nba feb 26

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Tyler Everett

By Tyler Everett

Sports Betting Editor

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With four NBA games tipping off at 7 p.m. Eastern and five more getting underway between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. ET, there's plenty of ways to bet on the NBA on Wednesday, February 26.

Whether you're looking to take your favorite player's props, have a strong lean on a favorite to win big, or like an underdog to pull an upset, you've got plenty of places to look tonight, with 18 teams in action.

Below, we'll break down how to bet on 76ers vs. Knicks (ESPN, 7 p.m. ET) as well as the best bets for Spurs vs. Rockets (ESPN, 9:30 p.m. ET).

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76ers vs. Knicks Betting Preview

76ers vs. Knicks Betting Odds

How to Bet 76ers vs. Knicks

On paper, this is a must-see matchup between the Eastern Conference rivals who treated us all to a memorable first-round battle in last year's playoffs.

But amid Joel Embiid's injury struggles, a disappointing campaign by Paul George and a season-ending torn Meniscus that derailed promising rookie Jared McCain's year after just 23 games, Philly is an afterthought in the East.

New York has largely lived up to the high offseason expectations it generated by acquiring Mikal Bridges from Brooklyn and Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota. The Knicks are currently the 3-seed in the East, and the real question is whether this team has enough depth to challenge Boston and Cleveland in the playoffs.

Tonight, it's hard to see a Sixers team missing not only Embiid, but also Guerschon Yabusele, Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon, from pushing the Knicks, who are looking to snap a streak of two consecutive double-digit losses.

Best Bets:

I like New York to recover from their recent struggles in this game, but it wouldn't shock me if they failed to cover given how poorly they've defended their last few opponents. In fact, 11 of the Knicks' last 12 opponents have scored at least 110 points, and N.Y. allowed at least 120 (!) in five of those games.

With that in mind, the over is hard to resist, particularly after these teams combined for 244 points the last time they met, when the Knicks prevailed 25-119 in overtime on January 15.

Spurs vs. Rockets Betting Preview

Spurs vs. Rockets Betting Odds

How to Bet Spurs vs. Rockets

Unfortunately, we're missing out on seeing the Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs against the Rockets following the French superstar's recent deactivation for the rest of the year due to deep vein thrombosis.

This is a tough game to handicap given the possibility that the Spurs might soon start tanking.

Still, there's plenty of intrigue here, and it's worth noting that two of the three games these teams have played against each other this year were decided by five points or fewer.

After a six-game losing streak from Jan. 30 through Feb. 8, the Rockets have rebounded with impressive wins over Minnesota and Milwaukee within the past week. Regardless of how they finish this season, the young Houston roster has probably exceeded expectations more than any other team in the league. If you're not familiar with this team yet, check them out ASAP.

With six players -- Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore and Tari Eason -- in their rotation aged 23 or younger, there are few teams in the entire league that are as entertaining as coach Ime Udoka's Rockets.

While the Spurs sorely miss Wemby, they do boast an impressive backcourt anchored by veteran Chris Paul, the recently acquired De'Aaron Fox and current NBA Rookie of the Year betting favorite Stephon Castle.

Spurs vs. Rockets Injury News

For the most part, the Rockets have not been impressive without the injured Fred VanVleet the last few weeks, going 4-6 with their veteran guard unavailable. VanVleet, who hasn't suited up since Feb. 1, has been ruled out for tonight's game as well.

So we'll go with San Antonio to cover as road underdogs against a Rockets team coming off an impressive but taxing win over Milwaukee last night.

The Spurs were also in action last night, losing 109-103 to the Pelicans after holding a 100-99 lead just before the four-minute mark.

Best Bets:

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