There was plenty of excitement in the NBA last night. The Milwaukee Bucks came back from 20 points down at halftime to not only win, but win by double digits against the Miami Heat. James Harden kept up his incredible scoring streak with another big performance in a Houston win, and both Doc Rivers and Jim Boylen were ejected at the same time when the Clippers hosted the Bulls. There will be some more great games and story lines heading into the playoffs on Saturday.
NBA Opening Lines at BookMaker.eu
Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics (BOS -10.5, O/U 231.5)
If you want to bet this one, you don’t have much time to waste since it tips at 12:30 p.m. The early start time is due to the St. Patrick’s Day festivities that will engulf the city of Boston on Sunday.
Boston is looking to grab home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, while Atlanta waved goodbye to the postseason long ago and is just looking towards the future. John Collins and Trae Young are starting to put things together, and its been 11 games since the Hawks were beaten by double digits.
Memphis Grizzlies at Washington Wizards (WAS -2.5, O/U 224)
Despite Bradley Beal’s best efforts, the Wizards couldn’t keep their home winning streak going last night against Charlotte. Now, Washington’s postseason hopes are on life support, and they need a win in the second night of a back-to-back against a Memphis team that isn’t very talented, but plays good defense and will be very physical.
Phoenix Suns at New Orleans Pelicans (NO -1, O/U 232.5)
If you’re going to skip any game on Saturday, this is the one. Both Phoenix and New Orleans played last night, so two of the worst teams in the league will be even more fatigued than usual when they meet here. Julius Randle has emerged as the Pelicans’ top offensive option with Anthony Davis being kept in bubble wrap, and he might have another big night after taking an incredible 34 shots last night against Portland.
Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs (SAS -2, O/U 225.5)
This is the second part of a back-to-back for the Spurs, and this is usually where they rest some of their starters. However, San Antonio played the Knicks last night, so Gregg Popovich used everyone sparingly. No one played more than 28 minutes, so the Spurs may not give anyone rest tonight against the Blazers.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Dallas Mavericks (DAL -6.5, O/U 215.5)
The Mavericks have been incredible at home this season. They are 21-13 in Dallas, and they would be a .500 team if they played in the Eastern Conference instead of the loaded West. Cleveland is just going through the motions at this point, while Dallas has already given up this year’s first round pick so you don’t have to worry about the Mavs tanking.
Golden State Warriors at Oklahoma City Thunder (No Line)
This is the game of the day, like any time Golden State plays another contender, but we haven’t seen a betting line yet even though both the Warriors and Thunder had last night off. That’s because Kevin Durant is a gametime decision after missing Thursday night’s tilt against Houston. Durant’s availability would move the line a few points and his return to OKC would add a lot more emotion to this one.
Indiana Pacers at Denver Nuggets (DEN -7.5, O/U 214.5)
These are two of the toughest teams in the league, so it’s no surprise this has the lowest total of any game on Saturday. Oddly enough, this is the first time these teams have met this season.
Brooklyn Nets at Utah Jazz (UTAH -9, O/U 221)
Utah’s fans have a reputation for being jerks, but the Jazz are a team that could play spoiler in the postseason. Their advanced numbers are among the best in the league, and they play the best defense in the West. Utah doesn’t take nights off, and that’s why Brooklyn is one of the biggest dogs of the day.
NBA Betting Picks
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