Author: NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games

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Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Jared Butler providing stability in Philly

As things continue to get sillier and sillier across the league, it is easy to get lost as a fantasy manager. There are already enough headaches managing back-to-backs and injuries throughout the season, but now during the playoffs, teams are playing their stars less minutes and less games. It’s easy to get frustrated, but these players can help you come out on top in your leagues despite not having your key pieces.

PG/SG Jared Butler (11% rostered in Yahoo! leagues), Philadelphia 76ers

Feel free to take a dart throw on anybody that is healthy in Philly, but Butler feels like the safest option to me. He has averaged 13.2 points, three rebounds, six assists, one steal and 1.8 threes over the 76ers’ last five games and scored 21 points on Monday. He ranks just outside the top-100 in nine-cat leagues during this five-game stretch as a starter, and it is unlikely that he will relinquish the starting point guard role over the final month of the season.

PG Tre Jones (25%), Chicago Bulls

Jones continues to start for Chicago and has provided top-50 value over the past two weeks with averages of 15.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He recorded an 18/4/12/3 line in Monday’s win over Utah. If you’re looking for dimes without sacrificing efficiency, Jones is the perfect pickup.

SG/SF Kevin Huerter (11%), Chicago Bulls

Huerter is newer to the starting lineup than Jones, but he has also been productive. He has started their last three games and averaged 14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, three assists and 2.7 threes per game. He finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and five three-pointers against the Jazz.

SG Jordan Hawkins (5%), New Orleans Pelicans

Hawkins hasn’t been productive, but this is more about opportunity. Trey Murphy (shoulder) is done for the year, making Hawkins a candidate to take on even more minutes on the perimeter. When he’s been at his best, he has been a viable source of three-pointers. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened consistently this season.

SG/SF Gary Payton II (5%), Golden State Warriors

I’m not a huge fan of GP2 in fantasy basketball, but he’s playing too well to ignore. He has provided fifth-round value over the last two weeks in nine-cat leagues, and he tallied an 18/3/1/3/1 line with two triples on Monday. Plus, Stephen Curry may get a rest night on Tuesday, which only raises Payton II’s ceiling. Again, I don’t typically trust him, but he has been playing well.

PG/SG Jordan Goodwin (1%), Los Angeles Lakers

Head coach JJ Redick has raved about Goodwin recently, and it showed up in the box score on Monday, He finished with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals, one block and three three-pointers in a big win over the Spurs. Goodwin should continue to start until LeBron James returns, which means that he should be a solid option for at least a few more games.

SG AJ Johnson (less than 1%), Washington Wizards

The rookie started for the first time in his career on Monday, and while the numbers weren’t great (8/7/4), it shows that Brian Keefe wants to see what Johnson can do. It may not be pretty all the time, but Johnson should continue to play a large role for Washington moving forward.

SG/SF Matisse Thybulle (less than 1%), Portland Trail Blazers

Thybulle had five steals and a block in 22 minutes on Monday after having two steals and a block in six minutes on Sunday, which was his season debut. It was a long injury layoff, but Thybulle has nine “stocks” in 28 minutes so far this season. If you’re desperate for some defensive stats, he’s a fun dart throw.

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Pelicans' Trey Murphy III out for remainder of season with torn labrum in right shoulder

The New Orleans Pelicans, already hit hard by injuries this season, now will be without another key player for the rest of this season: Trey Murphy III has a torn labrum in his right shoulder and will need to undergo surgery, the team announced.

The injury happened just 49 seconds into the game Monday night when Murphy dislocated his shoulder going after a loose ball.

Murphy has taken a step forward this season and is averaging 21.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists a game. Once healthy, he and Jones form an impressive two-way core of wings to fit with whatever the Pelicans roster looks like next season.

Detroit had an easy time of it on Monday night, getting 24 points and eight assists from Cade Cunningham on their way to a 127-81 win. Simone Fontecchio added 23 points for Detroit, which got a much-needed win after dropping 4-of-6 coming in. Zion Williamson had 30 points to lead New Orleans.

