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 29.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Player Props Today
Ryan Rollins Over 19.5 Points (-104) vs. Clippers
Clippers at Bucks – 3:30 pm ET
I’m not sure we’ll see Rollins this afternoon, as he’s questionable for the Bucks. However, if he does end up playing, I like his chances of having at least 20 points. This season, Rollins is averaging 22.1 points per game when playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Porter Jr. However, Milwaukee will also be without Bobby Portis, and Rollins is averaging 23.8 points per game in the four games he has played without all three. There’s just going to be a lot on Rollins’ plate if he ends up playing today, so I don’t even care that this is a tough matchup.
Jay Huff Over 9.5 Points (-102) vs. Heat
Heat at Pacers – 5:00 pm ET
Huff missed a pair of big free throws against the Clippers last game, but that’s not a reason to write him off completely. In fact, Huff has scored at least 10 points in 11 of the last 17 games he has played without Ivica Zubac, who will be missing tonight’s meeting with the Heat. That said, I’m not even really thinking twice about firing up Huff to perform today. He has already had a double-digit scoring game against this Miami team this season, and we know this is going to be an up-and-down affair with optional defense. That should benefit Huff, who is an athletic play finisher and a capable shooter.
Andrew Wiggins Over 1.5 Made 3s (-112) vs. Pacers
Heat at Pacers – 5:00 pm ET
Wiggins has made at least two 3s in back-to-back games, which is all I’m asking of him tonight. Wiggins had a game against Indiana earlier in the year in which he made four triples, and I just don’t think the wing is going to be shy about launching tonight — especially with Norman Powell out. Over the last 10 games, opponents are shooting a ridiculous 39.3% from 3 against the Pacers, which speaks to the quality of looks that will be available this evening.
Kel’el Ware Over 9.5 Points (+100) vs. Pacers
Heat at Pacers – 5:00 pm ET
Ware averaged 13.5 points per game in the two-game baseball series against the Cavaliers, going Over 9.5 points in both of those contests. The big man has also gone Over tonight’s point total in 14 of the last 20 games. Erik Spoelstra has just been much more willing to go to the double-big lineup with Ware and Bam Adebayo, and that makes it hard not to like the second-year pro to have 10 points tonight. The Pacers are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, and they really struggle guarding inside 10 feet (29th in NBA). We also saw Ware score 15 against this team earlier in the year.
Nolan Traore Over 15.5 Points + Assists (-108) vs. Kings
Kings at Nets – 6:00 pm ET
Traore is in a bit of a mini-slump right now, but facing the Kings is always a good slump-buster. Traore had 17 points and four assists the last time he faced Sacramento, which was only one week ago. Well, I’m playing him to go Over 15.5 combined points and assists here. The Kings are 27th in the NBA defending inside 10 feet, 22nd defending in isolation, 21st guarding pick-and-roll ball handlers, and 25th guarding in transition. Traore’s speed should kill in this game.
Tari Eason Over 14.5 Points + Rebounds (-102) vs. Pelicans
Rockets at Pelicans – 7:00 pm ET
Eason just got out of one of the nastiest shooting slumps you’ll ever see, but he has made at least one 3 in four of the last five games. He’s feeling a little better about his jumper. He also finds ways to contribute without it. Eason is a high-motor player that always does his best to score doing some dirty work, and he’s always going to compete on the glass. Well, I like him to have a solid game when it comes to points and rebounds tonight, as New Orleans is miserable guarding around the basket (28th in NBA), can’t defend spot-up jumpers (25th in NBA), and is merely average on the glass.
Gui Santos Over 14.5 Points (-120 – 1.5 units) & Alt Points 20+ (+260 – 0.5 units) vs. Nuggets
Warriors at Nuggets – 10:00 pm ET
I’m a little nervous about a potential blowout harming Santos’ scoring prospects tonight, but I still can’t help myself with his number sitting so low. Over the last 19 games, Santos is averaging 16.3 points per game. He has also had at least 20 points in four of the last 12 games, so he’s fully capable of going out there and lighting up the right opponent. Well, this could be the right opponent. As long as Santos isn’t primarily guarded by Aaron Gordon, he’s going up against a team that is in the bottom-10 in adjusted defensive rating (116.6) and can’t guard spot-up jumpers (26th in NBA).
Additional Plays (Late Adds, Teasers, Parlays, Futures)
PARLAY: Celtics Alt +8.5 vs. Hornets & Thunder ML vs. Knicks (-139 – 1.5 units)
