Saturday is the third day of regular-season games after the NBA All-Star break. It features 6 contests on a light NBA slate with start times ranging from 5:00 PM ET to 8:30 PM ET. Can the Magic cover the 2.5-point spread as road underdogs against the Suns? Will the Rockets and Knicks combine to score more than 214.5 points at Madison Square Garden in New York City? I’ll make picks for both contests below. Read on for our Saturday NBA Best Bets Feb. 21 article.
NBA Best Bet: Phoenix Suns -2.5 over Orlando Magic
I like Phoenix here. The Suns are well-positioned to cover the spread as 2.5-point home favorites against the Orlando Magic on Saturday. Their statistical profile at the Mortgage Matchup Center is elite, boasting an 18-10 ATS record as the home team this season and an equally impressive 18-9 ATS mark as a favorite in 2025-26.
Phoenix has proven remarkably resilient, going 15-8 ATS following a loss, and they’ve been great on short turnarounds, evidenced by a 23-12 ATS record when playing on one day of rest this year. Expect the Suns’ team depth to overwhelm Orlando’s defense in a statement home victory. Final score projection: PHOENIX SUNS 116, ORLANDO MAGIC 109.
NBA Best Bet: Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks OVER 214.5 points
I’d take the over in this game. The Houston Rockets and New York Knicks are primed to surpass the 214.5-point total on Saturday night as both offenses find their rhythm after the All-Star break.
The Knicks have been a reliable “over” team in this scenario, with the over going 25-22 when they are the favorite and 11-9 following a loss this year. Furthermore, when New York faces an opponent on equal rest, the over is 19-15 this season.
Houston contributes to this high-scoring outlook as well, with the Over going 15-14 in their road contests. Additionally, the over is 10-8-1 in the Rockets’ non-conference games this season. Expect a fast-paced battle at the Garden where both teams trade buckets late into the fourth. Final score projection: NEW YORK KNICKS 114, HOUSTON ROCKETS 108.
Saturday NBA Best Bets Feb. 21
- Phoenix Suns -2.5
- Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks OVER 214.5
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