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Lakers don't shy away from 'naked' opportunities in blowout win over Spurs

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 17, 2025: Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) reacts.
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes swings on the rim after dunking over San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie in the second half of the Lakers' 125-109 win at Crypto.com Arena on Monday night. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

If you have been studying the Lakers’ offense microscopically since the team acquired Luka Doncic, if you have looked at the spacing, the movement, the efficiency and the organization rates, there’s only one question you possibly could have after Monday’s 125-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

Is it “butt naked” or “buck naked”?

Nearly a month ago, Dorian Finney-Smith introduced the phrasing into the Lakers’ lexicon after a rare practice, saying either “butt” or “buck” when describing the nudity level Doncic’s new teammates would need to be comfortable with.

No one plays near you when Doncic is on the court, Finney-Smith said, the opposing defense leaving you alone, exposed and uncontested in ways that just don’t happen in the NBA.

Lakers star Luka Doncic scores past Spurs guard Devin Vassell in the first half Monday.
Lakers star Luka Doncic scores past Spurs guard Devin Vassell in the first half Monday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

“I’m back getting wide-open shots where I feel like I gotta rush when I really don’t have to, I got plenty of time,” he said. “The last couple of years, I ain’t been playing with guys like Luka, so I’ve been getting hard closeouts, but now I got that time. You (butt? buck?)-naked wide open.”

That was clear — just the descriptor wasn’t.

“Excuse my language,” he said with a grin. “You wide open.”

Playing for the fourth time in five days and again without key starters LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, the Lakers’ offense operated with the kind of ease that just doesn’t happen in most games, the team creating the kinds of naked opportunities that would make anyone blush.

Lakers guard Dalton Knecht is fouled by San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle as he drives to the basket.
Lakers guard Dalton Knecht is fouled by San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle as he drives to the basket in the second half Monday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

This was an NC-17 level of offense for the Lakers (42-25) against the Spurs (28-39), things looking easy even if Doncic had a rough shooting night, missing a two-pointer from the paint with his first shot.

The box score was awful, Doncic making only five of 20 from the field (a game he salvaged by making 10 of 13 from the line). But it hardly mattered, the attention centered on Doncic leading to easy nights for others.

“It’s just fun,” Finney-Smith said. “He’s going to create so many problems for people on the offensive end. So we just got to make it easy for him.”

After the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick noted that the Lakers took 48 threes — 34 uncontested.

The Spurs, the worst defense in the NBA over the last 15 games — most of that coming since star Victor Wembanyama’s season ended — certainly played a role, but Doncic is unlocking more scoring opportunities. Until the trade, it always seemed as if the offense would live in the shadow of the Lakers’ defensive identity.

Read more:Luka Doncic scores 33 and gritty Lakers beat Suns to end four-game losing skid

“Luka obviously causes so much havoc for teams’ defenses that the majority of the time you got to blitz him and then you’re playing four on three,” guard Austin Reaves said. “So, it’s just a fun brand of basketball and after a long road trip that we were really bad on, it’s good to get home and get back to winning.”

For most of the game the Lakers looked as though they had unlocked the code, cutting at the right times, flaring to the corners for open shots and filling the right lanes in transition.

Reaves feasted, the Lakers’ leading scorer getting wide-open looks at threes. He attempted a career-high 13, making five on his way to a 30-point game. Jordan Goodwin, starting again, hit three of six. Finney-Smith made four of eight and Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht combined to make five of 12 off the bench.

“Even in some of the games where we haven’t necessarily had a great offensive rating, you can kind of attribute that to turnovers and missing shots. I mean, even just the last two games, our rim efficiency was really poor,” Redick said. “So, I think it’s all going to come together where we’re finishing, we’re passing, we’re taking care of the basketball, we’re making threes. But pleased with how we’re able to generate good looks fairly consistently.”

Lakers guard Luka Doncic, left, Lakers center Jaxson Hayes during a timeout against the Spurs on Monday.
Lakers guard Luka Doncic, left, Lakers center Jaxson Hayes during a timeout against the Spurs on Monday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Reaves, in particular, looked increasingly comfortable with Doncic and vice versa, the two linking up multiple times to create open looks for one another.

“This guy just scored 30 in his fourth game in five days,” Doncic said of Reaves. “That explains everything. He’s an amazing player. For him to go undrafted is unbelievable. And, it’s not easy to go undrafted and play at this level. It’s amazing just to be by his side.”

