We’re nearing the end of the 2024-25 NBA season. I’ll continue giving out NBA best bets and player props here as often as possible, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on big news that shakes up the league. So, make sure you check out my work throughout the season. With that out of the way, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Sunday, March 23rd. Also, make sure you check out the picks page (linked right below) before games tip off. I occasionally add picks throughout the day.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on March 23rd
NBA Best Bets Today – March 23rd
Boston Celtics at Portland Trail Blazers – 6:00 pm ET
This season, the Celtics are just 15-16 against the spread as road favorites. They’re also just 10-14 ATS versus Western Conference teams. On top of that, Boston continues to be without Jaylen Brown, who has been sitting with a right knee issue. And Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis are all questionable. That said, this isn’t the greatest spot in the world for the Celtics, who have also struggled a bit as sizable favorites all year long. With that in mind, I’m taking the points with the red-hot Blazers, who have won four straight games and covered in five of their last six. At the very least, we know this game means a lot to Portland, which is still fighting for a spot in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament.
This also isn’t a play solely being made on trends. I also like that Portland is third in the league in defensive rating (109.0) over the last 15 games, and the team has done a good job of guarding the 3-point line in that span. That will go a long way against Boston.
Honestly, if I had a better feel for backing the Blazers this year, this might have been a 1.5-unit play. But there’s admittedly some scar tissue here, so I’m playing it a little smaller.
Bet: Blazers +7.5 (-109)
NBA Player Props Today – March 23rd
Denver Nuggets at Houston Rockets – 7:00 pm ET
Our NBA Prop Bet Analyzer shows that Dillon Brooks has gone over his PRA total in 11 of his last 14 starts. Since the start of March, Brooks also happens to be averaging 16.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. The 29-year-old is just in a nice groove for a red-hot Houston team, and I’m playing him to keep it up against Denver this evening. The Nuggets are a miserable defensive team, so Brooks should get some really good looks in this game. Well, he shoots 41.7% from 3 when playing in Houston, so he should be able to bury some triples. He’ll also get a little going with his in-between game, while continuing to make an impact as a rebounder and passer.
Bet: Brooks Over 18.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-120)
Additional Plays
This is where I’ll include any late added plays, teasers/parlays or in-season futures. Come back before tip if you don’t want to miss anything. It’s always possible I’ll add something to my card.
PARLAY: Heat ML vs. Hornets & Clippers Alt +10.5 vs. Thunder (-105 – 1.5 units)
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2024-25 NBA Record: 325-324-3 (+3.47 units)
