The All-Star break is done and even though all the Luka Doncic trade drama is still not coming down, we are coming back to the regular season. And what better way to continue than with the Lakers vs Nuggets matchup, where we will see two superstars, Doncic vs Jokic, clash together in an entirely different setting.

Dallas is now officially down a superstar, as Anthony Davis may not come back at all this season, and they continue the season by clashing with the Golden State Warriors this weekend. Both teams are contending for the playoffs but have a difficult road ahead to get there.

Also up are a few NCAA games, with Duke vs Illinois and Wisconsin vs Oregon attracting the most interest. 

*Sports betting carries inherent risks, and outcomes can be unpredictable. The recommendations offered here are based on current data and analysis but should not be viewed as guarantees of success.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets – Denver the Cover the Spread p2m3

The Los Angeles Lakers host the Denver Nuggets in a high-stakes Western Conference clash, reigniting a rivalry defined by recent playoff battles. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic’s dominant form (29.7 PPG, 13.7 RPG, 11.7 APG), aim to extend their 5-win streak against the Lakers, while Los Angeles seeks redemption after a narrow loss to the Hornets. Denver’s offense thrives with Jokic on the floor, but defensive vulnerabilities persist for both teams – the Lakers rank bottom-five defensively, and the Nuggets struggle in back-to-back scenarios.

Despite Denver’s inconsistent ATS record (5-8-1), they’ve historically outperformed the Lakers as underdogs. The +4 spread offers value, given Jokic’s impact and the Lakers’ fatigue from a busy schedule. Also, with the Lakers’ interior defense allowing 117.4 points per 100 possessions, you can take Jokic Over 26.5 Points.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors – Over on Points 1h5y3z

The Dallas Mavericks host the Golden State Warriors in a pivotal Western Conference clash, with both teams jockeying for playoff positioning. The Warriors (-6.5 spread) enter with momentum, fueled by Jimmy Butler’s integration and Steph Curry’s scoring form, while the injury-riddled Mavericks – missing Anthony Davis and key big men – struggle to defend the rim, making the Over 233.5 points a strong pick. 

Betting trends favor Golden State’s revamped defense and Dallas’s weakened interior, but consider Draymond Green’s assists prop (+140 for 7+) as a high-value play given the Mavs’ defensive vulnerabilities.

New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers – Cavs to Cover the Spread 291w22

The Cleveland Cavaliers (45-10), riding a dominant season, host the New York Knicks (37-18) in a high-stakes Eastern Conference clash, with Cleveland favored by -7.5 points and a projected total of 242.0136. Betting models strongly back the Cavaliers’ spread (-8.5 projected margin) and the Over 242, citing Cleveland’s top-ranked offense led by Donovan Mitchell (27.8 PPG) and Darius Garland (22.7 PPG), paired with the Knicks’ scoring trio of Jalen Brunson (31.2 projected points), Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges. 

While the Knicks have historically covered 9 of their last 12 against Cleveland, late injury updates and Cleveland’s home-court efficiency make the Cavaliers -7.5 and Over 242 the sharp plays.

Duke vs. Illinois – Duke to Cover the Spread p6ar

On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Illinois Fighting Illini (17-10) will face the No. 3 Duke Blue Devils (23-3) at Madison Square Garden in New York. Duke enters the game with a strong record of 23-3, while Illinois stands at 17-10. Betting analysts give Illinois only a 19.8% chance of winning, making Duke the clear favorite, but recent trends suggest that the Illini could be a tempting underdog for bettors looking for value.

Duke is expected to cover the spread, but Illinois has shown some potential in recent games, making them an intriguing option for those seeking an underdog bet. Keep an eye on the rebounding battle, as Illinois ranks high nationally in rebounding margin, which could be key to them beating the odds.

Wisconsin vs. Oregon – Wisconsin to Cover the Spread 5p1f6e

The matchup between No. 11 Wisconsin Badgers and the Oregon Ducks promises to be an exciting clash, played at the Kohl Center in Madison. Wisconsin enters the game riding a five-game winning streak, recently dominating Illinois with a 95-74 victory, showcasing their offensive prowess and physical play. In contrast, Oregon, with a record of 19-8, will look to challenge Wisconsin’s home dominance, having struggled on the road recently.

For bettors, Wisconsin has been on a roll, covering the spread in their last five games and boasting a strong home record of 13-1 this season. Given their recent form and the Ducks’ inconsistency away from home, consider placing a bet on Wisconsin to cover the spread. Additionally, with both teams averaging high points per game, betting on the over could also be a favorable option.

Where to Bet? 4b6n4x

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