College Basketball, NBA Popular Betting Markets February 20, 21, 2025

Here are some games to look forward to betting on Thursday and Friday in college basketball and the NBA.

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers Betting Preview

The Celitcs were seeing greater than 80% of the spread action early with the line dropping from Boston -8 to -7 across most sportsbooks and PPH sites.

This was the most wagered on NBA game Thursday at most books, at least early on.

The 76ers are 14-20 in conference games. Philadelphia allows 112.9 points and has been outscored by 3.8 points per game.

The Celtics are 28-9 against conference opponents. Boston is second in the Eastern Conference allowing only 108.1 points while holding opponents to 45.0% shooting.

The 76ers score 109.1 points per game, 1.0 more point than the 108.1 the Celtics give up. The Celtics' 46.0% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.6 percentage points lower than the 76ers have allowed to their opponents (48.6%).

Kelly Oubre Jr. is averaging 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals for the 76ers. Tyrese Maxey is averaging 28.4 points over the last 10 games.

Jayson Tatum is averaging 27 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists for the Celtics. Kristaps Porzingis is averaging 18.5 points over the last 10 games.

Before You Bet

• Boston has won six of the last eight in this series, covering the current spread in all but one of those.
• 71% of bets and 70% of the money was on the Celtics to cover the spread on average.
• 90% of bets and 76% of the money on the moneyline are on the Celtics to win outright on average.
• Embiid has struggled to stay on the floor this season, and the offensive numbers are shockingly bad for this team. They are -8.3 when he's been on the floor offensively, but the defense is locked in at -9.3 – he's a net +1.1 which is a far cry from the rest of his career where he's been a double-digit positive on a yearly basis. - Action Network

USC vs. Maryland Betting Preview

The line moved early Thursday from Maryland -10 to -11.  Greater than 80% of the early action was on the Terps.

The Terrapins are 15-1 on their home court. Maryland is third in the Big Ten with 9.5 offensive rebounds per game led by Julian Reese averaging 3.2.

The Trojans have gone 6-8 against Big Ten opponents. USC is seventh in the Big Ten with 15.6 assists per game led by Desmond Claude averaging 4.4.

Maryland averages 83.5 points, 10.6 more per game than the 72.9 USC allows. USC averages 6.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.2 more makes per game than Maryland gives up.

The matchup Thursday is the first meeting of the season between the two teams in conference play.

Derik Queen is scoring 16.0 points per game and averaging 8.8 rebounds for the Terrapins. Selton Miguel is averaging 2.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Claude is scoring 16.0 points per game and averaging 3.7 rebounds for the Trojans. Wesley Yates III is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Upcoming Betting Markets NBA and College Basketball

Friday February 21

• Michigan State vs. Michigan 8 pm (Fox)
• Knicks vs. Cavs 7 pm (ESPN)
• Timberwolves vs. Rockets 9:30 pm (ESPN)
• Pistons vs. Spurs 8:30 pm
• Marquette vs. Villanova 7 pm (FS1)

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