Tuesday NBA Best Bets Feb. 24: Will Celtics cover in Phoenix?

Last Updated on February 24, 2026 7:57 am by Anthony Rome

The Tuesday slate in the NBA might not have a marquee “super-star showdown,” but it’s a high-leverage night for bettors thanks to injuries reshaping several key matchups. With All-Star absences, role players thrust into bigger minutes, and line moves reflecting uncertainty, this is a day where sharp handles and totals positioning could pay off. Continue reading our Tuesday NBA Best Bets Feb. 24 column for selections ahead of tonight’s action.

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76ers vs. Pacers (7:00 PM ET)

Context & Injuries:
The Philadelphia 76ers are heavy favorites against the Indiana Pacers, a team that sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Philly’s offense — led by Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey — has more firepower than Indy can slow. Indiana has struggled to defend the paint and doesn’t have enough scoring punch to keep pace.

Betting Insight:

The 76ers appear to be ~9-point favorites on most books.
The Pacers’ defense ranks poorly at limiting buckets in the paint and transitions, which favors Philly’s style.
Philly’s implied win probability sits north of 60% per predictive models.

Prediction:
76ers cover the spread and put up enough offense to make the total attractive — especially if Indy stays in catch-up mode.

Betting Pick: 76ers −9 & Over 233.5

Wizards vs. Hawks (7:30 PM ET)

Context & Injuries:
The Washington Wizards lack firepower tonight — they’ll be without Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Alex Sarr, and Cam Whitmore — forcing role players into massive usage. The Atlanta Hawks have their own issues, with Jonathan Kuminga yet to debut, but at home they should assert enough offense to keep Washington at arm’s length.

Betting Insight:

Hawks are strong favorites — models put them around −13 on the spread.
Atlanta’s offensive depth with shooters like AJ Griffin and De’Andre Hunter helps on both ends.

Prediction:
Hawks dominate early and cover the large spread.

Betting Pick: Hawks −13

Mavericks vs. Nets (7:30 PM ET)

Context & Odds:
Despite no longer being the “Mavericks” Luka Dončić’s long-time home, the team formerly known under that name is still scheduled tonight — but Dončić himself is now with the Lakers, expected back from a hamstring issue after the All-Star break. The Nets’ lineup remains one of most inconsistent in the league.

Betting Insight:

Models suggest a ~59% chance of the Mavs holding serve tonight.
Brooklyn’s floor spacing has been an issue, and they play at a slower pace that could keep this game’s total in check.

Prediction:
Mavericks win a relatively close one, but the play here is the moneyline over a large, volatile spread.

Betting Pick: Mavericks -2

Celtics vs. Suns (9:00 PM ET)

Context & Injury News:
This game has been dramatically shaped by health. The Boston Celtics are without Jayson Tatum (Achilles) but have thrived anyway behind Jaylen Brown’s breakout scoring and Derrick White’s two-way impact.

The Phoenix Suns have been hit hard:

Devin Booker out with a hip strain.
Dillon Brooks sidelined 4–6 weeks with a broken hand.
Grayson Allen & others questionable/limited.

These absences gutted Phoenix’s scoring and defensive identity, dropping them in recent efficiency metrics.

Betting Insight:

Boston is about −6.5 favorites on the spread.
Current trends favor Boston ATS, especially on the road, plus Under tendencies as both teams could slow tempos.
The Suns’ offense has been uneven without Booker & Brooks, shooting poorly in recent games.

Prediction:
With the Suns banged up, Boston should control the boards and tempo — covering as modest favorites.

Betting Pick: Celtics −6.5