Spencer Closs

Spencer is a true sports junkie. A graduate of the Sports Journalism program at Centennial College, he first joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2023. He is now a contributing writer. He loves finding the edge to bet on in all sports but has a deep passion for the NBA and UFC. Previous stops include Sportsnet.

Best NBA prop bets March 22: Picks on stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Karl-Anthony Towns

NBA prop bets

Giannis Antetokounmpo headlines Saturday’s NBA prop bets.

The pregame narrative: I’m backing Giannis to go nuclear against a vulnerable defence. Dyson Daniels and Karl-Anthony Towns also provide value in their respective matchups.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for March 22.

NBA prop bets

Best bet: Antetokounmpo over 31.5 points (-118)

This is a high total for most, but not for Giannis. 

Antetokounmpo averages 30.2 points, and although he’s failed to score 32-plus in four of the past five games, this is one of the best matchups in the league.

  • The Sacramento Kings allow the second most points per game to power forwards (24.48), per Fantasy Pros.
  • In a game vs. the Kings on Jan. 14, Giannis had a 33-point triple-double on 14-of-23 shooting (60.9%)
  • He attempted seven free throws in that game, which is notably below his season average (10.3).

This is an opportunity to buy low on one of the NBA’s premium scorers in a plus matchup. If Giannis was in the middle of a tear, this line would surely be above his season average.

Key stat: Antetokoumpo scored 32-plus in five of his past seven games against Sacramento, dating back to 2021.

Best NBA picks

Daniels over 4.5 assists (-130): The third-year guard has stepped up his game as a playmaker.

During nine games in March, Daniels averaged 5.9 assists and is 7-2 against this line.

The Atlanta Hawks play at the second-fastest pace in the NBA (102.1) and their opponent, the Golden State Warriors, rank near the middle of the pack, so there should be lots of shot chucking.

Daniels is averaging 11.0 potential assists per game this month. I think there’s great value on this prop.

Towns over 40.5 points/rebounds assists (-120): Towns played a back-to-back against the Washington Wizards earlier this season and put up monstrous numbers.

  • Dec. 28 @ Washington: 30 points, 14 rebounds
  • Dec. 30 @ Washington: 32 points, 13 rebounds

That’s an average of 44.5 points/rebounds. The Wizards provide a great matchup so I expect Towns to stuff the statsheet again on Saturday. Washington allows the most PR to centres per game (42.92).

Jalen Brunson remains out for the New York Knicks, meaning the big man will need to carry an even greater offensive burden than usual.

If this game stays close for at least three quarters, I feel good about KAT’s chances of reaching this total.

NBA prop picks made at 12:57 p.m. ET on 03/22/2025.

Best NBA prop bets March 22: Picks on stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Karl-Anthony Towns

NBA prop bets

Giannis Antetokounmpo headlines Saturday’s NBA prop bets.

The pregame narrative: I’m backing Giannis to go nuclear against a vulnerable defence. Dyson Daniels and Karl-Anthony Towns also provide value in their respective matchups.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for March 22.

NBA prop bets

Best bet: Antetokounmpo over 30.5 points (-118)

Embed: #111564

This is a high total for most, but not for Giannis. 

Antetokounmpo averages 30.2 points, and although he’s failed to score 31-plus in four of the past five games, this is one of the best matchups in the league.

  • The Sacramento Kings allow the second most points per game to power forwards (24.48), per Fantasy Pros.
  • In a game vs. the Kings on Jan. 14, Giannis had a 33-point triple-double on 14-of-23 shooting (60.9%)
  • He attempted seven free throws in that game, which is notably below his season average (10.3).

This is an opportunity to buy low on one of the NBA’s premium scorers in a plus matchup. If Giannis was in the middle of a tear, this line would surely be above his season average.

Key stat: Antetokoumpo scored 31-plus in five of his past seven games against Sacramento, dating back to 2021.

Best NBA picks

Daniels over 4.5 assists (-120): The third-year guard has stepped up his game as a playmaker.

During nine games in March, Daniels averaged 5.9 assists and is 7-2 against this line.

The Atlanta Hawks play at the second-fastest pace in the NBA (102.1) and their opponent, the Golden State Warriors, rank near the middle of the pack, so there should be lots of shot chucking.

Daniels is averaging 11.0 potential assists per game this month. I think there’s great value on this prop.

Towns over 44.5 points/rebounds assists (-122): Towns played a back-to-back against the Washington Wizards earlier this season and put up monstrous numbers.