The Lakers, despite trailing by seven early, mostly controlled the game, save for some sloppiness in the fourth quarter when their energy significantly lagged.

Frustrated with San Antonio’s uptick in physicality as it tried to rally, Jarred Vanderbilt and Spurs wing Jeremy Sochan were ejected after Sochan threw the ball at Vanderbilt and the Lakers forward responded with a shove.

By then the Lakers already had established the terms, a game where they could get any shot they wanted seemingly whenever they wanted — the defense nowhere to be seen.

After the game in the locker room, when people crowding around him dispersed, Finney-Smith clarified what he said.

“Butt naked,” he said with a chuckle. “Butt.”

Butt or buck, the Lakers are showing that they can undress a defense. Wednesday they’ll face a tougher test in a key Western Conference game against the visiting Denver Nuggets.

“Look, I think the team that has [Nikola] Jokic on it is always dangerous,” Doncic said. “And it’s hard to play against him. He knows all the tricks. He’s an amazing basketball player. But that’s fun. That’s fun for us. That’s a challenge for us and it’s fun. We like challenges.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Obi Toppin's leaning corner 3-pointer proves game-winner, Pacers snap Timberwolves win streak at 8

Indiana Pacers v Minnesota Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 17: Obi Toppin #1 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates his three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves during overtime at Target Center on March 17, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Pacers defeated the Timberwolves 132-130. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

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Four of Indiana's regular starters were out — Pascal Siakam (personal), Tyrese Haliburton (back), Myles Turner (hip), Aaron Nesmith (ankle) — then the fifth, Andrew Nembhard, was ejected in the third quarter. Then Bennedict Mathurin, who has started 45 games for the Pacers this season, fouled out in the fourth.

But the Indiana Pacers had Obi Toppin, and that's all they needed to snap the Timberwolves eight-game win streak. Toppin hit two key 3-pointers in overtime, a banked one from straight away, then with the game on the line this one from the corner.

Toppin, averaging 9.9 points a game and shooting 33.5% from 3 this season, turned it on with all the offensive power out for the Pacers and finished with 34 points on the night including seven made 3-pointers.

The turning point came when Nembhard caught Mike Conley with an inadvertent elbow as he tried to drive to the basket. Rudy Gobert stood up for his teammate and stopped Nembhard with a shoulder check, at which point Nembhard threw the ball at Gobert. That toss earned Nembhard a second technical and, with that, an ejection. Gobert was ejected as well.

Mathurin scored 22 before fouling out, while eight Pacers scored in double digits in a balanced attack.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 38 points but struggled with his shot going on 1-of-11 from 3. Naz Reid had 21 off the bench and Donte DiVincenzo joined him with 19.

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Back in lineup and rhythm, Mitchell Robinson proves he's a 'huge factor' for Knicks

Throughout the first several months of the season, there was a slow drip of steady updates on progress and then stretches of nothing. Meanwhile, on the court, the Knicks experienced periods of solid play like nothing was amiss followed by moments when the team's balance appeared completely misaligned and the absence was apparent.

Mitchell Robinson, the reserve center whose health has been one of the Knicks’ biggest unanswered questions as injuries forced him to miss the first 58 games of the season, played for the eighth time on Monday night. And he looked like the player who caused New York fans’ hearts to grow fonder.

"I feel good," Robinson said after logging a season-high 24 minutes in a 116-95 win over the Miami Heat. "I'm finally getting the rhythm back a little bit, so that's great. Basically, just keep going."

Coming off the bench, he finished with 10 points on 5-for-7 shooting (with all his attempts coming right at the basket), nine rebounds (five offensive), two blocks, two steals, and an assist, and was a plus-8.

Of course, the 26-year-old center's biggest impact is on the defensive side. And now that Tom Thibodeau can finally put out lineups that feature two big men, with Robinson paired with Karl-Anthony Towns, the promise of a stout defense may be closer to realization.

“He’s such a huge factor,” the head coach said of Robinson. “And particularly when you have him and KAT out there together, you have two 7-footers. And then when OG [Anunoby is] on the frontline with them also, you’re just so long, the basket’s protected.

“I think the rim protection, [Robinson’s] ability to get out on the perimeter, defend pick-and-roll, challenge shots, cover a lot of ground, and make a second or third effort to be up on the pick-and-roll and then still get back to rebound and change shots.”

