points per game in their matchups, below his season average. The Hawks have also shown confidence in this rivalry, and with Trae Young historically thriving at Madison Square Garden, they will believe in their chances of another victory.
The Knicks, at 35-18 and third in the East, remain one of the league’s most consistent teams. They have won three of their last five and eight of their last ten, including a victory over Atlanta in an NBA Cup game earlier this season. New York’s physicality and defensive presence will be crucial in slowing down the Hawks, while their rebounding and perimeter shooting should give them the edge at home.
With the Knicks favoured by 8.5 points, the Hawks' recent form and history in this matchup suggest they can keep it close, making the underdog play appealing.
Hawks +8.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Sacramento Kings at New Orleans Pelicans (12pm AEDT)
The Kings, sitting at 27-26 and ninth in the Western Conference, made several key moves before the trade deadline to strengthen their roster. With a balanced starting five and improved depth, they are well-positioned for a strong push toward the playoffs. They enter this game on a two-game winning streak, including a five-point victory over the Pelicans in Sacramento. Given their recent momentum and roster upgrades, the Kings will look to take advantage of a struggling opponent and solidify their standing in the West.
The Pelicans, at 12-41 and last in the conference, are clearly in a rebuilding phase after trading Brandon Ingram to Toronto. Injuries to key players have derailed their season, forcing them to shift focus toward developing their younger talent. Their struggles are evident, with nine consecutive losses and a lack of continuity on both ends of the floor. While they have home-court advantage, their lack of experienced firepower makes this a tough matchup against a more complete Kings team.
With the Kings listed as 4.5-point favourites, they should be expected to handle business comfortably. Their recent win over the Pelicans suggests they have the upper hand, and with New Orleans lacking key pieces, Sacramento should extend their winning streak and cover the spread.
Kings -4.5
$1.86 (2.5 Units)
Phoenix Suns at Houston Rockets (12:30pm AEDT)
The Suns have dropped to 11th in the Western Conference with a 26-27 record after losing two straight, including a disappointing home defeat to the Grizzlies. While Kevin Durant reached the 30,000 career points milestone in that game, Phoenix's struggles have continued, losing five of their last six. Despite boasting a talented roster, their inconsistency has seen them slide down the standings, making this a crucial game as they look to turn things around. Given their recent form, they will be desperate to put in a strong performance against a Rockets team that has also had its struggles.
Houston, at 33-20 and sitting fifth in the West, snapped a six-game losing streak with a seven-point win over the Raptors in a low-scoring battle. That stretch was easily their worst of the season, but they will take confidence from getting back in the win column. While their defence has remained solid, offensive inconsistency has plagued them in recent games. With this being their first meeting with the Suns this season, Houston will look to capitalise on home-court advantage and maintain their top-five position in the West.
With both teams struggling for form, the Suns’ urgency could give them the edge to at least keep this game close. The +6.5 spread offers value, as Phoenix has the firepower to compete and potentially pull off an upset. If they can tighten up defensively and find rhythm offensively, they are more than capable of pushing Houston all the way.
Suns +6.5
$1.95 (1.5 Units)
