Contributing Writer

Lakers vs. Celtics SGP predictions March 8: Take overs for Doncic and Tatum in +375 wager

The historic rivalry is renewed when the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics meet on Saturday night.

The pregame narrative: The Lakers are climbing up the Western Conference standings since trading for Luka Doncic. I’m backing the Slovenian Superstar in this +375 SGP that also includes picks on Jayson Tatum and the Los Angeles against the spread.

Check out my Lakers vs. Celtics SGP predictions for March 8.

Lakers vs. Celtics predictions

Parlay: Lakers +7.5 | Doncic to record a double-double | Tatum 25+ points (+375)

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Lakers +7.5 (-157): Since Doncic’s debut, the Lakers are 9-2 and beating quality opponents like the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers (twice), Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets.

Things won’t be any easier on the road against the Celtics who own a 45-18 record. But they are worse at home (21-11) than on the road (24-7).

That should provide the Lakers a nice opportunity to sneak in and steal a win to extend their eight-game win streak.

Even if they fall short, I predict a close contest between legendary franchises.

NBA SGP legs

Doncic to record a double-double (-139): After a slow start to life in L.A., Doncic appears to be back in shape and he’s stuffing the stat sheet.

Over the past three games, he’s averaging 30.3 points, 12.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds per game.

That includes consecutive double-doubles against the New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans.

Last season, Doncic averaged nearly a triple-double, leading the league in scoring (33.9 PPG) and tallying 9.8 assists and 9.2 rebounds per game.

He looks healthy again and extremely motivated. That is a scary combo for a player of Doncic’s talent level.

Tatum 25+ points (-177): He started the year looking like an MVP candidate but slowed down considerably throughout the middle portion of the season.

Things certainly ramped back recently, though, as Tatum has been putting up these numbers since Feb. 1:

36.6 minutes/game
27.7 points/game
25+ points in 8/13 games

Tatum fell short of this total in his last two meetings with the Lakers but scored 25 or more in five straight before that.

I’m looking for the Celtics’ best player to take over in a tough matchup vs. the Lakers.

Lakers vs. Celtics predictions made at 1:46 p.m. ET on 03/08/2025.

Pistons vs. Warriors SGP predictions March 8: Back Butler and Duren as scorers in this +290 wager

Two surging sides meet when the Detroit Pistons visit the Golden State Warriors.

The pregame narrative: Both teams are rolling right now and it’s difficult to pick a winner but this is too many points for the Pistons and I’m backing them on the spread. Prop picks on Jimmy Butler and Jalen Duren round out this +290 ticket.

Check out my Pistons vs. Warriors SGP predictions for March 8.

Pistons vs. Warriors predictions

Parlay: Pistons +8.5 | Butler over 19.5 points | Duren 10+ points (+290)

Embed: #111017

Pistons +8.5 (-157): Detroit boasts the sixth-best ATS record (35-26-2) in the NBA so that’s a good place to start. Plus, buying a few points gives this leg extra insurance.

The Pistons have been incredibly consistent at covering this number specifically, doing so in 15 of the past 16 games.

They have an 18-14 record on the road and are on track for their first playoff appearance since 2019.

Golden State is 7-1 since the break but is playing its first game at home since Feb. 25. This is shaping up to be a let-down spot against the red-hot Pistons.

NBA SGP legs

Butler over 19.5 points (-120): Butler is coming off arguably his best game as a member of the Warriors and I’m buying in on the momentum.

He matched his high in points with his new squad, scoring 25 on 7-of-13 shooting.

He’s shot above 50% from the field in back-to-back games.

That’s positive news considering he shot 43.3% in his first nine games with the Warriors.

Detroit is a good defensive side, sporting the 11th-best defensive rating (112.1) but this number is low enough that Butler can easily clear it with another efficient outing.

Duren 10+ points (-265): The Pistons sophomore big man has been playing well recently and his floor as a scorer has been extremely reliable.

