NBA Best Bets Today, 3/8: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Saturday
The Portland Trail Blazers could not get past the second unit of the Oklahoma City Thunder, in fact they had one of their worst offensive outputs this season. Michael Porter got nowhere near eight rebounds, as teammate Nikola Jokic dominated with the NBA’s first 30+ point, 20+ rebounds, 20+ assists game.
However, Scottie Barnes did come through for NBA best bets, and kept the damage to just over a unit. Barnes secured 12 rebounds and 6 assists which is what yesterday’s article predicted.
NBA Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 3/8
There are eight games today, and none are bigger than the Los Angeles Lakers versus the Boston Celtics. For an in-depth look at that match check out Mark’s Lakers vs Celtics Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA on ABC article. However, today's best bets also have a prediction for the nationally televised match.
Lakers vs Celtics Prediction: LAL +7 (-108 on Bet365) *BET OF THE NIGHT
The spread wagers have not been successful over the last two days, but today’s best bet focuses on the underdogs to cover the spread. Despite winning eight games in a row, the Los Angeles Lakers go to TD Garden as +7.0 underdogs. The Boston Celtics are a great team who have a 21-11 record at home, and thus are favorites to win this match.
This is the iconic matchup of the NBA, no other two franchises have won as many titles as these two, and the Celtics are the reigning champions. This is rightfully the nationally televised game on ABC as both teams are legitimate championship contenders. Each are currently second in their respective conferences, both have intelligent coaches with unique style, and both are propelled by future hall of fame stars with role players that compliment their stars.
The Lakers have not lost a seven point spread since their February 12th match against the Utah Jazz. A match in which Rui Hachimura was the leading scorer and Alex Len was the leading rebounder. Both are great players but not the players that Lebron James and Luka Doncic are. James and Doncic are both listed as probable, and the expectation is for them to play.
Boston is on a roll, putting up franchise and NBA records from the three point line, but so are the Lakers. The Celtics average 117.0 points per game, the Lakers average 113.1 points per game, a difference of less than four points. Despite the criticism Doncic receives for his body appearance, he is scoring, rebounding, and passing like an elite player. Put bluntly, Luka looks like Luka.
Look for a great game tonight, but expect the Lakers to cover the spread on the road. Put a unit for them to do that, and if you are new to DraftKings take advantage of Fantasy Alarm’s promotional code.
Nets vs Hornets Prediction: BKN ML, Mark Williams 10+ Points, 10+ Rebounds (+180 SGP on Bet365)
It is Saturday and that means Slam Dunk Saturdays on Bet365. It is a promotional offer for a $25 bonus bet if a $50+ 3+ same game parlay (SGP) with total odds over +100 wager is put forth. If you are not a customer of Bet365 make sure to take advantage of the promotional offer below.
This wager qualifies for that offer and the $25 bonus bet is sent within 48 hours. This is also a great angle for a SGP regardless of what sportsbook is being utilized. Mark Wlliams has been on the radar for NBA best bets, and we look for him to deliver on a prediction today.
His rebounding line is set at 10.5 and his point line is set at 15.5. Both have been teased down for this parlay to 10+ on the alternate line. Williams’ double double odds have been set at -145, and when building this parlay three selections are needed.
Williams should have no issues going over 10.5 rebounds against the Brooklyn Nets, as he is well rested after sitting out the Charlotte Hornets most recent match. He has recorded 12 or more rebounds in four of his last five matches, and the Nets have allowed an average of 52.3 rebounds per game over their last three matches.
Williams has scored ten or more points in seven consecutive matches, and has an average of 15.5 points per game. The points are not in question. Despite Williams’ expected effort, the Nets are expected to win this match. Brooklyn is going for the season sweep against Charlotte, and the Nets still have a chance to make the play-in. They are currently 3.5 games behind the Chicago Bulls for tenth.
The Nets are currently on a six game losing streak and the Hornets a nine-game losing streak. But Brooklyn has the more complete roster. Trust the Nets to deliver with the season sweep over the Hornets. Put a unit on this teased down SGP to be successful.
Best NBA Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 3/8
There are several great options for player props as most of the games today have tight spreads. There are two player props that today’s NBA best bets take advantage of in a rare four wager weekend.
Bulls vs Heat Prediction: Coby White O20.5 Points (-115 on DraftKings Sportsbook) *2.0 U
Coby White has not been mentioned as much this year. However with the Chicago Bulls roster adjustments due to trades and injuries, White has played more minutes and been more involved. White’s per game averages are; 32.9 minutes, 18.9 points, and 3.4 rebounds. In the Chicago Bulls last four games he has played totals of 37, 39, 34, 37 minutes, has scored 44, 25, 26, 24 points, and recorded four or more rebounds in each game.
The Bulls might be tanking, but White is displaying his skills and playing with a purpose. Chicago is in the play-in and could make it to the playoffs, but White plays with effort as the numbers indicate.
