Thursday has 6 Eastern Conference teams and 4 Western Conference clubs in action as the final week of February 2026 comes to an end. It features 5 contests on a light NBA slate with start times ranging from 7:00 PM ET to 9:30 PM ET. Can the Cavaliers cover the 6.5-point spread as road underdogs against the Pistons? Will the Knicks win by 8+ points at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee against the Bucks? I’ll make picks for both contests below. Read on for our Friday NBA Best Bets Feb. 27 article.
NBA Best Bet: Cleveland Cavaliers +6.5 over Detroit Pistons
I like Cleveland here. The Cavaliers are well-positioned to cover the 6.5-point spread against the Pistons by leaning into their gritty road identity. Cleveland has proven profitable in this spot, posting a 7-5 ATS record as an underdog and an even more impressive 7-3 ATS mark specifically as road underdogs this season.
The Cavs’ recent form is equally encouraging, as they are 6-4 ATS over their last ten outings. Historically, Cleveland has controlled this matchup, winning five of the last seven meetings straight up while going 4-3 ATS in that same span against Detroit. Expect the Cavaliers’ defensive consistency to keep this contest within reach until the final horn. Final score projection: DETROIT PISTONS 108, CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 105.
NBA Best Bet: Milwaukee Bucks +7.5 over New York Knicks
I’d take the Bucks in this game. Milwaukee is primed to cover the 7.5-point spread as home underdogs against the Knicks, due to their recent string of good play and their situational strength at Fiserv Forum. Milwaukee has been a reliable bet lately, boasting an impressive 8-2 ATS record over their last ten games.
Their resilience as an underdog is well-documented, evidenced by a 20-16 ATS mark in that role overall and a solid 9-7 ATS record specifically when catching points at home this season. Furthermore, the Bucks’ 20-18 ATS conference record suggests they consistently rise to the occasion against Eastern Conference foes. Expect the Bucks’ momentum to keep this contest tight until the final possession. Final score projection: NEW YORK KNICKS 114, MILWAUKEE BUCKS 110.
Friday NBA Best Bets Feb. 27
- Cleveland Cavaliers +6.5
- Milwaukee Bucks +7.5
Follow: Twitter/X · Bluesky · Facebook
Responsible Gaming
For help and resources, visit our Responsible Gaming page or the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Affiliate Disclosure
We may receive affiliate commissions if you sign up through links on our site. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure.