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 22nd. 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 21
2023 Record: 272-282-2 (-13.88 units)
NBA Best Bets Today – March 22
New Orleans Pelicans at Miami Heat – 8:00 pm ET
I’ll feel worse about this if Bam Adebayo ends up missing this game, but this is still a rough spot for the Pelicans. New Orleans is coming off a lopsided loss to the Orlando Magic last night, and Brandon Ingram injured his knee in that game. So, the Pelicans will be missing one of their best scorers tonight. That’s not what you want against a Heat team that is top 10 in adjusted defensive rating. It’s going to be hard for New Orleans to create consistent offense in this game, especially with Miami having good options to throw on guys like Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. And the Heat also guard the 3-point line at a high level, so even a big game from Trey Murphy III feels a little unrealistic.
Miami is also an impressive 49-30 against the spread when facing teams that outscore opponents by 3+ points per game over the last three seasons. So, the Heat generally show up for bettors against good competition. Meanwhile, New Orleans is just 34-47 ATS when playing teams with winning records since the start of last season.
I just trust Miami to cover with tonight’s NBA best bets, even if it’s one the team needs to grab late in the game. Jimmy Butler will be the best player on the floor tonight, and the Heat role players know exactly what their jobs are. That’s important when facing a team without one of its key cogs, as everything will be different for New Orleans without Ingram.
Bet: Heat -3 (-108 – 2 units)
NBA Player Props Today – March 22
Indiana Pacers at Golden State Warriors – 10:00 pm ET
Klay Thompson has looked like his old self recently. The 34-year-old has scored at least 18 points in six of his last seven games, and he’s shooting 43.7% from 3 this month. Now, Thompson gets his shot at a Pacers team that is 25th in the league in adjusted defensive rating. Indiana also plays at the second-fastest pace in the league. So, this is going to be an up-and-down game and Thompson will have opportunities to score. With that in mind, I’m backing Thompson to have at least 17 points with tonight’s NBA player props. I’m also throwing a little something on him to score at least 20. He has the potential to do some real damage against the Pacers second unit. He and Chris Paul have been feasting on opposing benches.
Bet: Thompson Over 16.5 Points (-120 – 1.5 units) & Thompson Alt Points 20+ (+165 – 0.5 units)
Added Plays
Philadelphia 76ers +7.5 (-110 – 1.5 units) vs. Los Angeles Lakers
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