NBA Archives - Page 72 of 146

Best NBA prop bets March 23: Fade Russell Westbrook, back Quentin Grimes on Sunday

Two guards headline Sunday’s NBA prop bets.

The pregame narrative: Russell Westbrook will have an outsized opportunity to produce against the Houston Rockets with Nikola Jokic sidelined — but I’m still fading his lofty PRA total. Elsewhere, back Quentin Grimes to keep scoring.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for March 23.

NBA prop bets

Best bet: Westbrook under 23.5 points/assists (-120)

Westbrook is averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 assists this season, putting him well below this total.

Obviously, he’ll have more chances to produce without Jokic, which is baked into this higher-than-usual line.

But Westbrook has gone under this mark more often than not without the three-time MVP and draws a nightmare matchup against the Rockets.

Westbrook is averaging 14.8 and 6.2 assists (21.0 P/A) in nine games without Jokic this season. In those contests, he is 4-5 vs. this line.
Houston allows the eighth-fewest points and fourth-fewest assists to shooting guards per game, according to Fantasy Pros.

The Rockets have the fifth-best defensive rating since the all-star break (12-4 record) and should dictate the pace of this game with Jokic out.

Key stat: Westbrook has gone under this mark in three of his last four games without Jokic.

Best NBA picks

Grimes over 26.5 points (-118): Grimes is on a Linsanity-type run for the Philadelphia 76ers.

The sixth-year journeyman guard was acquired just before the trade deadline and has been the team’s leading scorer in March with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid sidelined:

28.2 PPG
19.6 FGA/game
52.9/40.9/71.0
25+ points in 9 of 11 games

Grimes is shooting the ball a ton, which has raised his scoring floor considerably. What makes this even more remarkable is that he was averaging just 10.2 PPG in 47 appearances with the Dallas Mavericks.

Tonight, his 76ers take on an Atlanta Hawks team allowing the third-most PPG to shooting guards.

NBA prop picks made at 10:10 a.m. ET on 03/23/2025.

Best NBA prop bets March 23: Fade Russell Westbrook, back Quentin Grimes on Sunday

Two guards headline Sunday’s NBA prop bets.

The pregame narrative: Russell Westbrook will have an outsized opportunity to produce against the Houston Rockets with Nikola Jokic sidelined — but I’m still fading his lofty PRA total. Elsewhere, back Quentin Grimes and Jalen Duren.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for March 23.

NBA prop bets

Best bet: Westbrook under 29.5 PRA (-118)

Embed: #111604

Westbrook is averaging 12.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists this season, putting him well below this total.

Obviously, he’ll have more chances to produce without Jokic, which is baked into this higher-than-usual line.

But Westbrook has gone under this mark more often than not without the three-time MVP and draws a nightmare matchup against the Rockets.

Westbrook is averaging 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists (29.0 PRA) in nine games without Jokic this season. In those contests, he is 4-5 vs. this line.
Houston allows the eighth-fewest points and fourth-fewest assists to shooting guards per game, according to Fantasy Pros.

The Rockets have the fifth-best defensive rating since the all-star break (12-4 record) and should dictate the pace of this game with Jokic out.

Key stat: Westbrook has gone under this mark in three of his last four games without Jokic.

Best NBA picks

Grimes over 27.5 points (-107): Grimes is on a Linsanity-type run for the Philadelphia 76ers.

The sixth-year journeyman guard was acquired just before the trade deadline and has been the team’s leading scorer in March with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid sidelined:

28.2 PPG
19.6 FGA/game
52.9/40.9/71.0
25+ points in 9 of 11 games

Grimes is shooting the ball a ton, which has raised his scoring floor considerably. What makes this even more remarkable is that he was averaging just 10.2 PPG in 47 appearances with the Dallas Mavericks.

Tonight, his 76ers take on an Atlanta Hawks team allowing the third-most PPG to shooting guards.

Duren to record a double-double (-115): Keep an eye on today’s injury report between the New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons. Zion Williamson and Yves Missi are both listed as questionable, and their possible absences could move this line into unplayable range.

New Orleans is in full tank mode, so I wouldn’t be surprised if both sit out today. But even if the duo plays, I like Duren’s chances of recording a double-double.

The third-year centre is averaging 11.5 points and 10.3 boards this year and has a double-double in seven of 11 games this month.

The Pelicans give up the most rebounds and fifth-most points per game to centres.

NBA prop picks made at 10:10 a.m. ET on 03/23/2025.

Looking to get started? Sign up here.

Bulls vs. Lakers SGP predictions March 22: Tail Vucevic and Giddey at +410

The Chicago Bulls continue their Western Conference road trip with a meeting against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.