Since Jan. 11, he is averaging 13.5 PPG on a ridiculous 72.6% from the field.

He’s scored 10+ in 21/25 games during that time.

Duren has become Cade Cunningham’s main pick-and-roll partner and he’s benefiting greatly from Cunningham’s 9.4 assists per game.

The Pistons’ centre has played 30-plus minutes in three straight games vs. the Warriors and is 2-1 against this line.

Pistons vs. Warriors predictions made at 11:07 a.m. ET on 03/08/2025.

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Best NBA prop bets March 8: Back Adebayo, James and Siakam on Saturday

Saturday’s NBA prop bets include taking three all-star players to go over their point totals.

The pregame narrative: Bam Adebayo has seen an uptick in offensive production, which should continue in a prime matchup. I also like overs for LeBron James and Pascal Siakam.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for March 8.

NBA prop bets

Best bet: Adebayo over 22.5 points (-118)

Let’s take a look at Adebayo’s stats since Feb. 1:

23.0 PPG
56.0 FG%
36.7 3PT%

All of those numbers are well above his season averages with the most noticeable being his points sitting almost six points higher over that stretch (17.7 PPG for the season).

Plus, this is a fantastic matchup. Adebayo spends time at centre and power forward and the Chicago Bulls are bad at defending both.

2nd most PPG allowed to centres (25.31).

5th most PPG allowed to power forwards (24.07).

Key stat: Adebayo has cleared this mark in five straight games against the Bulls, dating back to 2022.

Best NBA picks

James over 25.5 points (-112): Since the Los Angeles Lakers acquisition of Luka Doncic, it’s been LeBron who’s cooking. Take a look at his stats since the trade:

27.5 PPG
52.8 FG%
25+ points in 8/11 games

James has always played his most productive basketball alongside another elite ball handler so it’s unsurprising. Just look at what he did in his career with Kyrie Irving or Dwyane Wade.

Now, the Boston Celtics are no easy matchup, providing the fifth-best defensive rating in the NBA (112.0), but LeBron’s been matchup-proof over this 9-2 run that the Lakers are currently on.

I expect Los Angeles to keep this game close and James to put on a show.

Siakam over 23.5 points (-108): On March 6, Siakam scored 35 points against the Atlanta Hawks in a game that finished with 242 total points.

Even more scoring is expected tonight with the total being higher at 243 points.

And the Hawks allow the second most points per game (24.40) to opposing power forwards.

Additionally, the Indiana Pacers could once again be without Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin who both missed the last game with injuries. They are ruled as game-time decisions.

If either is out again tonight, it would open up more volume for Siakam who excels in this matchup.

Since being traded to Indiana, he has scored 20-plus in all three games against Atlanta and is 2-1 against this wager.

Picks made at 9:52 a.m. ET on 03/08/2025.

Best NBA prop bets March 8: Back Adebayo, James and Siakam on Saturday

Saturday’s NBA prop bets include taking three all-star players to go over their point totals.

The pregame narrative: Bam Adebayo has seen an uptick in offensive production, which should continue in a prime matchup. I also like overs for LeBron James and Pascal Siakam.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for March 8.

NBA prop bets

Best bet: Adebayo over 22.5 points (-118)

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Let’s take a look at Adebayo’s stats since Feb. 1:

23.0 PPG
56.0 FG%
36.7 3PT%

All of those numbers are well above his season averages with the most noticeable being his points sitting almost six points higher over that stretch (17.7 PPG for the season).

Plus, this is a fantastic matchup. Adebayo spends time at centre and power forward and the Chicago Bulls are bad at defending both.

2nd most PPG allowed to centres (25.31).

5th most PPG allowed to power forwards (24.07).

Key stat: Adebayo has cleared this mark in five straight games against the Bulls, dating back to 2022.

