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 Sunday, March 15.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Timberwolves +8.5 (-110) vs. Thunder
Timberwolves at Thunder – 1:00 pm ET
I’m going to cross my fingers and hope Anthony Edwards is available today. The superstar is listed as questionable with right knee soreness, and I’m not sure Minnesota has the offensive firepower it needs to keep this game close without him. However, if Edwards is out there, I do think this game has the potential to be close. Oklahoma City is still playing without Jalen Williams, so that makes the defensive matchups look a little better for Chris Finch’s group. They’ll be able to throw Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Ayo Dosunmu on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander without having to worry too much about getting torched by any of the other shot creators on this Thunder team. That means everyone else just needs to stay at home on shooters.
I also just think that the Timberwolves found something last game, as they absolutely beat the Warriors down in Golden State. That came directly after a 25-point loss to the Clippers in which Finch was upset in his postgame press conference. Minnesota is probably starting to realize that now is the time to lock in, as the third seed in the Western Conference is still up for grabs.
I’ll also note that the Timberwolves enjoy the Thunder matchup. While last year’s playoff series wasn’t too competitive — at least when looking at the series length — Minnesota is 2-1 straight-up and 3-0 against the spread versus Oklahoma City this year.
NBA Player Props Today
Gui Santos Over 26.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-105) vs. Knicks
Warriors at Knicks – 8:00 pm ET
The Warriors are insanely shorthanded right now, meaning there’s opportunity when looking to some of their rotation pieces on the player props market. Well, Santos is one player that has been filling up the stat sheet. Over the last four games, he’s averaging 28.8 combined points, rebounds, and assists, and I think there’s a good chance he flirts with 30 PRA tonight. This Knicks team has struggled with similar well-rounded forwards lately, and New York’s wings have been burnable this season.
I mentioned the Warriors being depleted right now, but that almost doesn’t do it justice. Not only is Stephen Curry out for Golden State but the team will also be missing Draymond Green, Al Horford, Moses Moody, De’Anthony Melton, and Kristaps Porzingis tonight. That said, if Santos doesn’t get into foul trouble, there’s a real chance he plays close to 40 minutes.
Cody Williams Over 12.5 Points (+100 – 1.5 units) & Alt Points 15+ (+172 – 0.5 units) vs. Kings
Jazz at Kings – 10:00 pm ET
I normally try to avoid some of these garbage matchups completely, but I do think there’s a chance Williams has a strong game tonight. Utah has been throwing him out there for big minutes lately, as the team is missing players and his development can now be prioritized the rest of the season. Well, Williams is averaging 13.4 points per game in 38.0 minutes per game over the last five contests, and he has a good matchup tonight. The Kings are the third-worst defensive team in the league this year, and they’re also miserable defending within 10 feet. That’s where Williams scores 76% of his points, so there’s a good chance he does good work as a slasher and cutter in this one.
Additional Plays (Late Adds, Teasers, Parlays, Futures)
PARLAY: Raptors Alt +8.5 vs. Pistons & Trail Blazers ML vs. 76ers (-127 – 1.5 units)
2025-26 NBA Record: 396-382 (+0.79 units)
