NBA playoff races are in full swing, and the result has been a ton of competitive games every single night. Tonight should be no different, with 12 teams in action and looking to earn a win.
Here’s a look at some of the best bets available for the NBA today:
NBA Best Bet #1: Portland @ Detroit Alternate Total Over 232.5 (+115)
This matchup features two of the worst defensive units in the NBA. The Portland Trail Blazers are 27th in defensive rating, and the Detroit Pistons are 28th. Portland also happens to be sixth in offensive rating.
Let’s start with the visiting Trail Blazers, who have allowed at least 114 points in 13 consecutive games. 14 of Portland’s last 18 games have finished with more than 233 total points. The lowest-scoring game in that stretch finished with 127 points. Portland’s offense is what keeps them competitive, putting up 120 or more in 11 of those games.
Detroit has given up at least 114 in their last three, and six of their last eight games. For the season, they allow the second-most points per game, 119.1. Their offense isn’t quite as dangerous, hence their record, but you can expect to see at least one team score when they play.
NBA Best Bet #2: Cavaliers -2.5 1st Quarter Spread (-110)
The Cavaliers and Celtics are meeting for the second time in less than a week, but the Celtics will be a bit shorthanded this time around. Boston has already ruled out Jayson Tatum, Robert Williams III, and Al Horford, all starters for the Celtics.
All of those players started on March 1, when the Cavaliers won the first quarter against Boston, 28-26. Cleveland has won two of the three first quarters they’ve played against the Celtics since they also outscored them 35-27 the first time these teams met in Cleveland.
Cleveland has the best defense in the league and performs better at home on both ends of the floor. Look for them to impose their will early on as they need a win to stave off the red-hot Knicks for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
NBA Best Bet #3: Sacramento Kings -5.5 (-115)
The Kings lost last time out, but were on a roll beforehand, winning five straight. All three of the wins that weren’t against the Clippers were by greater than five points. They have the best offense in the league, one at a historic level right now, and they’re putting up nearly seven more points per game at home this season, where they’ll be tonight.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are struggling right now and in serious danger of missing the play-in tournament, let alone the playoffs. New Orleans has dropped six of their last eight games, and all six losses were by at least five points. Six of those eight games came on the road too.
The Pelicans aren’t playing well right now, especially not on the offensive end. Facing a Kings team that’s at home and making a push for the two-seed in the Western Conference (they’re one game behind a Memphis team dealing with a lot of issues right now), doesn’t bode well for their chances of turning it around tonight. Expect Sacramento to dominate and light the beam.
