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 Thursday, March 14. 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 14
2023 Record: 251-252-2 (-8.77 units)
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NBA Best Bets Today – March 14
Phoenix Suns at Boston Celtics – 7:30 pm ET
The Suns had to work harder than expected in a 117-111 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. But the important thing is that Phoenix got the win. The Suns have now won three of their last four, and they’re as close to full strength as they have been all season. Now, they’ll look to try and beat the best team in basketball.
Boston went into Phoenix and earned a 117-107 win on Saturday. It was a one-sided game throughout, but the Suns did make a push in the second half. However, Devin Booker wasn’t out there for Phoenix. He’s going to be good to go for the Suns tonight, and he had 27 points in 38 minutes on Monday. So, he’s fully back and he’s not on a minutes restriction. With that in mind, it’s surprising to see the spread is the same as it was over the weekend. I know going from Phoenix to Boston is a change, but the Suns got a superstar back in the lineup. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porzingis remains out for the Celtics.
It’s just hard to see Phoenix going down without a fight and this is a very big spread. The Suns have had two full days of rest, too. That should be very helpful for a team with Kevin Durant playing heavy minutes. And it should also be huge for preparation. The Suns have likely spent a ton of time diving into Saturday’s tape. Of course, Boston has won three in a row and covered in all of those contests. So, the team is playing well right now. But the Suns are one of the few teams in the league that have the talent to go toe to toe with this group.
Bet: Suns +6 (-105 – 2 units) & Suns ML (+210 – 0.5 units)
Philadelphia 76ers at Milwaukee Bucks – 8:00 pm ET
The Sixers just scored 79 points in back-to-back meetings with the New York Knicks. That’s obviously a little concerning. But Philadelphia has a nice get-right opportunity here. Milwaukee’s defense has been much better under Doc Rivers, but some bad performances are starting to creep in. The Bucks gave up 123 or more points in three of the four games they played on this most recent four-game road trip. And they were absolutely torched by the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. That has to give the Sixers quite a bit of hope. And the reality is that their guards have the ability to make the Bucks pay for playing drop coverage. That said, don’t be surprised if we get a big performance from Tyrese Maxey here. And I wouldn’t rule out Kyle Lowry playing well in his minutes.
Milwaukee also has to be a little tired from having played four road games in a row, with all of them being against competitive teams. In addition to the Kings, the Bucks also faced the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers. So, this could be something of a physical and emotional letdown spot. Milwaukee also happens to be without Khris Middleton still, and Malik Beasley is listed as questionable. Meanwhile, Philadelphia is relatively healthy outside of the noteworthy absence of Joel Embiid.
Overall, this just feels like a lot of points. The Sixers have struggled without Embiid, but they’re capable of covering a big number against a bad defensive team.
Bet: Sixers +7.5 (-107 – 2 units)
NBA Player Props Today – March 14
Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder – 10:00 pm ET
Chet Holmgren’s playmaking ability flies a bit under the radar. The rookie has had 10 games with at least five assists this season, which is impressive for a young player with a low usage rate. Tonight, I’m leaning on Holmgren’s ability to move the ball. I’m not expecting a huge game as a passer, but I like his chances of having three or four dimes. This game against the Mavericks has the highest total on the board. And Dallas is just 23rd in the NBA in adjusted defensive rating. This is a team that is unorganized on the defensive end. So, Holmgren should be able to pick out some shooters or cutters. He could also pick up an assist or two with something as simple as a dribble handoff. Holmgren already had a three-assist game against Dallas earlier in the year. Why can’t he do it again?
Bet: Holmgren Over 2.5 Assists (-114 – 1.5 units) & Holmgren Alt Assists 4+ (+210 – 0.5 units)
Added Plays
PARLAY – Rockets ML vs. Wizards + Clippers ML vs. Bulls (-118 – 2 units): I’m throwing in this moneyline parlay for tonight. The Rockets are banged up right now, but they have won five of their last six games. Now, they host a Wizards team that is coming off a loss to a shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies team. Houston is the better team on both ends of the floor, and the talent edge goes to the Rockets — even without Alperen Sengun. Meanwhile, there are some question marks with the Clippers in regards to the status of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden here. But the Bulls are coming off an emotional overtime game against the Indiana Pacers last night. Chicago is also gearing up for a third game in four nights. The group should be fatigued in this spot.
Mavericks +8.5 (-155 – 2 units) vs. Thunder
Knicks/Blazers Over 99.5 2H (-115 – 2 units)
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