Things are heating up both conferences as NBA playoff seeding is on the line. We close out March with a 7-game slate, featuring a couple of tasty games in the Association. NBC will have a doubleheader tipping off at 8:00 pm ET between the Knicks and Rockets, followed by a big game in LA between the Clippers and Trail Blazers at 11 pm ET. I’ve gone through all 7 games and picked out my NBA best bets for every single matchup. Let’s break ’em down, while you can also get our expert NBA picks for every game throughout the rest of the season and playoffs.
Suns vs Magic NBA best bet: Suns +2 (-112)
The Magic are an embarrassment right now. They just lost by 52 points to the Toronto Raptors, allowing a 31-0 run at one point. The Suns have 3 wins in 4 games, and one of those wins was against the Raptors by 22 points. Unlike Orlando, this team puts in the effort on a nightly basis. They’ve covered in 5 of 7 against East teams, so let’s give Booker and company a shot here.
Read our full Suns vs Magic prediction
Hornets vs Nets NBA best bet: Over 218.5 (-110)
Considering how great the Hornets have been on offense over the past couple of months, this total seems a bit too low. The 3 most recent meetings have averaged 226.2 points per game, and I’m hoping Charlotte takes out its frustrations here after 2 sub-par performances against the 76ers and Celtics.
Read our full Hornets vs Nets prediction
Raptors vs Pistons NBA best bet: Raptors ML (+124)
No Cade for the Pistons here, plus they’re coming back from Oklahoma City after a tough OT loss last night. Toronto has been a solid squad on the road this season, and they’ll be encouraged after their big win over Orlando the other day. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt here and back a road win outright.
Knicks vs Rockets NBA best bet: Knicks ML (-115)
Pressure is building on the Knicks to get back on track, as the 4th-seeded Cavaliers are just a game back in the standings now. They’ve dominated this matchup lately, winning 10 of the last 12 meetings, including the first one this season when they came back from double-digits in the 4th quarter. Meltdowns like that have happened far too often for my liking for the Rockets this season. I cannot trust them here, even if they are playing at home.
Read our full Knicks vs Rockets prediction
Mavericks vs Bucks NBA best bet: Over 227.5 (-110)
Let’s face it – neither side needs the win nor do they want it. The defenses might take the night off here, as there’s really no pressure on either side to perform. The over has cashed in 5 of 6 meetings in Milwaukee, while the last 10 meetings overall are averaging 232 points per game. The over has cashed in 3 straight as well — make it 4 after Tuesday.
Cavaliers vs Lakers NBA best bet: Lakers ML (-126)
Luka Doncic comes back from a 1-game suspension and he’ll be fresh to take on a Cavs team against whom he’s averaging over 30 points per game in the last 10 meetings. LA has won 9 in a row at home, and they’ve looked like the team to beat in the Western Conference in the month of March. There’s also the revenge factor we shouldn’t underestimate here, as the Cavs won the first meeting by 30, and I’m willing to bet the Lakers have circled this game on their calendars ever since that defeat happened.
Read our full Cavaliers vs Lakers prediction
Trail Blazers vs Clippers NBA best bet: Clippers -5.5 (-114)
Darius Garland has fit in perfectly with the Clippers, and together with a healthy Kawhi Leonard, they should be a force to be reckoned with in the play-in tournament. Portland has been the feel-good story this season, but against a serious team like the Clippers, I don’t really rate their chances. There are just too many holes in their game, and an experienced team like LA should know how to exploit those. Back the Clippers.
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