Thursday is the last day of regular-season games before the NBA All-Star break. It features 3 contests on an abbreviated NBA slate with start times ranging from 7:30 PM ET to 10:00 PM ET. Can the Bucks cover the 12.5-point spread as road underdogs against the Thunder? Will the Trail Blazers defeat the Jazz by 8+ points at Delta Center in Salt Lake City? I’ll pick both contests below. Read on for our Thursday NBA Best Bets Feb. 12 article.
NBA Best Bet: Milwaukee Bucks +12.5 over Oklahoma City Thunder
I like Milwaukee here. Despite being heavy road underdogs, the Bucks are primed to cover the 12.5-point spread against the Thunder on Thursday. Milwaukee has shown remarkable consistency in tough scheduling spots, posting a 4-3 ATS record on no rest and a solid 16-14 ATS mark when facing an opponent on equal rest this season. The Bucks’ recent form is even more encouraging, as they are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall. Historically, Milwaukee has also held their own against OKC, going 6-4 straight up in their last 10 meetings with the Thunder. Expect the Bucks’ veteran poise to keep this contest from becoming a blowout. Final score projection: OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER 118, MILWAUKEE BUCKS 112.
NBA Best Bet: Utah Jazz +7.5 over Portland Trail Blazers
I’d take Utah in this game. The Jazz are in a prime position to cover the 7.5-point spread at home on Thursday night. Utah has been remarkably reliable in this role, posting a 13-11 ATS record as home underdogs. Additionally, they’ve stayed sharp after victories this season, as evidenced by a 9-8 ATS mark following a win in 2025-26. The Jazz have also thrived when the schedule hasn’t been in their favor, going 6-5 ATS on no rest and 15-13 ATS when facing an opponent on equal rest this year. Most impressively, Utah enters Thursday as the league’s hottest bet, having covered in 6 straight games dating back to February 1. Expect the Jazz’s home-court grit to keep this well within the number. Final score projection: PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS 114, UTAH JAZZ 110.
Thursday NBA Best Bets Feb. 12
- Milwaukee Bucks +12.5
- Utah Jazz +7.5