The pregame narrative: The Lakers are one of the best home teams in the NBA, and I feel good about them covering a teased-down spread. Add in prop picks on Nikola Vucevic and Josh Giddey to make a +410 SGP for the game.

Check out my Bulls vs. Lakers SGP predictions for March 22.

Bulls vs. Lakers predictions

Parlay: Lakers -6.5 | Giddey over 17.5 points | Vucevic 15+ points (+410)

Embed: #111596

Lakers -6.5 (-190): The Lakers are no strangers to winning in Los Angeles.

Home: 28-8
Away: 15-18

They’ve played their best ball at Crypto.com Arena all season. That should continue against a middling Bulls team.

Chicago is 30-40 this year and playing its fifth game in a row away from home.

Additionally, Luka Doncic is probable to return to action and LeBron James is a game-time decision. Austin Reaves is also probable after sitting out on Thursday.

With those three in the lineup, the Lakers are the much better team and would be likely to pull away in this one.

NBA SGP picks

Giddey over 17.5 points (-155): Giddey has expanded his game since the all-star break and has transformed into a good scorer.

Take a look at his per-game stats over the 10-game stretch:

34.6 minutes/game
23.0 points/game
53.6 FG%
52.3 3PT%
10-0 against this line

It’s not just a case of an uptick in volume; his efficiency has been elite.

I don’t expect Giddey to keep this up for his entire career or even the rest of this season, but for now, I’d rather ride with the trend than bet against it, regardless of the matchup.

And it’s not like the Lakers have an elite defence. They sit around the middle of the league with a 114.6 defensive rating.

Vucevic 15+ points (-200): Chicago’s big man has been playing well recently, too.

He had a rough stretch of play in February but has cleared this line in three of the past four games, averaging 19.3 points during that time.

Vucevic is coming off back-to-back 24-point outings in which he shot a combined 19-for-31 from the field and a blistering 8-for-13 from 3-point land.

He still averages 18.7 PPG and has cleared this line in 42 of 62 games this season.

Bulls vs. Lakers predictions made at 3:01 p.m. ET 03/22/2025.

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

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

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.

Looking to get started? Sign up here.

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

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.

Best NBA prop bets March 21: Expect Leonard to stay hot and back Vassell, Herro

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is the headliner of today’s top NBA prop picks for Friday’s 10-game slate.

The pregame narrative: Leonard is on fire and I expect his tear to continue against the Memphis Grizzlies. Rounding out today’s plays are recommendations on Devin Vassell and Tyler Herro.

Check out the best NBA prop bets for March 21.

NBA prop bets

Best bet: Leonard over 28.5 points/rebounds (-107)

Embed: #111538

I love the value on this prop. The way Leonard is going right now, he could top this line on points alone.

Leonard is playing his best basketball of the season. As long as he’s healthy and not restricted on minutes, he remains a force.

The veteran star is averaging 25.1 points and 6.5 rebounds this month.

He has scored 25-plus points in three of his last four games and cleared this line when he faced Memphis last month.

Leonard scored 25 points and added five boards in that win over the Grizzlies on Feb. 12.

Memphis plays at the fastest pace in the NBA and is No. 25 in points allowed per game since the all-star break.

Key stat: Including that February game vs. the Grizzlies, Leonard is 7-5 against this line over his last 12.

Best NBA picks

Vassell over 17.5 points (-122): This should be a high-scoring game with a total of 235.5, the biggest of today’s slate.

The hobbled and tanking Philadelphia 76ers are allowing the most points in the NBA since the break, surrendering an average of 123.6 per game.

Vassell’s San Antonio Spurs are not far behind at third. Expect a lot of buckets and for Vassell to be among the top players involved.

March has been Vassell’s best-scoring month of the season. Coming off a down 10-point game against the New York Knicks, Vassell is averaging 18.7 points this month.

He’s topped the 20-point mark three times in his past six and dropped a career-high 37 earlier in the month.

Vassell leads the Spurs in minutes in March and rookie Stephon Castle is the only teammate taking more shots.

Herro over 2.5 threes (-141): I’m not sure Herro has been available at this price more than a handful of times this season.

The sharpshooter’s 3-point line is typically set at 3.5, so this number certainly caught my eye.

Herro has slumped from beyond the arc since the break, though he’s 8-7 vs. this line since then.

And he gets a difficult matchup against the Houston Rockets, who defend the perimeter well and are fourth in the NBA in defensive rating.

But Herro remains a long-range threat and is a volume shooter, averaging 3.4 triples per game (a top-10 mark in the NBA).

