Cash That Ticket - Thursday February 26th

Munaf Manji and Dave Essler talk betting for Thursday. On the February 26, 2026 episode of Cash That Ticket on the Straight Outta Vegas AM feed, Munaf Manji and Dave Essler returned to the Thursday slate with NBA breakdowns, MLB win totals, and two new best bets. Manji opened by noting the show’s recent run, citing a Rockets team total over 118.5 winner against Sacramento that pushed the duo’s combined best bets to 5 0 on the week. He also highlighted listener feedback, including a shoutout from WinningPix1 after a Paolo Banchero PRA selection helped deliver a DraftKings King of the Court bonus bet payout. The hosts emphasized that even with free content, their goal is actionable wagering insight rather than hot takes. The NBA discussion began with Houston at Orlando, a second leg back to back spot for the Rockets with a total around 215.5 and injury questions including Amen Thompson. Essler focused on situational angles, noting Orlando’s return from a West Coast trip and the Magic’s recent defensive profile, then played the under without waiting on final availability. Manji agreed, pointing to both teams slowing pace recently and Orlando’s improved defense, while also acknowledging Houston’s recent scoring came against poor defenses. The late game analysis centered on Minnesota at the Clippers, with Minnesota laying around 5.5 and a total near 225.5. Essler noted early market movement on the total but still leaned under, citing the Clippers’ slow pace and uncertainty around Kawhi Leonard and John Collins. Manji passed on the total, took the home dog with the Clippers, and said he wanted to see Minnesota’s defense stabilize after several high points allowed games. They briefly touched Lakers Suns, with Essler leaning toward the game over and Manji weighing a Luka Doncic points look based on his recent production versus Phoenix and his early Lakers meetings with the Suns. Before MLB, Manji delivered a pregame.com plug with promo code East25 for 25 percent off through March 2. On win totals, the hosts landed on Tampa Bay under 77.5, citing lineup concerns, turnover, and the difficulty of the AL East, while discussing how midseason trades could drag results if the club falls out of contention. For Pittsburgh, Essler argued the Pirates can go over their number behind Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller, improved offensive additions, and a division landscape he views as navigable, with Manji warming to the over after reviewing their home strength and the opportunity to improve a poor road record. They closed with a broader conversation about whether teams like Pittsburgh feel pressure to build around elite young pitchers, with Essler skeptical the Pirates will ultimately keep Skenes long term given market realities. The best bets were Derek Jones Jr over 10.5 points for the Clippers from Essler, and Pelicans team total over 123.5 from Manji, framed as a continued fade of Utah’s defense and a belief New Orleans will keep scoring with Dejounte Murray back and Zion Williamson producing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices