I only have a few plays for the loaded NBA slate on Monday, March 30. So, while I normally break things down with two separate articles, I’m bringing everything under one roof instead of splitting up sides/totals and player props — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s slate. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Monday.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today
Hawks ML (-115) vs. Celtics
Celtics at Hawks – 7:30 pm ET
The Celtics beat the Hawks by seven in Boston the other day, but I’m expecting some revenge here. It’s never easy beating the same team twice in a row, and that’s especially true against a sharp X’s-and’O’s coach like Quin Snyder.
The Hawks have actually been better statistically since the All-Star break. Since then, Atlanta is 16-3 with a net rating of +10.5, while Boston is 15-5 with a net rating of +8.8. With that in mind, the Hawks are appealing as a short favorite at home here — no matter who’s on the floor.
Things might not be equal tonight when looking at the injury report. Boston is coming of a win over Charlotte yesterday, meaning this is the second leg of a back-to-back. Well, will the Celtics throw Jayson Tatum, who just returned from a lengthy rehab for a torn Achilles, out there two days in a row? I’m not sure. Boston has also been without Jaylen Brown for two games, as he’s dealing with Achilles tendinopathy. I’m not sure he’ll be out there either.
I just like this spot to back a very good defensive team against a group that’s facing a ton of questions. Honestly, the only reason I’m not going bigger on this is that I already have Atlanta to make the postseason and win the Southeast Division. I don’t need to risk too much more on the Hawks.
NBA Player Props Today
Paul George Over 16.5 Points (-120) vs. Heat
76ers at Heat – 7:00 pm ET
George has only played two games since returning from his suspension, but he’s averaging 27.0 points per game in 31.0 minutes per game. The nine-time All-Star doesn’t look rusty, and Nick Nurse hasn’t had to ease him back into action. In fact, he has thrown him into the fire. Well, I like George to have another strong game tonight, as the Heat are a team I enjoy going against with player props. I have mentioned it often this year, but Miami being ninth in the NBA in adjusted defensive rating (112.8) doesn’t matter much with the team also playing at the fastest pace (104.5) in the league. The Heat are also below average when it comes to guarding in isolation, defending spot-up jumpers, and guarding above-the-break triples. All of that should play into George’s hands.
Additional Plays (Late Adds, Parlays, Teasers, Futures)
Nothing yet. However, I will likely add some player props later.
