NBA Best Bets Today: Top Sports Betting Picks, Predictions March 24th, 2024

After a jam-packed few days of March Madness awesomeness, we get to take a short break from the college game until the Sweet 16, starting Thursday and rolling into the Elite Eight over the weekend. In the interim, we’ll focus once again on the best NBA bets of the day.

The regular season is almost over, so anyone looking to make one last playoff push has to do it now.

Minnesota Timberwolves (+105) vs. Indiana Pacers (-1.5)

The Pacers just ended an eight-game Minnesota win streak a week ago in Minneapolis with a 132-130 overtime victory. The Timberwolves dropped their next one to New Orleans but then bounced back with a 41-point win over those same Pelicans.

Indiana has won its last three since beating the T-Wolves—home wins vs. the Mavericks and a pair against the Nets. However, their biggest margin of victory over the last four games was just six points. So, had one or two plays gone differently … well, you know.

Our pick: Pacers -1.5

Anthony Edwards is a game-time decision with a cut on his right thumb. I can see where he plays because it’s not that serious, or he sits because the T-Wolves do not want to risk losing their star for more than a game.

The Pacers have already shown they can handle the T-Wolves with Edwards in the lineup. If he gets ruled out, the line is going to move a few points. Take Indiana -1.5 before that happens. If Edwards does play, I still like Indiana -1.5.

Pascal Siakam, over 20.5 points at -125
Siakam did not play a week ago when the Pacers beat Minnesota in Minneapolis, but he has scored 25-plus in five of his last six games. I expect him to do the same tonight against the Timberwolves.

Los Angeles Lakers (-4) vs. Orlando Magic (+145)

Struggle has been the word of the day for both franchises lately, with the Lakers losing six of their last nine and the Magic eight of their last 12. The Lakers saw LeBron James return to the lineup in the loss Saturday to the Bulls.

However, rather than provide a spark, he scored 17, and the Lakers went down by 31 points.

Orlando is coming off a win. But it’s just a 15-point win over the Washington Wizards—one of the worst teams in the league (if not the worst). However, they did beat the Lakers when they last played in November, 119-118.

Our pick: Magic +4

How do you pick a game between two good teams that happen to both be playing poorly at the moment? James will likely have a better game after knocking off the rust vs. the Nets. However, the Lakers have not played well on the road, going 15-18.

I still expect the Lakers to win, but given the way they play on the road, I’m taking the Magic and the points.

Dallas Mavericks (-1) vs. Brooklyn Nets (-110)

Neither team has been playing good basketball of late. Brooklyn has lost 13 of its last 15, while the Mavericks have won just three of their last 14. However, the Mavericks are coming off a 123-117 home win vs. the Pistons.

Brooklyn has lost its last three, including a pair of games vs. the Pacers in Indianapolis. But the last time the Nets played at home (March 16 vs. the Atlanta Hawks), they won, 122-114. D’Angelo Russell and Ziaire Williams are listed as questionable for the game.

Our pick: Mavericks -1

Neither team has done anything to inspire confidence of late, but I’ve got more faith in Dallas to pull out a win over this dreadful Nets team.