  • Dec. 28 @ Washington: 30 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists
  • Dec. 30 @ Washington: 32 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist

That’s an average of 46.5 points/rebounds/assists. The Wizards provide a great matchup so I expect Towns to stuff the statsheet again on Saturday. Washington allows the most PRA to centres per game (47.11).

Jalen Brunson remains out for the New York Knicks, meaning the big man will need to carry an even greater offensive burden than usual.

If this game stays close for at least three quarters, I feel good about KAT’s chances of reaching this total.

NBA prop picks made at 11:15 a.m. ET on 03/22/2025.

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Maple Leafs props vs. Predators March 22: Look for Steven Stamkos to stay hot

Maple Leafs prop picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs take a winning streak into Saturday’s matchup with the Nashville Predators.

The pregame narrative: Matthew Knies has been an integral part of the Leafs’ lineup and I’m taking a shot on him to get on the score sheet at a good price. Additionally, my best bet for the game is a pick on Steven Stamkos.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Predators for March 22.

Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Predators

Best Bet: Stamkos to record 1+ points (-134)

Stamkos has turned things around nicely in March. I want to narrow in on his last eight games:

  • 6 goals
  • 5 assists
  • 1+ points in 6 of 8

He was also named the NHL’s second star of the week for March 3-9.

Stamkos is having the worst season of his career at 35 years old, but he’s proven lately that he still has his offensive touch.

Toronto is a top team in the East, but its defence has struggled recently. In 11 games in March, the Leafs allowed 3.5 goals per game. That would rank near the bottom of the league over the full season.

Plus, the Predators are playing at home, where they hold a 17-14-3 record (compared to 8-21-5 elsewhere).

Key stat: Stamkos has been better on home ice, too. He has 25 of his 44 points in Nashville.

Quick pick

Knies to record 1+ points (-130): These sides first met on Dec. 4. The Leafs won 3-2, and Knies tallied an assist on a power-play goal scored by William Nylander.

Overall, Knies is having a great season, filling his role and recording 45 points in 65 games. That is already a career best with plenty of time to add to the total.

He’s an important part of the offence, playing 19-plus minutes in four of the past five games.

Knies continues to hold his spot on the first line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. He’s also on the No. 1 power-play unit that includes John Tavares and William Nylander.

I don’t think there are many better situations in the NHL for a young forward. He continues to benefit, scoring points in eight of the last 12 games.

Nashville ranks near the bottom of the league defensively, allowing 3.26 goals per game (seventh-most).

Maple Leafs vs. Predators prop picks made at 10:55 a.m. ET 03/22/2025.

Maple Leafs props vs. Predators March 22: Look for Steven Stamkos to stay hot

Maple Leafs prop picks

The Toronto Maple Leafs take a winning streak into Saturday’s matchup with the Nashville Predators.

The pregame narrative: Matthew Knies has been an integral part of the Leafs’ lineup and I’m taking a shot on him to get on the score sheet at a good price. Additionally, my best bet for the game is a pick on Steven Stamkos.

Check out my Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Predators for March 22.

Maple Leafs prop picks vs. Predators

Best Bet: Stamkos to record 1+ points (-130)

Embed: #111554

Stamkos has turned things around nicely in March. I want to narrow in on his last eight games:

  • 6 goals
  • 5 assists
  • 1+ points in 6 of 8

He was also named the NHL’s second star of the week for March 3-9.

Stamkos is having the worst season of his career at 35 years old, but he’s proven lately that he still has his offensive touch.

Toronto is a top team in the East, but its defence has struggled recently. In 11 games in March, the Leafs allowed 3.5 goals per game. That would rank near the bottom of the league over the full season.

Plus, the Predators are playing at home, where they hold a 17-14-3 record (compared to 8-21-5 elsewhere).

Key stat: Stamkos has been better on home ice, too. He has 25 of his 44 points in Nashville.

Quick pick

Knies to record 1+ points (-124): These sides first met on Dec. 4. The Leafs won 3-2, and Knies tallied an assist on a power-play goal scored by William Nylander.

Overall, Knies is having a great season, filling his role and recording 45 points in 65 games. That is already a career best with plenty of time to add to the total.

He’s an important part of the offence, playing 19-plus minutes in four of the past five games.

Knies continues to hold his spot on the first line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. He’s also on the No. 1 power-play unit that includes John Tavares and William Nylander.

I don’t think there are many better situations in the NHL for a young forward. He continues to benefit, scoring points in eight of the last 12 games.

Nashville ranks near the bottom of the league defensively, allowing 3.26 goals per game (seventh-most).

Maple Leafs vs. Predators prop picks made at 9:48 a.m. ET 03/22/2025.

