NBA Betting Picks: 2/17/21

It is a big night for NBA and DraftKings Sportsbook has endless props and bets to go with. There are a couple of teams on back backs and injuries continue to come in hot and heavy. All of the lines are set for tonight so any sort of injury news now would swing them one way or the other. Kemba Walker is ruled out tonight, as is Daniel Theis for Boston. Eric Gordon is a game-time decision and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is probable.

Boston Celtics -2 Vs. Atlanta Hawks

Now as mentioned above, Boston is a bit shorthanded tonight but neither Theis nor Walker have had a tremendous impact. I would assume this game is closer to -5.5 with those two in. This is a recent series that has largely been dominated by Boston, winning nine of their last ten against the Hawks, and covering in six of the last ten. Since Hunter has gone out for the Hawks, the defense has dropped immensely. For Boston, getting Pritchard back is a big help and his role will be big in tonight's game without Walker. Boston has been scuffling a bit themselves but had a strong win last night and should take advantage of a struggling Hawks team without some key bodies. The over on both Tatum and Brown at 26.5 points is also intriguing.

Chicago Bulls -3 Vs. Detroit Pistons

There have been some scheduling changes and the Bulls take on the Pistons tonight. Detroit is in the midst of beginning to move the veterans as we saw Derrick Rose get traded and now Blake Griffin is set for a possible buy-out. Either way, he is out tonight as well. Chicago's offense can put up points and I don't see Detroit coming close to matching them. Detroit rank 21st in defensive efficiency to the backcourt and will face a red-hot Zach LaVine and Coby White. Chicago has covered in the last three meetings with Detroit by an average score of 112-98, where they are 3-0.

Portland Trail Blazers +4 Vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Portland is a bit shorthanded still without McCollum and Nurkic, but still have Damian Lillard and Carmelo Anthony who have been carrying this team in their absence. Gary Trent Jr is also someone who will need a big game tonight. The Pelicans are 6-8 as favorites this season and rank 27th in defensive efficiency against point guards. While the Pelicans aren't a bad team I don't trust this unit to at least cover in what should be a close game.