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Tides’ Takes: Free NBA & NHL Betting Picks For Today – Thursday, Feb. 17

Timothy Buell Thu 2/17 10:56am PT
Mavericks -2 make Tides' free betting picks for Thursday
Image Credit: Imagn/USA TODAY Sports

Happy Thursday everyone! Welcome to the second article of this new series for ScoresAndOdds, where we will give you advice, including free betting picks, for multiple sports that are happening on a given day.

Now that the NFL season has unfortunately come to an end, we will be focusing on NBA betting lines, NBA props and NHL odds for the foreseeable future. We will also be throwing in some traditional parlays and some same game parlays as we see fit. 

Make sure to use our tools at ScoresandOdds to find the best lines at your favorite legal sportsbook.  

We have five NBA games and ten NHL games on tap, so let’s get started with the free picks! 

Free NBA Betting Picks For Today

Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Pelicans

This line really stuck out to me.  This is the third game in four nights for the Pelicans and their final game before the All-Star Break. 

Now I’m not saying the Pellies are going to mail this one and not completely show up, but this is not going to be easy for them to contain Luka on tired legs.

Despite a lackluster performance against the Heat, Luka has been an absolute beast since the injury to Tim Hardaway Jr. and the trade of Kristaps Porzingis. 

It’s also the Mavericks defense that has really impressed me, owning the 5th best defensive rating in all of the NBA.  Jason Kidd’s slower pace style should be able to control the offensive pieces of the Pelicans and I think the Mavericks cover pretty easily

Free NHL Betting Picks for Today

New York Islanders vs. Boston Bruins

If you know me you know, I love betting the better team at a plus price or even money regardless, of whether they are at home or not. 

The Islanders are being overrated by the oddsmakers in this matchup. Although the Bruins aren’t completely at full strength, with Brad Marchand out due to his suspension, they will be getting back Patrice Bergeron, who makes them much more capable in all facets of the game. 

The Islanders, in my opinion, can’t be trusted to score enough in any matchup, especially against the plus defense of the Bruins.  The Islanders won the last time these two teams met, 3-1, but I am predicting the B’s take care of business tonight. 

Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks

This is a matchup of two teams going in the opposite direction.  The Ducks have lost three straight after getting absolutely dominated last night against the Flames and have to continue their Canadian swing with a trip to Edmonton. 

The Ducks started Gibson last night, but he was pulled after giving up four goals to the Flames. They’re often close to the vest when it comes to announcing a goalie. 

Whoever ends up behind the net is not a good spot for them. The Oilers remain undefeated since replacing their head coach and are finally getting competent goaltending. The Ducks should have some fatigue issues heading into Thursday, which allow McDavid and company to have their way.  

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Pittsburgh Penguins 

These are two offensive juggernauts that come into this game sixth and seventh, respectively, in total goals forced on the season.  That is not by accident. These two teams are absolutely loaded on offense.

While both defenses are actually pretty solid, it’s the goaltending that has me liking the over so much. 

Jack Campbell started off the season well, but has since taken a pretty severe nose dive. Going up against the likes of Crosby and Malkin doesn’t scream to me as a get-right spot for a struggling net-minder – even in a home matchup.  

Tristen Jarry has been very solid this season and has surprised me overall with his consistent play – this is a play on volume.  I expect this game to be very fast-paced with a lot of quality shot attempts and Jarry will have to stand on his head to not allow 2 or 3 goals on the road in Toronto. (Find a DraftKings Single Game Parlay for this matchup at the bottom of the page)

Same Game Parlay Of The Day

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Pittsburgh Penguins