There's some really exciting games on the NBA schedule for Tuesday, February 15, and we're looking to pick out some winners for all of you. Don't miss out on any of the action, which is headlined by a TNT doubleheader that features the Philadelphia 76ers hosting the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Clippers taking on the Phoenix Suns.
1. Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers - 7:30 p.m. ET
The Sixers are going to be without James Harden until after the All-Star break, which means they'll be a little undermanned when they face the red-hot Celtics tonight. Boston has won eight in a row coming into this one and has the pieces it needs to make it nine. Joel Embiid is obviously going to put up some big numbers in this game, but Robert Williams III and Al Horford should do a decent job of holding down the center position for Boston. Meanwhile, the Celtics have a massive edge on the wing, where Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown should be able to torch Tobias Harris and Matisse Thybulle. And in the backcourt, Derrick White and Marcus Smart are going to do their best to suffocate Tyrese Maxey on the defensive end. They're two of the best guard defenders in the league and can split time on the Sixers youngster. White is also a good offensive player and can definitely hit some big shots here. Boston also happens to be 15-6 against the spread when coming off a game with a combined score of 205 or less, and the team has won those contests by an average of 9.5 points per game.
THE PICK: Celtics -2.5
2. Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans - 10:00 p.m. ET
The Grizzlies are 15-4 against the spread when facing an opponent that beat them in their previous outing this year, and they're also 38-19-1 against the spread in all games this season. Memphis uncharacteristically shot 43.2% from the floor and 33.3% from deep in that loss to New Orleans back on November 13, but you shouldn't count on the Grizzlies to do that again. This Memphis team is fifth in the league in offensive rating this year, and you should expect big performances from guys like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane this time around. Memphis is also seventh in the league in defensive rating this season, so this team should be able to get some timely stops against a New Orleans squad that recently acquired CJ McCollum from the Portland Trail Blazers.
THE PICK: Grizzlies -4
3. Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns - 10:00 p.m. ET
It would be really surprising if the Suns didn't end up winning this game outright, but there's a pretty big difference between winning and winning by 14 — especially against a good basketball team. This Los Angeles squad is fresh off a big win over the Golden State Warriors last night, and the Clippers have actually won a game against the Suns this year. Sure, Phoenix is 2-1 in the head-to-head series but we know that Los Angeles has what it takes to compete in what is a rematch of last year's Western Conference Finals. After trading for Robert Covington, the Clippers now have some improved wing depth, which is big against a Suns team that is loaded at forward. Devin Booker and Chris Paul should have their way with Los Angeles in this game, but the Clippers match up rather well elsewhere. It should also be noted that Monty Williams' teams are 2-15 against the spread when playing at home after a home win by 20 points or more in his coaching career.
THE PICK: Clippers +13