Grizzles vs. Clippers SGP predictions March 21: Tail Zubac and Leonard at +295

Grizzlies vs. Clippers predictions

Friday’s NBA nightcap involves the Memphis Grizzlies taking on the Los Angeles Clippers.

The pregame narrative: Kawhi Leonard is playing healthy minutes and I want to take his points prop in a soft matchup. I’ll add it with a pick on the Clippers and Ivica Zubac to make a +295 late-night parlay for the game.

Check out my Grizzlies vs. Clippers SGP predictions for March 21.

Grizzlies vs. Clippers predictions

Parlay: Clippers ML | Leonard over 21.5 points | Zubac over 16.5 points (+295)

Embed: #111539

Clippers ML (-275): Los Angeles has done most of its damage at home this season.

  • Home: 24-10
  • Away: 15-20

On Saturday, a banged up Memphis squad comes into town and I expect the Clippers to continue building towards the playoffs.

The Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant and Desmond Bane was a late addition to the injury report on Friday with back pain.

On the other side, the Clippers keep getting healthier. Norman Powell will be in for this fourth game back since a seven-game absence and Leonard is playing some great basketball right now.

Memphis is 18-16 on the road and will be playing its seventh game in 12 days. This is a smash spot for Los Angeles.

NBA SGP picks

Leonard over 21.5 points (-136): The former Toronto Raptor has had more than his fair share of injury issues. But he’s playing a load of minutes right now and I want in on his props.

Take a look at his last nine games:

  • 36.0 minutes/game
  • 25.1 points/game
  • 50.6 field goal %
  • 5-3 against this line

He finished with 20 and 21 points in two of those games he fell short, so his scoring floor seems to be right around this mark.

The Grizzlies allow the second most points per game to small forwards (24.07), per Fantasy Pros, and Leonard had 25 points against them on Feb. 12.

Zubac over 16.5 points (-130): Zubac hasn’t gotten the shine he deserves this season. And there’s no better time than right now to tail the big man.

Over the past 11 games, he’s averaged 22.0 points, shot 67.1% from the field, and scored 16-plus 10 times.

Powell’s absence has to be considered as a reason for the uptick but Zubac continues to feast while his teammate works his way back on a minute restriction.

The Clippers’ big man has cleared this line in six straight games, even with Powell back in the lineup for the past three.

Cavaliers vs. Suns predictions made at 9:23 a.m. ET 03/21/2025.

Miami Open best bets on Canadians Denis Shapovalov, Gabriel Diallo: Round of 64 tennis picks

Miami Open best bets

Two Canadians take the court in Miami on Saturday and I have picks for both matches.

The pregame narrative: Denis Shapovalov has been steadily making his way up the ATP rankings and I’m taking the Canadian to win comfortably in his round of 64 match. I can’t say the same for Gabriel Diallo as I’m fading him against Arthur Fils.

Check out my top Miami Open best bets for March 22.

Miami Open best bets

Best bet: Shapovalov -4.5 games (+105)

The Canadian has been dominant against lower-seeded competition in 2025.

Of his five losses, only one has come to an opponent ranked outside of the top 50 and it was to No. 64 Kei Nishikori in his first match of the year.

Shapovalov has had a hard schedule, playing opponents with an average rank of 39.25 this year, per Matchstat.com.

Visit full Miami Open betting markets

But in the three games against players outside of the top 50, he’s 3-0 against this spread, winning every set.

Shapovalov’s strong play against mostly tough competition (11-5 record) has bumped him up to the No 28 ranked player on tour.

He faces No. 117 ranked Thiago Tirante in the round of 64 at the Miami Open.

The Argentinian player is 11-5 this year but has an average opponent rank of 195.69.

Key stat: Tirante’s highest-ranked opponent this season was Joao Fonseca (No. 60) and he lost in straight sets (6-4, 6-1).

Diallo round of 64 pick

Fils -2.5 games (-125): This is eerily similar to the situation at Indian Wells a couple of weeks ago.

Diallo loses his qualifying match, gets another chance as a lucky loser, and wins to advance to the round of 64 to play Fils. And I can’t help but feel like a similar result is loading.

Fils dominated that matchup, winning 12-of-16 games.

He went on to beat two other respectable opponents (Lorenzo Musetti, Marcos Giron) before running into Daniil Medvedev and narrowly losing on a tiebreaker set.

Diallo’s done well to win the games he should, but he’s fallen short in the big matches this season and I think that’ll continue against Fils who’s in top form at the moment.

Miami Open best bets made at 1:41 p.m. on 03/21/25

Miami Open best bets on Canadians Denis Shapovalov, Gabriel Diallo: Round of 64 tennis picks

Miami Open best bets

Two Canadians take the court in Miami on Saturday and I have picks for both matches.

The pregame narrative: Denis Shapovalov has been steadily making his way up the ATP rankings and I’m taking the Canadian to win comfortably in his round of 64 match. I can’t say the same for Gabriel Diallo as I’m fading him against Arthur Fils.

Check out my top Miami Open best bets for March 22.

Miami Open best bets

Best bet: Shapovalov -4.5 games (+104)

The Canadian has been dominant against lower-seeded competition in 2025.

Of his five losses, only one has come to an opponent ranked outside of the top 50 and it was to No. 64 Kei Nishikori in his first match of the year.

Shapovalov has had a hard schedule, playing opponents with an average rank of 39.25 this year, per Matchstat.com.

Visit full Miami Open betting markets

But in the three games against players outside of the top 50, he’s 3-0 against this spread, winning every set.

Shapovalov’s strong play against mostly tough competition (11-5 record) has bumped him up to the No 28 ranked player on tour.

He faces No. 117 ranked Thiago Tirante in the round of 64 at the Miami Open.

The Argentinian player is 11-5 this year but has an average opponent rank of 195.69.

Key stat: Tirante’s highest-ranked opponent this season was Joao Fonseca (No. 60) and he lost in straight sets (6-4, 6-1).

Diallo round of 64 pick

Fils -2.5 games (-110): This is eerily similar to the situation at Indian Wells a couple of weeks ago.

Diallo loses his qualifying match, gets another chance as a lucky loser, and wins to advance to the round of 64 to play Fils. And I can’t help but feel like a similar result is loading.

Fils dominated that matchup, winning 12-of-16 games.

He went on to beat two other respectable opponents (Lorenzo Musetti, Marcos Giron) before running into Daniil Medvedev and narrowly losing on a tiebreaker set.

Diallo’s done well to win the games he should, but he’s fallen short in the big matches this season and I think that’ll continue against Fils who’s in top form at the moment.

Miami Open best bets made at 11:57 a.m. on 03/21/25

Cavaliers vs. Suns SGP predictions March 21: Look for Devin Booker and Kevin Durant to shine

Cavaliers vs. Suns predictions

The court will be full of star power when the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

The pregame narrative: I’m hesitant to pick a side with how the Cavaliers are playing but I like the under on an alternate game total. This parlay is rounded out with picks on star players Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.

Check out my Cavaliers vs. Suns SGP predictions for March 21.

Cavaliers vs. Suns predictions

Parlay: Under 239.5 points | Booker over 6.5 assists | Druant 2+ threes (+300)

Embed: #111521

Under 239.5 points (-157): Although I like the overs for two player props in this game, I’ll back this under at an alternate total that I think is too high.

The first thing worth mentioning is that the last meeting between these two teams ended 118-92 for the Cavaliers. That’s nowhwere near this lofty total.

Things haven’t been all sunshine and rainbows for Eastern Conference leaders, though, as they’re allowing 117.6 points per game over a current three-game skid.

That’s 5.6 points higher than Cleveland’s season-long average of 112.0, per Team Rankings. But the roster is fully healthy for Friday’s game and should be itching to avoid its longest losing streak of the season.

The last time the Cavs lost three straight was in January. They bounced back with a 110-91 win over the Detroit Pistons.

Phoenix has played some inspiring defence lately, holding its last five opponents to 106.8 PPG. Six of the Suns’ last seven games have stayed under this total.

NBA SGP picks

Booker over 6.5 assists (-155): When the Suns had to play in Cleveland, they only scored 92 points. Booker was held to four assists in the negative game script.

But Phoenix has scored more than that in every game since so I feel comfortable saying that was an outlier.

Booker’s also been playmaking at a high level over his past 17 games:

  • 7.9 assists per game
  • Up from his season average of 7.0
  • 12-5 against this line

Bradley Beal remains out so that is one less ball handler on the Suns’ side. It’s basically the Booker and Durant show and I expect the guard to have an above-average night.

Durant 2+ threes (-295): Let’s move on to Phoenix’s other star player.

This line is very steep but it adds a lot of value to the SGP when mixed with the under.

Durant doesn’t have the volume he used to from 3, but he’s still very efficient from deep.

  • 41.6 3PT%
  • 2+ made 3s in 44/57 games (77.2% hit rate)

In that Jan. 20 game in Cleveland, Durant went 9-for-16 from the floor but shot a single 3-point attempt and made it.

There’s obvious blowout concern but the Cavaliers haven’t been playing well. This game should be close and Durant should see enough volume this time to can a couple of triples.

