The 2023-24 NBA season is in full swing and we’re tackling it hard at VSiN. As always, Jonathan Von Tobel will be providing you with his exceptional coverage of the greatest league in the world. Just click here for all of his content. However, all of my picks will be featured in this daily column, which will combine my NBA best bets and NBA player props. So, keep reading to find out how I’m playing the NBA slate on Friday, March 1. Also, check out our NBA Odds page for the latest line movement.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on March 1
2023 Record: 221-199-2 (+10.37 units)
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NBA Best Bets Today – March 1
Portland Trail Blazers at Memphis Grizzlies – 8:00 pm ET
This is a pretty ugly game to handicap, but I feel good about fading the Blazers right now. Portland has lost nine games in a row and has also failed to cover in each of its last seven. Meanwhile, Memphis isn’t exactly winning games, but the team has been competitive. The Grizzlies have covered in five of their last six games and should be looking at this as an opportunity to actually get back in the win column. Memphis is working through some significant injuries, but Taylor Jenkins has a better chance of getting his group to execute than Chauncey Billups does. That’s all I need to play the home team as one of my NBA best bets. Sometimes coaching is enough when you’re dealing with an opponent with a shattered culture. That said, I’m not playing this one big but I want in on it in some capacity.
Bet: Grizzlies ML (-115 – 0.5 units)
Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls – 10:00 pm ET
The Bucks are coming off a 111-99 win over the Charlotte Hornets. They’re now 4-0 straight-up since the All-Star break, but this is the second night of a back-to-back. That means that Milwaukee could opt to rest some players, especially with this being a third game in four nights. The Bulls have also continued to be a reliable team to bet on. They’re coming off a 132-123 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, so they’re 2-1 both SU and against the spread in their last three games. They’re also 6-4 ATS in their last 10.
At the very least, Milwaukee will be without Khris Middleton tonight. That feels like enough to help Chicago make this a competitive basketball game. The Bulls are a very solid defensive team, so the Bucks could have some trouble scoring without a weapon like that. Also, if Alex Caruso sheds his questionable tag and plays in this game, that’s somebody that Chicago can throw on Damian Lillard. The team would then look to wall off Giannis Antetokounmpo and force Milwaukee’s role players to win this game. I’m not exactly sure those guys will be capable of doing that in a difficult road spot.
I also think this is a game in which Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu can get rolling for the Bulls. Both players can get blistering hot from 3, and the Bucks don’t defend the 3-point line all that well. And if those two are hitting, that would then give DeMar DeRozan some room to operate. Overall, I just like Chicago’s chances in this one, so I’m taking the points and sprinkling the moneyline with tonight’s NBA best bets.
Bet: Bulls +4 (-108 – 1.5 units) & Bulls ML (+152 – 0.5 units)
NBA Player Props Today – March 1
Sacramento Kings at Minnesota Timberwolves – 8:00 pm ET
Mike Conley is averaging 6.2 assists per game this season, and he’s also averaging 9.0 assists per game in two meetings with the Kings. With that in mind, I was eager to turn to him to go Over his assist total with tonight’s NBA player props. Conley’s role in the Minnesota offense is somewhat inconsistent. A few other players on the Timberwolves like to get involved as playmakers. But the Kings are just 20th in the league in defensive rating and play at a relatively fast pace. They’re also somewhat weak when it comes to defending guards. That said, this is a good matchup for Conley and he has proven that. Also, only seven teams are giving up more assists per game than Sacramento. So, I’m keeping it simple and playing Conley to go Over his total. I’m also putting a little on him to have at least eight dimes.
Bet: Conley Over 5.5 Assists (-157) & Conley Alt Assists 8+ (+200 – 0.5 units)
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