Use DraftKings promo code to get $200 bonus bets by targeting Celtics-Nuggets, Thunder-Pistons on Wednesday
CBS Sports
by
Owen OBrien
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Wednesday’s sports betting lineup offers a compelling mix of NBA and college basketball action, with DraftKings offering a $200 bonus bet for new users if their first $5+ wager wins. The promotion centers on key matchups, including the Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons, and Navy vs. Loyola in college basketball.
The Thunder have defied expectations without star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, winning three straight games despite his absence due to a strained abdominal muscle. Facing the high-powered Pistons, who boast the NBA’s second-best record, the Thunder are favored by 7.5 points and seen as strong contenders in simulations that project them covering the spread 65% of the time.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics enter their game against the Nuggets on a four-game winning streak, despite playing without All-Star Jayson Tatum due to an Achilles injury. The Celtics’ balanced lineup has been dominant on their West Coast road trip, earning wins over the Warriors, Lakers, and Suns. With Denver potentially resting key players, the model predicts Boston’s continued success, with a 55% chance of victory in simulations.
In college basketball, Navy heads into its game against Loyola-Maryland as a strong favorite, listed at -7.5 points. Navy has excelled on the road this season, winning 11 straight games and boasting a top-tier defense that allows just 63.6 points per game. Loyola, with a weaker record and recent struggles, is expected to struggle against Navy’s disciplined play.
For sports bettors looking to capitalize on expert-backed predictions, Wednesday’s slate offers valuable opportunities across the NBA and college basketball. The combination of competitive matchups and the chance to earn a $200 bonus through DraftKings’ promo code makes this an attractive proposition for new users. Whether it’s the Thunder’s resilience without SGA, the Celtics’ balanced attack, or Navy’s dominant defense, these picks highlight the potential for significant returns.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/25/2026