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 8.
RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!
NBA Best Bets Today (Sides/Totals)
Cavaliers ML (-104 – 1.5 units) vs. Celtics
Celtics at Cavaliers – 1:00 pm ET
The Cavaliers won’t have Jarrett Allen this afternoon, but Donovan Mitchell is set to return to action. On top of that, this Cleveland team hasn’t played since Tuesday, which means Kenny Atkinson has had a lot of time to watch film on Boston. I just wouldn’t be surprised if the Cavaliers are more prepared than usual on the defensive end, and I’m really not worried about this team offensively. This Cleveland backcourt can score on anyone.
By the way, the Cavaliers are 8-2 straight-up when playing with at least three days of rest under Atkinson. They’re also an outrageous 34-2 SU when facing teams that force 13.0 or fewer turnovers per game in that span. If you can’t really get up and pressure this Cleveland team, the offense will pick you apart. The Cavaliers also happen to be 57-20 SU when playing in Cleveland under Atkinson, so they really don’t lose in this building very often.
NBA Player Props Today
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 13.5 Points (-122) vs. Pistons
Pistons at Heat – 6:00 pm ET
The Pistons are the second-best defensive team in the NBA, so this isn’t an ideal matchup for anyone on the Heat. However, Norm Powell will be out for Miami tonight, which should mean opportunities to go around elsewhere. Naturally, the place many people will look is Tyler Herro, as the two of them play the same position. But the player that has really turned things up without Powell is Jaquez Jr. He has scored at least 14 points in the last five contests played without Powell, and he has also gone Over a point total of 13.5 in eight of the last nine without the talented shooting guard. Jaquez has also played 29.0 minutes per game in the last nine games he has played without Powell, and his usage rate is up at 23.5%. So, even in a rough matchup, I’m willing to take a chance on Jaquez to have a solid day as a scorer.
De’Aaron Fox Over 22.5 Points + Assists (-118) vs. Rockets
Rockets at Spurs – 8:00 pm ET
Houston is another very strong defensive team, so perhaps I’m flirting with danger with these player props tonight. However, Fox does some things that could work here. For starters, he’s an excellent pick-and-roll operator, and the Rockets are surprisingly 25th in the NBA defending that action. Fox also scores 26% of his points on short mid-range jumpers, where Houston is just 24th in the NBA defensively. With that in mind, I think there’s a chance Fox gets going as a scorer — and a triple or two can also be expected. Fox should also do a little as a passer. Realistically, 22.5 is just a low number for Fox, who had 18 points and eight assists the last time he faced Houston. And with Harrison Barnes out, there’s more minutes to go around everywhere.
Nique Clifford Over 3.5 Assists (-119) vs. Bulls
Bulls at Kings – 9:00 pm ET
In the last seven games that Clifford has played against bottom-10 defenses, the rookie is averaging 4.7 assists per game and has had at least seven potential assists in five of the contests. Sacramento is still playing some veterans, but the team is also prioritizing the development of the younger guys. Well, Clifford is a very valuable young piece for this franchise, and Doug Christie has been getting him his on-ball reps. Tonight, I see Clifford taking advantage with another productive day as a passer, and the pace that the Bulls play at shouldn’t hurt. With Chicago being a team that likes to get up and down, there should be more possessions and opportunities for everyone in this game.
Additional Plays (Late Adds, Teasers, Parlays, Futures)
PARLAY: Knicks Alt +7.5 vs. Lakers & Suns Alt +10.5 vs. Hornets (-135 – 1.5 units)
PARLAY: Raptors ML vs. Mavericks, Pelicans ML vs. Wizards, Trail Blazers ML vs. Pacers (-110)
Jalen Brunson Over 8.5 First Quarter Points (-102) vs. Lakers
PARLAY: Heat Alt +8.5 vs. Pistons & Suns Alt +10.5 vs. Hornets (-116 – 1.5 units)
Ryan Rollins Over 26.5 Points + Assists (-130) vs. Magic
HALFTIME: Suns ML (+124 – 1.5 units) vs. Hornets
2025-26 NBA Record: 375-358 (+3.45 units)