NBA prop picks made at 2:15 p.m. ET on 03/21/2025.

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

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.

Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks March 20: Tail Jimmy Butler, Jakob Poeltl

The Raptors head to the West Coast to play the streaking Golden State Warriors.

The pregame narrative: Jimmy Butler had a roller coaster of a season but he’s settling down with the Warriors and making an impact. I’m taking the over on his points prop and I have a pick on Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl.

Check out my Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks for March 20.

Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks

Best Bet: Butler over 17.5 points (-125)

After forcing his way out of Miami, Butler is finally in midseason form.

That has led to winning basketball for the Warriors. They are 15-2 with Butler in the lineup, and he’s been particularly good over the last eight games:

18.6 points per game
5-3 against this wager

He had a few outlier performances of 5 and 11 points that drastically brought his average down during that time, but he’s scored 23-plus points on four occasions during that stretch.

And this is a soft matchup. The Raptors have the 11th-worst defensive rating in the NBA (116.7) and both teams play at an average pace.

That means there should be lots of shooting volume to go around and Butler should continue filling the statsheet.

Just take a look at his averages from the past two games:

23.5 PPG
8.0 RPG
8.0 APG

Those look like stats from prime Butler, and I think he’ll continue to play like his younger self in a place where he’s happy to be.

There’s obvious blowout potential here with the Raptors being 14.5-point underdogs, but Toronto has been excellent against the spread, covering this number in nine of its past 10 games and winning six games straight up.

Even with the tank being in full force, the young guns on Toronto aren’t willing to roll over and I expect this one to be close.

Key stat: Butler averaged 20.9 points in the 28 games in which he played more than 30 minutes this season.

Quick pick

Poeltl over 11.5 points (-125): Poeltl has been in and out of the rotation for Toronto but he’s been effective with his minutes when playing.

The big man has seen his minutes fall over the last four games, playing 22.5 per but he’s managed to top this modest points total three times.

He’s averaged 16.5 points on 70.0% shooting in those contests. With that sort of efficiency, he wouldn’t need many minutes to once again surpass this total.

RJ Barrett, Gradey Dick and Ja’Kobe Walter are all out for Raptors, which means they could rely more on Poeltl on Wednesday.

Toronto can still tank successfully while Poeltl gets his buckets.

Raptors vs. Warriors prop picks made at 10:48 a.m. ET 03/20/2025.

Best NBA prop bets March 20: Back Immanuel Quickley and Mark Williams on Thursday night

Mark Williams and Immanuel Quickley are the two guys I’m targeting for Thursday’s light five-game NBA slate.

The pregame narrative: Both have difficult matchups but I expect that to affect their teams more than their individual performances. Williams’ Charlotte Hornets get the New York Knicks, while Quickley and the Toronto Raptors collide with the Golden State Warriors.

Check out how I’m betting on the pair in the best NBA prop bets for March 20.

NBA prop bets

Best bet: Williams over 23.5 points/rebounds (-130)

The Hornets’ big man is coming off a dud but it came in a 30-point loss without Charlotte’s top two scorers (LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges).

Both are expected back tonight, which should theoretically lead to a more competitive game against the Knicks.

Charlotte is a 7.5-point home underdog but there are some things to like about Williams going into the matchup.

New York is 22nd in the NBA in points allowed in the paint, an area where Williams is extremely active.

Williams is third in the NBA in paint touches per game, taking more shots in that area than all players outside of Ivica Zubac.

The 23-year-old is averaging 25.4 points/rebounds this season, which includes a quiet first month. Since Jan. 1, he’s averaging 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds.

Williams is a steady scorer with big rebounding upside, securing a double-double in eight of his last 10 games.

Key stat: Williams is 8-2 vs. this line in his last 10 games.

Best NBA picks

Quickley over 17.5 points (-108): The Raptors don’t stand much of a chance vs. the Warriors, sitting as a 14-point underdog as of 2 p.m. ET on Thursday.

But with RJ Barrett out and Scottie Barnes’ production stalling in March, Quickley should be looking at another solid scoring night.

Toronto’s point guard has scored 15-plus points in 12 of his last 14 games. While 15 doesn’t cash this, he hits that benchmark often and it demonstrates his level of consistency.

Over that stretch, Quickey is 9-5 against this line while averaging 19.9 PPG.

The 25-year-old isn’t trigger-shy and should unload plenty from deep for the tanking Raptors, giving him a shot to put up points in bunches.

Quickley is averaging 2.8 threes/game on 8.0 attempts in March.

NBA prop picks made at 1:59 p.m. ET on 03/20/2025.