P.J. Washington had a great game, such a good game that he ruined the teased down, -4.5 spread in favor of the Indiana Pacers for our NBA predictions. The Dallas Mavericks lost by only four points, and Washington played 38 minutes, but only managed five rebounds. That was five short of the 10 needed for his double-double prediction in our NBA picks.

Nikola Vucevic put in a great effort against the Phoenix Suns, but he came up four rebounds short of 10. It was a disastrous day for the best as none really came close. However, that is old news, and we focus on a short slate of games for Thursday’s NBA best bets.

 

 

 

NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 3/20

There are five games today, and two games that have shifted around to accommodate the make-up games from the devastating fires in California. 

More than one of our NBA best bets today comes from those make-up matches, including the Bet of the Night.

 

 

 

Bucks vs. Lakers Prediction: Milwaukee -3 (-110 on Bet365) *BET OF THE NIGHT

The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves playing another Western Conference team on the second of back-to-back matches. It did not go their way against the Golden State Warriors, but they must take advantage of these opportunities. With only 14 games remaining, they need to win these games they have an advantage in.

The Bucks have lost two in a row and lost five of their last 10 matches. They need to stop losing in order to avoid dropping in the Eastern Conference rankings. The Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a victory last night, in a rare wire to wire win. Luka dropped the first nine points of the match and the Lakers walked all over the Denver Nuggets, who were without Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic.

Milwaukee is 0.5 games back from fourth place, held by the Indiana Pacers, and only 0.5 games ahead of the Detroit Pistons. They have had plenty of rest to prepare for this match, and with a championship Head Coach in Doc Rivers, there is plenty of reason to believe Milwaukee can cover the low, -3.0 spread. 

The Lakers could be resting players, and once the official injury report is listed after today’s walk around, the spread could increase. The Bucks have Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Gary Trent all listed as probable, and they should be able to play their average minutes. 

The Lakers will not have an answer for Antetokounmpo in their front court, and he alone should dominate this match. Doncic will not be able to guard Lillard effectively and they could go back and forth tonight. The Bucks have the data, rest, and roster construction to beat the Lakers.

Milwaukee was victorious against them one week ago, 126-106, and a similar result is expected today. Antetokounmpo led the way in that match with 24 points and 12 rebounds, and they do not have a center or forward to stop him. Put a unit on Milwaukee to cover on the road.

 

 

 

Raptors vs. Warriors Prediction: Toronto +14 (-110 on DraftKings)

The Milwaukee Bucks are the lowest spread of the day, and the Toronto Raptors are the highest spread of the day. They are +14 point underdogs against the Golden State Warriors. The match does take place at the Chase Center, and Golden State has been playing better, but 14 points is a bit disrespectful to Scottie Barnes and the rest of the Raptors. 

As of now RJ Barrett, Ja’Kobe Walter, Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and Ulrich Chomche are listed as out for Toronto. Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes, and Jakob Poeltl should play once again, and A.J. Lawson has played improved minutes in his opportunities due to injuries. The Raptors have playmakers, but the Warriors have a healthy lineup and should get into a rhythm early.

The Raptors have a point differential of -5.2 this season, and even with injuries +14 would imply four quarters of the Raptors not playing well. The Warriors don’t have the size to compete with every team and Poeltl and Barnes could enforce their way into more points than projected. The Warriors average less than three points more than the Raptors (113.3 - 110.6), and this spread seems inflated due to the Warriors popularity.

It is highly unlikely that Golden State maintains offensive production throughout the game. The Raptors are going to go on an offensive run at some point with Quickley and Barnes still on the court. Put a unit for the Raptors to cover a +14.0 spread on DraftKings, and if you are a new customer make sure to take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional offer.

 

 

 

Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 3/20

There are several player propositions available for the five games today. But with back-to-back games, players being declared out an hour before the match, teams resting their players through the brutal schedule of March, and teams ‘milking’ injuries for a higher lottery pick.

It has been tough to find reliable players. Thus, the last of our NBA best bets today is also a spread prediction.

 

 

 

Knicks vs. Hornets Prediction: Charlotte +7.5 (+130 on Bet365)

As crazy as it sounds the last prediction is on the Charlotte Hornets to cover +7.5 against the New York Knicks. The Hornets have been terrible and have the second worst offense in the Association, 105.7 points per game. Meanwhile the Knicks are third in the Eastern Conference but lost five of their last 10 matches. Yet we are taking Charlotte.

The Knicks were just embarrassed by the San Antonio Spurs in a 15-point blowout. Then they flew from the southwest back to the east coast, losing an hour on the way. Those are some of the toughest matches in the Association, back-to-back and traveling from west to east across time zones. New York could have a tougher challenge than anticipated tonight.

The Knicks have been without Jalen Brunson for six games and the inconsistency is showing. They are also looking worn out late in the fourth quarter with a bench that is less than average. Teams are locking down Karl-Anthony Towns, and daring the rest of the team to put up offensive production. 

Charlotte has two good centers in Mark Williams and Jusuf Nurkic. LaMelo Ball is listed as day to day, but overall the Hornets are healthy, and they have a better bench than the Knicks. The Hornets have a better record at home, and are playing a tired New York team that is not in a positional battle. 

With only 14 games remaining, they have a 4.0 game lead on fourth palace, and are 6.5 games behind second place. Even if the Knicks go 7-7 in their remaining games, the Indiana Pacers would have to go to 12-2 to surpass them… which is highly unlikely.

Put a unit on the Hornets to cover the spread at home, and if you are a new customer to Bet365 Sportsbook use the promotional code below to get $150 in bonus bets! 

 

 

 

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Bet Smart, Be Lucky - Iggy

*All NBA odds accurate at time of writing and NBA best bets today to be placed at 1 unit unless specified otherwise