Best NBA picks

James over 24.5 points (-129): Since the Los Angeles Lakers acquisition of Luka Doncic, it’s been LeBron who’s cooking. Take a look at his stats since the trade:

27.5 PPG
52.8 FG%
25+ points in 8/11 games

James has always played his most productive basketball alongside another elite ball handler so it’s unsurprising. Just look at what he did in his career with Kyrie Irving or Dwyane Wade.

Now, the Boston Celtics are no easy matchup, providing the fifth-best defensive rating in the NBA (112.0), but LeBron’s been matchup-proof over this 9-2 run that the Lakers are currently on.

I expect Los Angeles to keep this game close and James to put on a show.

Siakam over 23.5 points (-118): On March 6, Siakam scored 35 points against the Atlanta Hawks in a game that finished with 242 total points.

Even more scoring is expected tonight with the total being higher at 243 points.

And the Hawks allow the second most points per game (24.40) to opposing power forwards.

Additionally, the Indiana Pacers could once again be without Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin who both missed the last game with injuries. They are ruled as game-time decisions.

If either is out again tonight, it would open up more volume for Siakam who excels in this matchup.

Since being traded to Indiana, he has scored 20-plus in all three games against Atlanta and is 2-1 against this wager.

Picks made at 9:52 a.m. ET on 03/08/2025.

Indian Wells Open round of 64 predictions: Best bets on Canadians Auger-Aliassime, Shapovalov and Fernandez

Tennis is underway at Indian Wells and I have picks on all three Canadians in action on Saturday.

The pregame narrative: Felix Auger-Aliassime is primed to go deep in another tournament and that starts with a dominant win in the round of 64. I’m also backing Adam Walton to steal a set against Denis Shapovalov and taking the over when Leylah Fernandez and Jaqueline Cristian meet.

Check out my top Indian Wells Open predictions for March 8.

Indian Wells predictions

Visit full Indian Wells Open betting markets.

Best Bet: Auger-Aliassime -4.5 games

If we go back to 2021, Jenson Brooksby beat Auger-Aliassime in straight sets. But that should be ignored with how these two are playing in 2025, which is what actually matters.

The Canadian comes into this tournament after a very strong start to the year. He’s won two ATP titles and fell just short of another in the finals of the Dubai Open.

Fatigue was clearly an issue for Auger-Aliassime due to playing 21 matches in two months to start the season.

It could once again be a problem deeper in this tournament but the week off must’ve felt like a month of rest for FAA.

Brooksby isn’t currently anywhere near Auger-Aliassime’s level after missing the entirety of 2024 due to an 18-month suspension for missing three drug tests.

He’s played just six matches since returning in 2025 and has a 2-4 record. He has only won six games all year and his lack of competition is alarming.

Key stat: According to matchstat.com, Brooksby has played two matches against top 50-ranked opponents in 2025 and lost both.

Fernandez best bet

Fernandez/Cristian under 20.5 games (-110): Lately, when these women win or lose, it’s been by big margins.

Between the 13 total games played by Fernandez and Cristian since the start of February, 10 have stayed under this total.

Cristian is a respectable 6-5 this year but went 5-15 on outdoor hard courts in 2024.

Backing Fernandez to win 2-0 on sets (-120) is another good bet but she’s lost two straight and can fall victim to inconsistent play.

This wager has shorter odds and covers a dominant win for either player.

Shapovalov Indian Wells Open tennis pick

Walton +1.5 sets (-110): Much like Auger-Aliassime, Shapovalov has been in top form but so has his opponent.

Walton has a 15-6 record with every game contested on outdoor hard courts. To be fair, he’s a bit of a specialist there.

Since the start of 2022, he has a 155-69 on the surface. On other surfaces, he’s 11-16 combined.

Shapovalov is much better on indoor hard courts than outdoors. He is 5-0 when playing inside and 5-4 when outside. The bright California sun should do him no favours.

I do believe he can win but dropping a set is very possible and that would be enough to cash this wager.

Tennis picks made at 2:31 p.m. on 03/07/25

Best NHL anytime goalscorer picks March 7: Mark Scheifele and Pavel Dorofeyev have value

I’ve got three NHL goalscorer picks for Friday’s slate.