His point line is at different levels, and so are his odds, but over 20.5 at -115 are great combination. It removes the hook of other sportsbooks and gives a little freedom against the Miami Heat who allow 110.5 points per game. Put a unit on White to deliver with 21 or more points for the fifth consecutive match.
Wizards vs Raptors Prediction: RJ Barrett O22.5 Points (-105 on Bet365)
The Toronto Raptors are playing in the second of back-to-back matches tonight, but RJ Barrett is not. He was purposely rested in yesterday’s match in order to be prepared to carry a larger load tonight.
The Washington Wizards host the Raptors today and the Wizards allow the second most points per game. 120.6 is their average, and despite their better play they are not a great defense. Meanwhile Barrett has scored 23 or more points in just three of his last eight matches, but he has an advantage in this match.
Barrett is averaging 21.7 points per game and he will be asked to be an offensive spark for the Raptors. Washington allows over 120 points per game and the sportsbooks have added one point to his average due to it. The data indicates that he has every opportunity to go over his average and that is the prediction for his points.
Barrett also has different points and odd lines so make sure to take over 22.5 as opposed to 23.5. Even more so if the odds are better with less points required.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Today At Bet365 Sportsbook When You Sign Up
Ready to jump into the action? New users can score a fantastic deal with Bet365 Sportsbook without even needing a Bet365 promo code. Sign up today, place a $5 wager, and instantly receive $150 in bonus bets—win or lose! It’s one of the best offers out there, giving you extra firepower to follow our NBA best bets today.
Whether you’re fading or following our NBA predictions, this promo reduces the risk and boosts your potential payout. Head to Bet365 now to claim your $150 in bonus bets and get in on the NBA excitement! With these NBA predictions and options in hand, you’re set for a profitable night.
Player News
Buddy Hield had 15 points (5-of-14 FGs), three rebounds, one assist, one steal and four three-pointers against the Timberwolves in Game 2 on Thursday.
Hield moved into the Warriors’ starting lineup in the first round and the team became somewhat reliant on his scoring. With Stephen Curry (hamstring) out in Game 2, Hield started and played 29 minutes. The 32-year-old shooting guard led the Warriors in field goal attempts, though no one in a Golden State uniform was able to reach 20 points. The Warriors weren’t able to overcome a double-digit first half deficit. Despite the four made three-pointers, they’re going to need more from Hield as the series shifts to Golden State, especially if Curry remains out.
Jimmy Butler had 17 points (6-of-13 FGs), seven rebounds, four assists, one steal and two three-pointers against the Timberwolves in Game 2 on Thursday.
Butler couldn’t get it done without Stephen Curry (hamstring) on the road in Game 2. The Warriors fell behind by double-digits early and never recovered. Butler had 17 points on 13 shots, which wasn’t far off from the 20 points he had in Game 1. Still, the Warriors have to regroup as they head home for Games 3 and 4 as they try to figure out a way to keep this series close until Curry can return to the court.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 20 points (7-of-13 FGs), two rebounds, three assists, one block and four three-pointers in Game 2 against the Warriors on Thursday.
Alexander-Walker was a key scorer off the bench in Game 2. He, Naz Reid and Donte DiVencenzo combined for 10 made three-pointers off the bench. In a game where the Warriors were desperate for scoring without Stephen Curry (hamstring), those bench points were too much to overcome as the Timberwolves won by 24 points.
Julius Randle had 24 points (10-of-17 FGs), seven rebounds, 11 assists and one three-pointer in Game 2 against the Warriors on Thursday.
Randle led the Timberwolves in scoring in the Game 2 victory. The 30-year-old power forward was just three rebounds away from a triple-double. He was a steadying presence in his 33 minutes as Anthony Edwards dealt with an ankle injury towards the end of the first half. Edwards recovered from his injury to play 34 minutes, but Randle is still the next most important player in this series for the Timberwolves.
Anthony Edwards had 20 points (6-of-13 FGs), nine rebounds, five assists, three steals, one block and two three-pointers in the Timberwolves’ 117-93 victory over the Warriors in Game 2 on Thursday.
Edwards appeared to suffer a sprained left ankle towards the end of the second quarter as the Warriors’ Trayce Jackson-Davis landed on his foot. Edwards turned the same ankle in the first round against the Lakers and appeared to re-aggravate the injury. The 23-year-old shooting guard would go on to start the second half and play a team-high 34 minutes in the Game 2 victory. Edwards will only have one full day off before the series resumes in Golden State for Game 3 on Saturday.
Warriors will start Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Quinten Post in Game 2 against the Timberwolves on Thursday.
No surprise here as Curry was always a long shot to make it back for Game 2 after leaving Game 1 with hamstring injury. While there has been a report that the 37-year-old point guard is expected to miss a week, there is no firm timetable for his return. The Warriors will go big with their starting lineup for Game 2 with center Quinten Post entering the lineup in Curry’s absence.