"Just his presence alone adds to our defense," said Towns, who played nine fourth-quarter minutes in a game that was already decided to get more time to mesh with the fellow big.

"It adds a lot to our team. He gives us a chance to get real versatile with our lineups,” he continued. “So today was a good day, too. We got that 4-5 with me and him. It caused, I think, some problems and allowed us to see how we can improve on that."

The extra time spent on the court together for the two big men should pay off as New York faces tougher battles than a languishing Heat team slumping to their eighth straight loss.

"I missed 10 months," Robinson said. "So, coming back… it's just got to build trust."

For the head coach, there’s a lot to like.

“You’re seeing more and more multiple-effort plays from him,” Thibodeau said. “I think his timing is coming around, so he’s moving great and he feels great.”

Mar 17, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates his three point shot against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Mar 17, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates his three point shot against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / © Brad Penner-Imagn Images

From slow start to no contest

The night may have ended perfectly, but it didn’t start that way. New York was down 12-0 just four minutes into the contest and trailed 29-18 after the first quarter, a period in which the home team shot just 31.8 percent (7-for-22). 

“Obviously we started the game slowly,” Thibodeau said. “I thought our bench gave us a good lift to get out of the hole. The way we played in the third quarter -- lotta energy, I thought the defense was terrific.”

In that third, the Knicks held the Heat to 15 points on 7-for-19 shooting (37 percent). And no matter how many timeouts Erik Spoelstra called, he couldn't cool off the home side as they exploded for 41 points on 16-for-23 shooting (70 percent). 

Mikal Bridges, who scored 10 in the first quarter, owned the run in the third with 15 points on 6-for-7 shooting. And Robinson, in just five minutes of action, was a plus-15 with four points and three rebounds.

“I thought Mitch was a huge factor and then the unselfishness,” Thibs continued. “I thought Mikal had a huge game for us and Josh was a monster. We had a lot of guys step up. 

“It was a tough game coming off the West Coast and to be ready to go. But I thought our team responded well.”

Of course, the Knicks wouldn't have been in such a good position to put the game out of reach after three quarters, had Towns not taken over in the second, scoring 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting (3-for-3 from behind the arc).

"He gave us life," Thibs said. "It got sparked by a couple hustle plays, OG made a couple of really big plays defensively, and sort of got us going. We got some easy baskets in transition and then we went from there."

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Cavaliers vs. Clippers Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for March 18

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview 

The Cleveland Cavaliers (56-11) and Los Angeles Clippers (38-30) are all set to square off from Intuit Dome in Inglewood.

The Cavaliers have the best record in the NBA, but are coming off of a loss to the Orlando Magic. Despite losing that game, the Cavs are still one of the best teams in the NBA.

The Clippers are on a small winning streak. They have won three straight, and six of their last 10.
The Cavaliers are currently 26-6 on the road with a point differential of 11, while the Clippers have a 8-2 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Cavaliers vs. Clippers live today

  • Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
  • Time: 10:30PM EST
  • Site: Intuit Dome
  • City: Inglewood, CA

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Cavaliers vs. Clippers
The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Odds: Cavaliers (-152), Clippers (+128)
  • Spread:  Cavaliers -3.5
  • Over/Under: 230 points

That gives the Cavaliers an implied team point total of 116.06, and the Clippers 114.23.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Tuesday's Cavaliers vs. Clippers game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

 Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is betting on the Cavaliers -3.5…

Thomas: “The Cavs had their winning streak ended on Sunday. They will look to bounce back against the Clippers. The Clippers have been hot from Intuit Dome, but this is a bad matchup. The length of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley should cause problems for the Clippers. 3.5 on the best team in the East feels like we are getting a discount.”

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Cavaliers & Clippers game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Los Angeles Clippers at +3.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 230.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Cavaliers vs. Clippers on Tuesday

  • The Clippers have won their last 4 home games against teams with winning records
  • The Clippers' last 5 games versus the Cavaliers have gone over the Total
  • The Clippers are 23-10 ATS at home this season
  • The Clippers have won 6 straight home games

 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Spurs vs. Lakers Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for March 17

San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview 

The San Antonio Spurs (28-38) and Los Angeles Lakers (41-25) are all set to square off from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The Lakers are still without LeBron James and Rui Hachimura is a game-time decision.

