We have arrived at week 21 of the NBA, and I am absolutely gutted how week 20's NBA best bets ended. Giannis Antetokounmpo could not rebound anything against a team without its starting forwards and center. The Cleveland Cavaliers appeared to take a game off against a team not even in the play-in, and in doing so lost control of the second seed in the Eastern Conference. 

It would have been okay if the New Orleans Pelicans and Miami Heat parlay would have delivered. Fate had other plans, as New Orleans did its part, but Miami could not beat the worst team in the Association at home. 

 

They had an opportunity, down by two near the end of the game, Terry Rozier’s defense caused an offensive foul. They passed the ball in near half court and their lack of a play or plan caused an ugly finish to the game. Scrambling, no screens, little to no communication, and Duncan Robinson put up a deep three that was partially blocked. Jimmy Butler grabbed the rebound and STEPPED BACK to shoot a three instead of simply tying the game. 

It was infuriating to watch, and personally heartbreaking as I thought of the daily readers of this column. So instead of cashing on the biggest unit bet this column has suggested, we take a step backwards. 

The good news is we are still in the green, but the attempt to get us back above thirty units failed. However, the consistent and accurate betting over this season still leaves us with +5.17 units. And if you took the advice of Fantasy Alarm NBA Best Bets and cashed out every twenty percent, you have thirty-two units in your personal bank account. 

The test is on now, as going in the red is simply not an option for us at Fantasy Alarm. The goal now becomes to build the bankroll back up. There are three proposition bets and perhaps a new moon will bring new fortune in my NBA best bets today.

Expert NBA Best Bet & Pick Today, 3/11

Cade Cunningham Player Props: Over 23.5 Points (-120 on DraftKings)

Cade Cunningham to cover the over on points was a successful bet for us last week, and he is the best player on the Detroit Pistons. He has scored over thirty points in the last two games, and Charlotte allows 117.3 points per game. 

Cunningham averages 22.6 points per game and has played thirty minutes in eight of his last nine games. He has nineteen field goal attempts in four of his last five games and should see that many opportunities if not more against the Hornets backcourt who will be without both of their opening day starters. 

He has made three or more three-point attempts in the last three games and if that continues, he should cover this line easily.

 

NBA Prop Bets for Today, 3/8

Coby White Player Props: Over 20.5 Points (-125 on DraftKings)

Coby White and the Chicago Bulls host the Dallas Mavericks at the United Center tonight. Coby White is steadily moving up the Most Improved Player of the Year board, and rightfully so. 

The previously mentioned Cunningham earned one of his thirty-point games against Dallas last week – as do several guards and centers. Dallas allows the third most points to opposing point guards, and tonight Coby White can shine and move his team to within three games of the struggling Miami Heat. 

He is almost automatic at the free throw line, has attempted forty three-point attempts in his last five games, and will control the ball for the Chicago Bulls. Every opportunity will be there for White to score over his average of 19.7 points per game against Dallas. Trust the unit.

 

Kelly Olynyk Player Props: Over 6.5 Rebounds (-135 on DraftKings)

The Toronto Raptors play the Denver Nuggets tonight at Ball Arena. The Nuggets have publicly stated they are going for the first seed in the Western Conference and are an outstanding 14.5-point favorites against the Raptors. 

Denver should blow out Toronto without two of the Raptors best players in Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl. This presents a betting issue when betting on a heavily favored team to win, as was apparent with the Aaron Gordon prop two days ago. Denver is resting its players in preparation for the playoffs when they have a comfortable lead. The Raptors are not resting anyone and will have to play some players several minutes, including Kelly Olynyk. 

Not only are Barnes and Poeltl two of the Raptors best players, but they are the best two rebounders on the team – particularly after Pascal Siakam was traded. Olynyk recently arrived and has been forced to play several minutes. He has played twenty-six or more minutes in every game this month but has yet to record seven rebounds in his last four games. 

Although the Denver Nuggets are a great rebounding team, they allow the seventh most points to opposing power forwards. This is because Nikola Jokic will draw centers deep to the elbow or three-point line when playing offense. This leaves more floor space for power forwards to crash the glass. 

There is a great chance that Denver’s backups play several minutes tonight. If that happens, Kelly Olynyk will have a size advantage over Peyton Watson and Christian Braun. Even though the data suggest he is not a great rebounder, the 31-year-old Gonzaga product should earn seven rebounds before the end of the game. 

 

Thanks for reading my NBA best bets today. Remember to check out Fantasy Alarm for all your fantasy and betting needs across multiple sports. 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

*All Bets to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise