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 Saturday, March 2. 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 2
2023 Record: 223-202-2 (+9.68 units)
NBA Best Bets Today – March 2
Atlanta Hawks at Brooklyn Nets – 3:00 pm ET
The Nets trounced the Hawks in a 124-97 win on Thursday. However, the oddsmakers didn’t overreact to that loss and neither should we. Brooklyn was a 1-point favorite in that game and that’s exactly what the spread is here. That means that the oddsmakers are trying to trap bettors that are just looking at box scores. Also, the Hawks had been playing good basketball heading into that last game, giving up less than 100 points in back-to-back games. So, we know they’re capable of playing better defense. That said, I don’t think we’ll see Brooklyn shoot 51.1% from the floor again. Also, Atlanta head coach Quin Snyder is one of the brightest minds in the league. He has always been great at making adjustments, and I trust him more than Kevin Ollie in this spot.
Bet: Hawks ML (+102 – 2 units)
Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers – 8:30 pm ET
This a rematch of what many called the most competitive sweet in playoff history. Well, many in Los Angeles called it that. Or better yet, many in the Los Angeles Lakers organization. But all jokes aside, I do like the Lakers as an NBA best bet tonight. I’d just be surprised if Jamal Murray (questionable) is able to go for the Nuggets. He suffered a pretty nasty ankle sprain last game. And even if he is able to play, his movement will likely be compromised. Los Angeles is also playing some inspired basketball lately, as the team is 9-3 straight-up since the start of February. And two games ago, the Lakers completed a remarkable comeback win against the Los Angeles Clippers. It just feels like this group is really starting to come together, making this a compelling matchup.
Denver is also in a tough situational spot, as this is the team’s third game in four days. On top of that, Los Angeles is one of the few teams in the league that has a truly elite interior defender. That’s not to say that Anthony Davis will go out and shut Nikola Jokic down. But his presence in the paint will undoubtedly make things a little tougher on the two-time MVP. And if that’s not enough, LeBron James is absolutely cooking right now. He has had at least 28 points in four consecutive games and his efficiency has been through the roof.
Bet: Lakers ML (-103 – 2 units)
NBA Player Props Today – March 2
Houston Rockets at Phoenix Suns – 9:00 pm ET
Alperen Sengun had only eight points, four rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes against the Suns on Thursday. That’s because he was in foul trouble and ended up fouling out of the game. But Sengun had 12 rebounds against Phoenix just a couple of games ago (February 23). And the 21-year-old had secured at least 11 rebounds in three consecutive games before the dud on Thursday. With that in mind, I’m more than willing to go back to Sengun to flirt with double digits in boards — and possibly hit an alternate of 12+. The Suns are just 22nd in the league in defensive rebound rate this season. So, Sengun should be able to put some pressure on them on the offensive glass. I also have no doubts that he’ll grab an adequate amount of defensive boards. This is a player that is averaging 16.7 rebound chances per game.
Bet: Sengun Over 8.5 Rebounds (-122 – 1.5 units) & Sengun Alt Rebounds 12+ (+255 – 0.5 units)
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