The pregame narrative: Mark Scheifele ranks near the top of the NHL in goals and I’m predicting the Winnipeg Jets’ forward will score another one tonight. The picks are rounded out with plays on Pavel Dorofeyev and Dylan Holloway.

Check out my NHL anytime goal picks for March 7.

NHL anytime goal picks

Best Bet: Scheifele anytime goalscorer (+165)

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Coming into Friday, the New Jersey Devils are missing two key pieces: Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton.

Hughes is their top centreman and Hamilton is one of the league’s best two-way defencemen. The Devils’ strong defence should take quite the hit with these two out of the lineup.

Enter Scheifele. He leads the Jets and is tied for second in the NHL with 35 goals. He’s also had a hot scoring touch since the break.

During that time, Scheifele has scored in four of his seven games. It appears he’s using his snub from Team Canada as motivation.

Key stat: The Jets’ forward has 20 goals in 26 games against Eastern Conference teams this season.

Quick pick

Dorofeyev anytime goalscorer (+150): The 24-year-old winger is having a breakout season as a goalscorer.

He has a career-best 24 goals in 63 games and has a nice matchup to do damage here.

The Pittsburgh Penguins allow the second-most goals per game (3.63)

They’ve conceded 4.3 goals per game over the last 10.

They kill penalties at a below-average rate (76.8).

Dorofeyev has tallied 10 goals on the man advantage this season where he plays on the first line with Jack Eichel and Mark Stone.

Holloway anytime goalscorer (+220): The Anaheim Ducks began the year as a good defensive team but the wheels fell off quickly.

After finishing October with a 2.70 goals against average in 10 games, Anaheim has allowed a 3.11 GAA in the months since.

Holloway is streaking right now so I’m jumping in on these plus-money odds.

Since the break, Holloway has scored in four of seven games.

He has a career-high 20 goals in 63 games.

Picks made at 12:02 a.m. ET on 03/07/2025.

Jazz vs. Raptors SGP predictions March 7: Back Barnes and Walter at +320

Two bottom-feeders meet when the Toronto Raptors host the Utah Jazz at Scotiabank Arena on Friday.

The pregame narrative: Toronto is playing good basketball right now and I don’t think the club will be able to out-tank the Jazz. I’m taking the Raptors to win and have player props on Scottie Barnes and Ja’Kobe Walter in this +320 same-game parlay wager.

Check out my Jazz vs. Raptors SGP predictions for March 7.

Jazz vs. Raptors predictions

Parlay: Raptors moneyline | Barnes 8+ rebounds | Walter 14+ points (+320)

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Raptors moneyline (-200): Despite coach Darko Rajakovic’s best efforts, the Raptors continue to win ball games.

Their injury report is extensive tonight but I’m not sure it’ll matter. RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Ochai Agbaji, Jonathan Mogbo and Gradey Dick are all ruled out for Toronto.

Utah is missing key pieces, too, as John Collins and Lauri Markkanen are sidelined.

In the Raptors’ last game against the Orlando Magic, Toronto closed the game with a unit of five bench players and the unthinkable happened.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1897118696537256357

More on Walter later, but it’s clear the players don’t care about any tank and the Raptors are at home on Friday where they hold a 13-19 record.

That’s much better than the Jazz’s 7-23 away record. They’ve lost 10 straight games on the road.

NBA SGP legs

Barnes 8+ rebounds (-143): With all the injuries to Toronto’s frontcourt, Barnes should step up on the glass.

The 6-foot-7 point forward averages 7.8 boards and is coming off a 13-rebound game.

Orlando Robinson should get the start at centre tonight and his hands will be full with Walker Kessler.

Utah’s big man averages 12.1 rebounds per game and will clean up against the inexperienced Robinson without some help.

Barnes has cashed this wager in four of the past six games that Poeltl has been sidelined.