They have fallen a bit down the Western Conference rankings since James’ injury.

The Spurs are currently 10-21 on the road with a point differential of -2, while the Lakers have a 9-1 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Spurs vs. Lakers live today

  • Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
  • Time: 10:30PM EST
  • Site: Crypto.com Arena
  • City: Los Angeles, CA
  • Network/Streaming:

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Spurs vs. Lakers
The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Odds: Spurs (+337), Lakers (-433)
  • Spread:  Lakers -9
  • Over/Under: 229 points

That gives the Spurs an implied team point total of 113.47, and the Lakers 118.16.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday's Spurs vs. Lakers game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
 
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Spurs & Lakers game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Los Angeles Lakers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the San Antonio Spurs at +9.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 229.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Spurs vs. Lakers on Monday

  • The Lakers have won 7 games straight at home, while the Spurs have lost on 8 of their last 10 road trips
  • The Under is 24-17 in the Lakers' matchups against Western Conference teams this season
  • The Lakers have won 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with losing records

 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Wizards vs. Trail Blazers Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and, best bets for March 17

Washington Wizards vs. Portland Trail Blazers Preview 

The Washington Wizards (15-51) and Portland Trail Blazers (29-39) are all set to square off from Moda Center in Portland.

The Wizards may be in the biggest bogey spot of the season. They are coming off of two massive wins. They beat the Pistons and the Nuggets in succession. They now play against the Trail Blazers. They could sleep walk their way through this game.

The Wizards are currently 8-25 on the road with a point differential of -12, while the Trail Blazers have a 7-3 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Wizards vs. Trail Blazers live today

  • Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
  • Time: 10:00PM EST
  • Site: Moda Center
  • City: Portland, OR

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Wizards vs. Trail Blazers
The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Odds: Wizards (+156), Trail Blazers (-187)
  • Spread:  Trail Blazers -4.5
  • Over/Under: 231 points

That gives the Wizards an implied team point total of 114.62, and the Trail Blazers 116.97.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday's Wizards vs. Trail Blazers game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

 Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards the Trailblazers -6…

Thomas: “It’s a game where I’d prefer not to invest in. The Trailblazers are not 100%, but this is a great spot for the Trailblazers to win by margin against the Wizards. Betting on the Blazers, would require faith in a team who is just 29-39 and has only won four of their last 10 games.”

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Wizards & Trail Blazers game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Portland Trail Blazers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Washington Wizards at +4.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 231.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Wizards vs. Trail Blazers on Monday

  • The Trail Blazers have won their last 5 home games against teams with losing records
  • 6 of the Trail Blazers' last 7 home games stayed under the Total

The Trail Blazers have won 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with losing records
 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Raptors vs. Suns Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for March 17

Toronto Raptors vs. Phoenix Suns Preview 

The Toronto Raptors (24-44) and Phoenix Suns (31-37) are all set to square off from Footprint Center in Phoenix.

The Suns seem to be stuck in neutral and can’t quite make a playoff push. They have only won four of their last six games and are 11th in the Western Conference.

The Raptors are inching closer to a play-in spot. They have won six of their last four games.

The Raptors are currently 8-24 on the road with a point differential of -5, while the Suns have a 5-5 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Raptors vs. Suns live today

  • Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
  • Time: 10:00PM EST
  • Site: Footprint Center
  • City: Phoenix, AZ
  • Network/Streaming:

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Raptors vs. Suns

The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Odds: Raptors (+287), Suns (-362)
  • Spread:  Suns -8.5
  • Over/Under: 229 points

That gives the Raptors an implied team point total of 113.4, and the Suns 117.83.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday's Raptors vs. Suns game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
 
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Raptors & Suns game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Phoenix Suns on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Toronto Raptors at +8.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 229.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Raptors vs. Suns on Monday

  • The Suns have won 4 of their last 5 home games against teams with losing records
  • The Under is 4-1 in the Suns' last 5 games
  • The Raptors have covered the Spread in their last 4 road games
  • The Suns have won 15 of their last 20 home games against teams with losing records

 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Grizzlies vs. Kings Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for March 17

Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings Preview 

The Memphis Grizzlies (43-25) and Sacramento Kings (33-33) are all set to square off from Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

The Kings are on a slide. They have lost four straight games and are close to losing their play-in position.

