Now that the weekend is here, it’s time to simplify the grind. Instead of splitting sides/totals and player props into separate pieces, my weekend columns will bring everything under one roof — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s slate. Fewer words, hopefully the same results. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Saturday, March 7.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
PARLAY: Timberwolves ML vs. Magic & Hawks ML vs. 76ers (-114 – 1.5 units)
Magic at Timberwolves – 3:00 pm ET
76ers at Hawks – 6:00 pm ET
Franz Wagner is still out with a left ankle sprain, so this Magic team is shorthanded today. Well, this isn’t the game to be a mediocre offensive team that is missing a key piece. The Timberwolves are one of the best defensive teams in basketball. Minnesota is also the superior offensive team, ranking 10th in the NBA in adjusted offensive rating (116.0) while Orlando is just 18th (113.7). The Timberwolves are also on a five-game winning streak — and they have also won eight of their last nine. This team does turn in some maddening performances, but they’re winning games and should get up for this national TV showcase.
In the other game, I like Atlanta’s defensive backcourt to come up big. Philadelphia will be playing without Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe, putting everything on Tyrese Maxey’s shoulders. Maxey will probably score a bunch on volume alone, but I expect him to do it inefficiently. And the Hawks offense might not be great, but they should be able to take advantage of the 76ers being without some key defensive players.
NBA Player Props Today
Jared McCain Over 9.5 Points (-112) vs. Warriors
Warriors at Thunder – 8:30 pm ET
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing for the Thunder tonight, but the team is going to be without Alex Caruso, Jalen Williams, and Ajay Mitchell. That means we should see some decent minutes for McCain, who is averaging 11.9 points per game since arriving in Oklahoma City. McCain has been a sniper with the Thunder, shooting 41.1% from 3, on 4.7 attempts per game. He’s getting a ton of quality looks, he’s being aggressive about getting his shots up, and he looks comfortable with his new surroundings.
Tonight, McCain will be going up against a very good defensive team, so don’t make the mistake of assuming this is a strong matchup. However, I do think the Warriors will have to be aggressive in the way they defend Gilgeous-Alexander, and McCain should benefit when he’s out there with him. I also think McCain will do some damage without the MVP on the floor. Also, if this game starts to get a little lopsided, McCain likely won’t be one of the first players yanked.
Additional Plays (Late Adds, Teasers, Parlays, Futures)
PARLAY: Pistons ML vs. Nets & Clippers ML vs. Grizzlies & Bucks ML vs. Jazz (-111)
2025-26 NBA Record: 375-358 (+5.89 units)