Walter 14+ points (-106): Let’s get back to the rookie who looked more like Kobe than Ja’Kobe during his game-winning 3-pointer against the Magic.

With all the injuries, Walter should start again and he’s been more effective in that role this season.

Starter: 24.7 minutes, 11.9 PPG
Reserve: 18.6 minutes, 6.5 PPG

Since Feb. 4, the rookie has scored 13-plus points in all three starts, logging over 28 minutes in each contest.

He’s gaining the trust of the coaching staff and should be in for another hefty workload against Utah, which has the worst defensive rating (120.3) in the NBA.

Jazz vs. Raptors predictions made at 10 a.m. ET 03/07/2025.

Arthur Fils vs. Gabriel Diallo Indian Wells predictions and odds: Take the Canadian to advance

Gabriel Diallo is taking his “lucky loser” status into his first match at the Indian Wells Open against Arthur Fils.

The pregame narrative: After losing a qualifier, Diallo was a replacement in the round of 128 and won. Now he faces Fils for the second time in his career and I expect another closely contested match.

Check out my Fils vs. Diallo predictions and the tennis odds for the round of 64 Indian Wells Open match on Friday, March 7.

Fils vs. Diallo predictions

Go to full Fils vs. Diallo betting markets.

Betting markets	Odds
Fils to win	-143
Diallo to win	+110
Over 22.5 total games	-134
Under 22.5 total games	+100

Fils vs. Diallo odds as of 10:35 a.m. ET on 03/07/2025.

Best Bet: Over 22.5 games (-134)

In the first meeting between these two, at the 2024 US Open, the Canadian came away with the win and he dug deep to earn it.

Diallo won three of the four sets, but they were all very close (7-5, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4). That equals 45 total games, which is quite a lot for a four-set match.

There are only a maximum of three sets on Friday. With a total of 22.5, two close sets would be enough for the over.

That was often the case for the Candian on his path here.

Key stat: All three of Diallo’s qualifying matches went over this total, even though two were decided in straight sets.

Indian Wells Open pick

Diallo to win (+110): Neither player has been in top form but Diallo’s been slightly better and much more active.

Let’s take a look at their 2025 records:

Fils: 5-4 (4 matches since Feb. 1)
Diallo: 9-6 (8 matches since Feb. 1)

Plus, Diallo has the upper hand in the head-to-head matchup.

He started slow, splitting the first two sets with Fils in the 2024 match. But he won the final two sets (6-4, 6-4) without much worry.

And while Fils is 3-3 on outdoor hard courts this season, Diallo has faired better with an 8-5 record.

The Canadian should be able to use his strong serve that led to 28 aces through three qualifying matches.

There isn’t much splitting these two, but I’ll happily back the more active player at an underdog price.

Picks made at 10:35 a.m. ET on 03/07/2025.

Arthur Fils vs. Gabriel Diallo Indian Wells predictions and odds: Take the Canadian to advance

Gabriel Diallo is taking his “lucky loser” status into his first match at the Indian Wells Open against Arthur Fils.

The pregame narrative: After losing a qualifier, Diallo was a replacement in the round of 128 and won. Now he faces Fils for the second time in his career and I expect another closely contested match.

Check out my Fils vs. Diallo predictions and the tennis odds for the round of 64 Indian Wells Open match on Friday, March 7.

Fils vs. Diallo predictions

Go to full Fils vs. Diallo betting markets.

Betting markets	Odds
Fils to win	-139
Diallo to win	+112
Over 22.5 total games	-127
Under 22.5 total games	+100

Fils vs. Diallo odds as of 8:35 a.m. ET on 03/07/2025.

Best Bet: Over 22.5 games (-127)

In the first meeting between these two, at the 2024 US Open, the Canadian came away with the win and he dug deep to earn it.

Diallo won three of the four sets, but they were all very close (7-5, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4). That equals 45 total games, which is quite a lot for a four-set match.

There are only a maximum of three sets on Friday. With a total of 22.5, two close sets would be enough for the over.

