We’re nearing the All-Star break in the 2024-25 NBA regular season but there are still a couple of juicy slates left until then. One of those is on Tuesday where there are 20 teams in action across 10 games. As always, we have you covered with three free game previews and best bets below. Good luck to everyone following!
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: Tuesday, February 11th 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves at Cleveland Cavaliers (11:00am AEDT)
The Timberwolves enter this matchup in excellent form, having won three straight and eight of their last ten. This strong stretch has helped them climb to 30-23 and sixth in the Western Conference after a slow start to the season. However, injuries are starting to become a concern. Julius Randle remains sidelined after missing multiple games, while Anthony Edwards was absent last game due to a hip injury and is listed as day-to-day. The Timberwolves have just completed a five-game homestand and now face a challenging test on the road against one of the league’s top teams.
The Cavaliers have regained their dominant form, winning two in a row and six of their last seven. Despite a brief dip in performance, they remain clear at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 42-10 record, sitting 5.5 games ahead of second place. Their consistency on both ends of the floor has made them one of the toughest teams in the league, and they will be looking to continue their strong run against a shorthanded Timberwolves side.
When these teams last met a couple of weeks ago in Minnesota, the Cavaliers secured a seven-point victory. Now, with home-court advantage and the Timberwolves dealing with key injuries, Cleveland is well-positioned to extend its winning streak. If Edwards is unable to play, it will be even tougher for the Timberwolves to keep pace, making the Cavaliers the likely to be very easy winners in this contest.
Cavaliers -8.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Sacramento Kings at Dallas Mavericks (12:30pm AEDT)
The Sacramento Kings, currently 26-26 and ninth in the Western Conference, have struggled recently, winning just three of their last nine games. However, they secured a morale-boosting victory against the New Orleans Pelicans in their most recent outing. The recent trade of De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs brought in several new players, and while it was anticipated that the team might need time to adjust, the Kings still boast a talented roster poised to make a playoff push.
The Dallas Mavericks, holding a 28-25 record and sitting eighth in the West, have experienced mixed fortunes lately. After enduring a three-game losing streak, they bounced back with two consecutive wins. New acquisition Anthony Davis made a significant impact in his debut against the Houston Rockets, contributing 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks before exiting in the third quarter due to a left adductor strain. Unfortunately, Davis is expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks, a substantial setback for the Mavericks, especially after trading away fan favorite Luka Doncic to acquire him.
In their only previous meeting this season, the Kings emerged victorious with a 10-point win over the Mavericks. With Davis unavailable, the Mavericks face a challenging task ahead. The Kings, eager to capitalize on this opportunity, will aim to secure a much-needed win to improve their standing in the competitive Western Conference playoff race.
Kings to Win
$2.01 (2.5 Units)
Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Lakers (2:30pm AEDT)
The Lakers take on the Jazz in the most anticipated game of the day, with Luka Doncic set to make his debut in purple and gold. In what has been called one of the biggest trades in sports history, the Lakers acquired Doncic from Dallas in exchange for Anthony Davis. Now, Doncic gets to team up with his close friend LeBron James, forming a new superstar duo. The Lakers come into this clash in outstanding form, having won five straight and 11 of their last 13 games. Their dominance at home has also been evident, with six consecutive wins at Crypto.com Arena. While LeBron James and Austin Reaves are listed as day-to-day with minor injuries, both are expected to suit up for this marquee matchup.
The Jazz, on the other hand, are in the midst of a rebuild and not focused on chasing wins. They’ve lost two in a row and 11 of their last 13 games, struggling on both ends of the floor. Their young roster has shown flashes of potential but lacks the firepower to compete against the league’s elite teams. Facing a red-hot Lakers side on the road presents a tough challenge, especially with the excitement surrounding Doncic’s debut.
With Doncic making his first appearance, the Lakers will have plenty of energy, and the atmosphere will be electric. Given the Lakers’ recent form, home-court advantage, and the Jazz’s struggles, Los Angeles should cruise to another victory in what promises to be an entertaining game.
Lakers -12.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
