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NBA underdogs are winning about 50 percent of the time this season with the road dog having more success than the home dog. Road underdogs have a winning percentage of 51.4 percent thus far this season.
With five games on the schedule for tonight, there’s at least one road underdog set to pull the upset. Here are the best NBA underdog picks for Thursday, February 17, 2022.
Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets
PICK: HORNETS +4
Charlotte ranks second in the NBA in scoring. There is no question they can score. Defensively, that’s another story. The Hornets rank 29th in points allowed per game (114.8).
That defense is the reason why they are just 1-8 in their last nine games. Over those nine, they have allowed 115.7 points a game.
There’s really no reason to think Charlotte could even hang with one of the best teams in the East. But, Miami was held to 99 points in a loss to Dallas on Tuesday. They also have a long list of players either out – Tyler Herro, for example – or questionable (Jimmy Butler).
It’s time for the Hornets to win a game they shouldn’t…or at least keep this one close enough to cover.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Milwaukee Bucks
PICK: SIXERS +6
The Sixers took one on the chin from Boston on Tuesday night losing 135-87. Call this a bounce back. Philly hasn’t done well against the Bucks recently losing the last three straight. The Sixers didn’t cover the spread in any of those losses either.
Joel Embiid has been an absolute beast since the Christmas holiday. He has averaged over 30 points per game since the beginning of the year and is the favorite to win the MVP. The Sixers star averages 29.3 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. He had an off night in the loss to Boston and he’ll respond with a big night in Milwaukee. It will be enough to keep the Sixers in the game.
Washington Wizards vs. Brooklyn Nets
PICK: WIZARDS +4.5
After losing 11 straight, the Nets have won two in a row. Wins over the Kings and Knicks aren’t anything to be excited about, but when you’ve lost 11 in a row they are.
The Wizards come to Brooklyn with their own problems. They have only won two of their last six, but they catch the Nets at the right time.
Kevin Durant is out. Kyrie Irving won’t play because of his vaccine status and newly acquired Ben Simmons isn’t ready to go yet. Expecting Seth Curry to carry the Nets again is simply too much to ask. Plus, the Nets are just 3-16 ATS at home and they are one of the worst cover teams in the NBA.
Houston Rockets vs. LA Clippers
Rockets vs. Clippers Prediction
PICK: ROCKETS +10.5
How the Clippers win games is almost beyond imagination. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are both out. Then, the Clips get Norman Powell at the trade deadline. He averages 21 a game in three appearances and then breaks a bone in his foot.
Houston is abysmal, but they are young and they can score. The Rockets have lost six in a row, but they have put up 120 or more points in two of their last three games. One of those was against Phoenix. The Rockets are 6-2 ATS in their last eight against LA and they will take advantage of a depleted lineup to hang close to the Clippers.