The Grizzlies have moved up to fourth in the Western Conference, but that has more to do with the Lakers losing a few games than the Grizzlies winning. They are .500 in their last five games.

 The Grizzlies are currently 18-14 on the road with a point differential of 6, while the Kings have a 7-3 record in their last ten games at home.
 
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Grizzlies vs. Kings live today

  • Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
  • Time: 10:00PM EST
  • Site: Golden 1 Center
  • City: Sacramento, CA

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Grizzlies vs. Kings
The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Odds: Grizzlies (-110), Kings (-109)
  • Spread:  Grizzlies 1
  • Over/Under: 242 points

That gives the Grizzlies an implied team point total of 121.26, and the Kings 120.74.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday's Grizzlies vs. Kings game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards Jaren Jackson 30+ points +230…

Thomas: “Jackson has scored at least 30 points in three of the last four games without Ja Morant. They get a good matchup against the Kings, who allow the 11th most points to power forwards.”

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Grizzlies & Kings game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Sacramento Kings on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Sacramento Kings at +1.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 242.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Grizzlies vs. Kings on Monday

  • The Kings have lost 4 games in a row
  • The Over is 13-7 in the Kings' last 10 home games and the Grizzlies' last 10 on the road combined
  • The Grizzlies are 37-31 against the spread this season
  • The Kings are on a 3-game win streak at home to the Grizzlies

 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Dirk Nowitzki, P.J. Washington comments show how Dallas is still struggling with Doncic trade

The Mavericks—their fans, players, and front office—are still dealing with the fallout and emotional aftereffects of the stunning Luka Doncic trade. Not everyone is processing this in the same way, and many people — particularly fans — are not ready to move on.

Dallas Mavericks talisman Dirk Nowitzki spoke to that on the German 41 Campus podcast (hat tip to Hoopshype for the translation). Nowtizki talked about going to the first Lakers game Doncic played.

"It was such a strange situation. I was standing in that empty stadium, and then he ran onto the court—in yellow. It was just an unbelievably bizarre moment for me. And of course, it's going to take weeks and months before it starts to feel a little more normal. It's a tough situation, but in my tweet, I made it clear—I will always be a Mavs fan. But this trade really hurt. And it will take a while before everyone processes it and moves on."

Nowitzki also talked about the shock of learning about the trade while on vacation with his family.

"At the end of the trip, we were in the Maldives, just relaxing at the beach. It was literally the last day, and I was in my room, about to pack my things. Then suddenly, my phone exploded with calls and messages from all over the world. I immediately went on Twitter, read the news, and at first, I was just shocked—like everyone else. I don't think anyone saw it coming that the Mavs would ever trade Luka. So for me, it was totally unexpected, completely out of nowhere."

That shock and pain still impacts Mavericks fans, who have lashed out at general manager Nico Harrison and team governor Patrick Dumont.

The players have no choice but to move on — they still have to take the court and play games (on a team ravaged by injuries). Which is why P.J. Washington said the "fire Nico" chants need to end, speaking to Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News.

"All that 'Fire Nico' stuff, we're sick and tired of hearing it. We just want to go out there and play and we need the fans to support us no matter who's on the floor. That's just how I feel about it."

It's understandable Washington feels that way. The fans aren't there yet. Part of that is that since the trade Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis (nearing a return) and so many other players have been injured that the team is struggling to fill the required eight roster spots each night. Winning would have eased some of the pain fans felt, but with injuries piling up the team has lost 8-of-9 and is in danger of sliding out of even the play-in.

It's going to take a while for fans to embrace the Mavericks the same way again. Everyone is going to process this at their own pace, and that might be slower than Washington or Mavericks management wants.

Posted on

Nuggets vs. Warriors Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends , ad best bets for March 17

Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors Preview 

The Denver Nuggets (43-25) and Golden State Warriors (39-28) are all set to square off from Chase Center in San Francisco.

The Nuggets are coming from a bad loss against the Wizards on Saturday. They must focus tonight on one of the hottest teams in the NBA.