Cavaliers vs. Suns predictions made at 9:23 a.m. ET 03/21/2025.

Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Tristan Schoolkate Miami Open round of 64 best bet and odds: Bet on the Canadian to comfortably advance

Auger-Aliassime vs. Schoolkate best bet

Felix Auger-Aliassime looks to get his year back on track in the second round of the Miami Open against Tristan Schoolkate.

The pregame narrative: The Canadian is having an incredible season but faced his first setback at Indian Wells, losing in the round of 64. I expect Auger-Aliassime to dominate this match and win in straight sets over an inferior opponent.

Check out my Auger-Aliassime vs. Schoolkate Miami Open best bet and the odds for March 21.

Auger-Aliassime vs. Schoolkate best bet

Go to full Auger-Aliassime vs. Schoolkate betting markets.

Betting marketsOdds
Auger-Aliassime to win -450
Schoolkate to win+300
Over 22.5 total games-106
Under 22.5 total games-125

Tennis odds as of 4:11 p.m. ET on 03/20/2025.

Best Bet: Auger-Aliassime -1.5 sets (-138)

The Canadian was eliminated in the second round at Indian Wells and that was surprising considering how successful he’s been:

  • 2 ATP titles in 2025.
  • Reached the semifinal or final in 2 other events.

The result was disappointing as Auger-Aliassime’s expectations were sky-high, but he was at the end of a gruesome month of tennis. This extended break should be just what he needs.

Between Jan. 29 and March 1, Auger-Aliassime played a tour-high 13 matches before losing to Jenson Brooksby on March 8.

That was the only match he played between the beginning of March and now so any worries of fatigue should be in the rearview mirror.

And the fact is, Schoolkate isn’t on the Canadian’s level. The 24-year-old Australian is ranked 129th on tour and this is the highest seeding of his career.

Additionally, he needed to play three matches to qualify for the round of 64, while his counterpart had a bye and will be the fresher player.

Schoolkate spent most of his year on the Challenger Tour and only played one opponent ranked inside the top 50 and that was No. 1 ranked Jannik Sinner. The Italian handled business, winning three sets to one.

Auger Aliassime sits inside the top 20, holding the No. 19 ranked spot.

Key stat: The Canadian is a step above his competition. He’s won seven games against opponents ranked No. 50 or better in 2025.

Picks made at 4:11 p.m. ET on 03/20/2025.

Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Tristan Schoolkate Miami Open round of 64 best bet and odds: Bet on the Canadian to comfortably advance

Auger-Aliassime vs. Schoolkate best bet

Felix Auger-Aliassime looks to get his year back on track in the second round of the Miami Open against Tristan Schoolkate.

The pregame narrative: The Canadian is having an incredible season but faced his first setback at Indian Wells, losing in the round of 64. I expect Auger-Aliassime to dominate this match and win in straight sets over an inferior opponent.

Check out my Auger-Aliassime vs. Schoolkate Miami Open best bet and the odds for March 21.

Auger-Aliassime vs. Schoolkate best bet

Go to full Auger-Aliassime vs. Schoolkate betting markets.

Betting marketsOdds
Auger-Aliassime to win -435
Schoolkate to win+325
Over 22.5 total games+100
Under 22.5 total games-127

Tennis odds as of 1:57 p.m. ET on 03/20/2025.

Best Bet: Auger-Aliassime -1.5 sets (-134)

The Canadian was eliminated in the second round at Indian Wells and that was surprising considering how successful he’s been:

  • 2 ATP titles in 2025.
  • Reached the semifinal or final in 2 other events.

The result was disappointing as Auger-Aliassime’s expectations were sky-high, but he was at the end of a gruesome month of tennis. This extended break should be just what he needs.

Between Jan. 29 and March 1, Auger-Aliassime played a tour-high 13 matches before losing to Jenson Brooksby on March 8.

That was the only match he played between the beginning of March and now so any worries of fatigue should be in the rearview mirror.

And the fact is, Schoolkate isn’t on the Canadian’s level. The 24-year-old Australian is ranked 129th on tour and this is the highest seeding of his career.

Additionally, he needed to play three matches to qualify for the round of 64, while his counterpart had a bye and will be the fresher player.

Schoolkate spent most of his year on the Challenger Tour and only played one opponent ranked inside the top 50 and that was No. 1 ranked Jannik Sinner. The Italian handled business, winning three sets to one.

Auger Aliassime sits inside the top 20, holding the No. 19 ranked spot.

Key stat: The Canadian is a step above his competition. He’s won seven games against opponents ranked No. 50 or better in 2025.

Picks made at 2:11 p.m. ET on 03/20/2025.