Best NBA Bets for Monday, March 17th: Expert Picks & Predictions

Bracket study has begun, but why not take a break from college hoops and try to boost your bankroll with a few NBA investments? You’ve got options, and we’ve got our Best NBA Bets.

There are 10 games on the schedule, starting with the Miami Heat taking on the New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. EDT and wrapping up with the San Antonio Spurs paying the Los Angeles Lakers a visit in Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EDT).

Miami Heat (+250) vs. New York Knicks (-7)

The struggle has been way too real for the Miami Heat (29-38, 13-21) in recent weeks. After dropping Saturday’s game to the Grizzlies in Memphis, 125-91, they’ve lost seven in a row. Can we really expect them to stop the bleeding against a solid Knicks team in New York?

Probably not.

However, Miami might be catching the Knicks at the right time. They are still missing Jalen Brunson, and they’ve lost four of their last six games, the most recent being a 97-94 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

I don’t think the Heat will win this game, but they’ve put up a good fight during their losing streak. Four losses were by five points or less. However, the last three losses were blowouts. They’ll put up a good fight in this one, too.

Our pick: Heat +7

Philadelphia 76ers (+675) vs. Houston Rockets (-15.5)

The 76ers are in a position they are not accustomed to heading into this game—off a win. They brought a three-game losing streak to a close Sunday with a 130-125 win over an injury-depleted Dallas Mavericks team. Philadelphia has lost seven of its last 10.

Chances are good they’ll be without Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey.

Houston had some struggles earlier in the month, losing three in a row. But with the 117-114 win over the Chicago Bulls, they’ve now won six in a row. With all of the injuries the 76ers are dealing with, the Rockets’ excellent defense will have no problem taking care of the 76ers’ offense.

The moneyline does not have value, and I am not confident Houston will cover or that the 76ers will be competitive. That leaves the total, and with Houston’s defense, I like the under.

Our pick: Under 222

San Antonio Spurs (+9) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (+320)
The Spurs are probably feeling pretty good heading into this game after beating the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday at home. Devin Vassell led the way for the Spurs with 22 points and was one of seven players to score in double digits.

As for the Lakers, they brought a four-game losing streak to an end Sunday with a 107-96 win against the Phoenix Suns. Luka Dončić led the way, of course, with 33 points and 11 rebounds. LeBron James remains out of the lineup as he recovers from an injury.

The Spurs and Lakers played twice in November, both wins for the Lakers. They played a third time in January, a game won by the Spurs.

With or without LeBron James in the lineup, the Lakers are the better team between the two. Look for them to come out hard and fast, jumping out to an early lead that they don’t let go.

Our pick: Lakers -9