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Tides’ Takes: Free NBA & NHL Betting Picks For Today – Tuesday, Feb. 15

Timothy Buell Tue 2/15 10:50am PT
Sixers-Celtics make today's free betting picks — Tuesday, Feb. 15
(Image Credit: Imagn / USA TODAY Sports)

Happy Tuesday everyone! Welcome to this new feature for ScoresAndOdds, where we will give you betting advice, including free 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 odds, NBA props and NHL odds for the foreseeable future. We will also be throwing in some traditional parlays and some single-game parlays as we see fit. 

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

We have seven NBA games and nine NHL games on tap on Tuesday, so let’s get started with the picks! 

Free NBA Betting Picks For Today

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia Sixers (+2, O/U: 210.5)

This should be a fun game to watch from a fan perspective, but also I think there is an edge to be had for sports bettors.  The Celtics come into this game fully healthy and playing absolutely amazing basketball from an overall team perspective, going 9-1 in their last 10 games.  Philly was active before the trade deadline, as they finally unloaded Ben Simmons and got James Harden in return.  I am anticipating Harden to be out for this game, and that is one of the reasons why I like the under. 

These are two of the slower teams in the whole league, with the 76ers ranked 28th and the Celtics ranked 24th in pace.  Both teams also rank in the top 10 in defensive rating with the Celtics ranked 2nd and the 76ers ranked 8th. 

This game should have a playoff atmosphere, and with it being on national TV, that should only be amplified. I think defenses on both sides will be in full force, allowing the under to be a winning wager. 

Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans (+4.5, O/U: 228.5)

A lot of this play is on my assumption that Ja Morant plays in this game. I think if the Grizzlies elect to sit him, it will be their next game against the Trail Blazers, not tonight against the Pelicans. 

The Pelicans are playing on the second night of a back-to-back and their third game in four nights. They’re coming off a huge blowout win against the Raptors last night on the back of new addition C.J. McCollum, who put up 23 points.  Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are coming into this game fresh, having had the last two days off, so this feels like a good schedule spot to attack the Pelicans.  The Grizzlies are underrated defensively, coming in as the 3rd best defensive team in the league.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (-6, O/U: 244)

If you like offense and fast-paced basketball, this is the game for you.  These two teams rank 1st (CHA)  and 3rd (MIN) in pace, and both rate out in the bottom half of the league in defensive rating. 

The oddsmakers correctly put this total over 240, and I don’t think there is an edge either way.  I do however like the NBA player prop on Anthony Edwards.  This is the type of game in which he should really excel in, and he comes into this game on fire, posting over this total in three straight. This is not the game where I anticipate him cooling off.

Free NHL Betting Picks For Today

Edmonton Oilers (+105) vs. Los Angeles Kings (-125)

Edmonton has won their first two games under new coach Jay Woodcroft, and I expect that tonight will make it three in a row.  The Kings love to take shots on net and don’t worry as much about controlling possession of the puck.  This should allow this game to become more of an open-style affair, which will allow McDavid and Draisaitl a lot of freedom.  That spells trouble for Jonathan Quick and the Kings defense. 

McDavid and Draisaitl are the two best offensive players in hockey, and despite the fact they are playing on the second night of back-to-back, I am not concerned.  It is a quick trip from San Jose to LA.  If the Oilers can continue getting average goaltending, I feel they will keep their winning streak alive.

Columbus Blue Jackets +1.5 (+100) vs. Calgary Flames -1.5 (-120)

With the addition of Tyler Toffoli, the Flames have some of the best depth in all of hockey and should be looked at as a serious Stanley Cup contender.  Tonight they get a matchup at home that I anticipate will be very one-sided.  Don’t get me wrong, I am a big fan of Elvis Merzlinkin’s talent, but he is usually a much better goalie at home. 

The Flames have covered the puck line in four straight games and have won six straight overall. 

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