The Warriors are on a seven-game winning streak and have won nine of their last 10 games. The addition of Jimmy Butler seems to be the best trade deadline acquisition so far.

 The Nuggets are currently 20-14 on the road with a point differential of 4, while the Warriors have a 9-1 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Nuggets vs. Warriors live today

  • Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
  • Time: 10:00PM EST
  • Site: Chase Center
  • City: San Francisco, CA

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Nuggets vs. Warriors

The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Odds: Nuggets (+166), Warriors (-201)
  • Spread:  Warriors -5
  • Over/Under: 236 points

That gives the Nuggets an implied team point total of 117.06, and the Warriors 119.67.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday's Nuggets vs. Warriors game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is leaning towards the Nuggets +4.5…

Thomas: “Despite the Warriors being 5-0 in their last five games, they are just 1-3-1 against the spread in those games. This is a big game for the Nuggets, they will not take the Warriors lightly. The matchup in the post between Nikola Jokic and Draymond Green is a massive advantage for the Nuggets.”

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Nuggets & Warriors game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Denver Nuggets at +5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 236.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Nuggets vs. Warriors on Monday

  • The Warriors have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Western Conference Northwest Division teams
  • 5 of the Nuggets' last 6 matchups with the Warriors have stayed under the Total
  • The Warriors are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite
  • The Warriors have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Western Conference Northwest Division teams but are 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 games. Back Denver to push them close.

 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Bulls vs. Jazz Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 17

Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz Preview 

The Chicago Bulls (28-39) and Utah Jazz (15-53) are all set to square off from Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

The Bulls are 10th in the Eastern Conference but have won six last 10 games. The Jazz are on operation #FailForFlagg. They have won just one game in their previous 10 games and have the worst record in the NBA.

The Bulls are currently 15-17 on the road with a point differential of -4, while the Jazz have a 3-7 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Bulls vs. Jazz live today

  • Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
  • Time: 9:00PM EST
  • Site: Delta Center
  • City: Salt Lake City, UT

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Bulls vs. Jazz
The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Odds: Bulls (-218), Jazz (+180)
  • Spread:  Bulls -5.5
  • Over/Under: 238 points

That gives the Bulls an implied team point total of 120.89, and the Jazz 118.02.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday's Bulls vs. Jazz game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
 
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head
player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Bulls & Jazz game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Chicago Bulls on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Utah Jazz at +5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 238.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Bulls vs. Jazz on Monday

  • The Jazz are on a 3-game losing streak at home
  • The Jazz's last 4 games versus the Bulls have gone over the Total
  • The Jazz are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as a home underdog
  • The Bulls have won 4 of their last 5 away games against teams with losing records

 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Anthony Davis assigned G League to get 5-on-5 practice, he wants to return to court this season

Anthony Davis wants to return to the court for the Mavericks this season.

He has been ramping up workouts, nearing a return, and the latest step along that path came Monday when Davis was assigned to the Texas Legends of the G-League, where he could get in some 5-on-5 work in practice (something that was not going to happen with the big club).

Since Davis was traded to Dallas, he has played in just one game, during which he looked amazing (26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists) until he strained his adductor (groin) and had to be helped off the court. He has missed 16 games since but appears eager to get back on the court and silence the "fire Nico" chants aimed at Mavericks GM Nico Harrison over the Luka Doncic trade that brought Davis to Los Angeles.

As a side note, P.J. Washington wants the "fire Nico" chants to end, as he told Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News: "All that 'Fire Nico' stuff, we're sick and tired of hearing it. We just want to go out there and play and we need the fans to support us no matter who's on the floor. That's just how I feel about it."

The question in Dallas' front office is, should they bring Davis back this season? That front office is divided, according to multiple reports.

With Kyrie Irving out for the season with a torn ACL, and the Mavericks having lost 8-of-9 as they appear likely to slide out of the play-in (if Phoenix can get its act even partially together), what is the point of pushing Davis back into action? The same is true of Dereck Lively II (although he is farther away from a return). Is the risk of another injury worth the reward of maybe making the No. 10 seed (then having to win two play-in games on the road to make the playoffs, where No. 1 seed Oklahoma City will be waiting)?

What matters most is that Davis wants to be out there playing, and with this temporary assignment to the G-League, he seems to be nearing a return.