That was often the case for the Candian on his path here.

Key stat: All three of Diallo’s qualifying matches went over this total, even though two were decided in straight sets.

Indian Wells Open pick

Diallo to win (+112): Neither player has been in top form but Diallo’s been slightly better and much more active.

Let’s take a look at their 2025 records:

Fils: 5-4 (4 matches since Feb. 1)
Diallo: 9-6 (8 matches since Feb. 1)

Plus, Diallo has the upper hand in the head-to-head matchup.

He started slow, splitting the first two sets with Fils in the 2024 match. But he won the final two sets (6-4, 6-4) without much worry.

And while Fils is 3-3 on outdoor hard courts this season, Diallo has faired better with an 8-5 record.

The Canadian should be able to use his strong serve that led to 28 aces through three qualifying matches.

There isn’t much splitting these two, but I’ll happily back the more active player at an underdog price.

Picks made at 8:35 a.m. ET on 03/07/2025.

UFC 313 predictions, fight card and betting odds: Pereira defends light heavyweight title vs. Ankalaev

Alex Pereira battles first-time title challenger Magomed Ankalaev for the light heavyweight strap in the main event at UFC 313 on Saturday.

The pre-fight narrative: Pereira is carving out his legacy with another title defence against the well-rounded Akalaev. I’m picking the champ to retain his belt and also have a play on Jalin Turner.

Check out my UFC 313 predictions and the fight card for the March 8 event in Las Vegas.

UFC 313 predictions

Best bet: Pereira to win (-125)

This is drawn up to be a stylistic clash between striker and wrestler, and I like the striker here.

Ankalaev has a 20-1-1 MMA record but he hasn’t been dominant against the little top competition he’s faced.

The Russian has fought two fighters currently ranked inside the top five and won one bout by decision and drew the other.

He was down big in his bout with Jan Blachowicz before securing a dominant 10-8 fifth round and draw against the gassed Polish veteran.

Go to full UFC 313 betting markets

The worry here is Ankalaev taking down and controlling Pereira but I don’t have the same belief in his grappling as some might.

According to UFCstats.com, Ankalaev lands fewer than one takedown per 15 minutes at a 31% rate. He isn’t a dominant grappler by any means and a lot of this bout will be contested on the feet.

If he does get it to the mat, Ankalaev hasn’t proven himself as a finisher. He’s yet to record a submission victory in 13 UFC appearances.

Every round starts on the feet and Pereira stuffs takedowns at a 70% rate.

Key stat: Pereira lands 5.46 significant strikes per minute with 63% accuracy. He’s ended seven of his nine UFC wins by knockout.

UFC picks

Turner to win (+100): Turner has been at the wrong end of some bad luck over recent years but this is a good spot to back him as the underdog.

He is 1-3 over his last four fights but could easily be 4-0. Two of the losses were razor-thin split decisions.

The other was a bout against Renato Moicano where Turner scored a knockdown in the first round before allowing Moicano to come back in the second.

Before the skid, he was on a five-fight win streak and now takes a step down in competition.

This isn’t a shot at Bahamondes but he hasn’t fought anyone in the top 15 or even close to it.

Turner is a staple in the lightweight rankings and his last three losses came against top 10 opponents.

This is exactly the matchup Turner needs to get back on track.

UFC 313 main card

Click link to add selection to betslip. Note: Lines have changed/market no longer available if grey.

Fighter	Odds	Weight class	Odds	Fighter
Alex Pereira (C)	-125	Light heavyweight	+100	Magomed Anaklaev (1)
Justin Gaethje (3)	+125	Lightweight	-155	Rafael Fiziev (11)
Jalin Turner (13)	+100	Lightweight	-125	Ignacio Bahamondes
Amanda Lemos (5)	+108	Strawweight	-136	Iasmine Lucindo (7)
King Green	+375	Lightweight	-500	Mauricio Ruffy

UFC picks made at 3:05 p.m. ET on 03/05/25.