Category: Basketball

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The NBA season has reached a wonky stage, with teams like the Chicago Bulls effectively playing out the string. 

That shows up in all sorts of ways, and tonight it will benefit the Phoenix Suns as they try to escape the Play-In Tournament despite a bevy of injuries.

My Bulls vs. Suns predictions and NBA picks expect an ugly slog on Thursday, March 5.

Bulls vs Suns prediction

Bulls vs Suns best bet: Under 225 (-110)

Did you know the Chicago Bulls are now starting Tre Jones at point guard?

He has gone back and forth this season between the starting lineup and the bench, returning to the former in the last two games. Jones may be there the rest of the season, as Chicago's roster was thinned at the trade deadline.

Jones is just one part of why theBulls have cashed five straight Unders ahead of tonight's matchup with the Phoenix Suns.

Chicago’s rotation is so limited that a bench piece is now tasked with initiating the offense — and it hasn’t gone well.

Bulls vs Suns same-game parlay

Jones is a competent floor general, but this role is simply too big for him these days.

He has cleared these points prop just twice in the seven games since the All-Star Break, though he handed out six assists three times in those seven games.

In fact, this exact SGP would have cashed twice in that stretch.

Bulls vs Suns SGP

• Under 225
• Tre Jones Under 13.5 points
• Tre Jones Over 5.5 assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: Suns Cruise

The Bulls have lost 12 of their last 13 games outright.

Bulls vs Suns SGP

• Under 225
• Tre Jones Under 13.5 points
• Tre Jones Over 5.5 assists
• Suns moneyline

Bulls vs Suns odds

• Spread: Bulls +10.5 (-110) | Suns -10.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Bulls +375 | Suns -500
• Over/Under: Over 225 (-110) | Under 225 (-110)

Bulls vs Suns betting trend to know

The Bulls have not only cashed five straight Unders; they have done so by an average of 11.1 points compared to bookmakers’ expectations. Find more NBA betting trends for Bulls vs. Suns.

How to watch Bulls vs Suns

Bulls vs Suns latest injuries

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NEW YORK — It’s no secret that Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a reputation for baiting opposing players into contact to get to the line. Add Knicks coach Mike Brown to the list of opposing coaches who bemoan it.

After New York’s 103-100 loss against the Thunder Wednesday, March 4, Brown expressed his displeasure with officiating during the game, and in particular the crew’s management of Gilgeous-Alexander’s play.

“SGA, he’s a tough cover,” Brown told reporters after the game. “And he does a great job of convincing the referees — probably better than anybody in the league — that he’s getting hit.”

Brown’s criticism, in part, stemmed from a controversial no-call that prompted Brown to be called for his first technical foul since he joined the Knicks in July.

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Only an NBA bettor could love a game like this matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Sacramento Kings. 

My Pelicans vs. Kings predictions recognize the difference between a bad team and a tanking team.

Read more in my NBA picks for Thursday, March 5.

Pelicans vs Kings prediction

Pelicans vs Kings best bet: Pelicans -5.5 (-110)

Some teams are not tanking. They are just bad.

To be clear, just being bad is preferable to tanking. Even terrible basketball can yield quality results, while clearing out a rotation of all trusted contributors largely produces only deflating losses.

The Sacramento Kings are tanking. The New Orleans Pelicans are just bad.

New Orleans has won four of seven games since the All-Star Break, including going 2-1 outright as a favorite. Sacramento has managed an admirable 2-5 outright in the same stretch, though both wins came against teams that were also tanking.

Pelicans vs Kings same-game parlay

Do you think Russell Westbrook cares about your tanking effort?

Westbrook is incapable of playing at anything less than 100% effort and intensity at all times, and he has cleared this points prop in three of his last four games.

Pelicans vs Kings SGP

• Pelicans -5.5
• Under 234.5
• Russell Westbrook Over 15.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Russ Gonna Russ

This SGP shouldn’t jump more than 130% just by factoring in Westbrook’s struggles from deep.

This exact combination cashed last week, as Westbrook went 1-of-7 from beyond the arc while scoring 22 points in a 31-point loss.

Pelicans vs Kings SGP

• Pelicans -5.5
• Under 234.5
• Russell Westbrook Over 15.5 points
• Russell Westbrook Under 2.5 threes

Pelicans vs Kings odds

• Spread: Pelicans -5.5 (-110) | Kings +5.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Pelicans -200 | Kings +165
• Over/Under: Over 234.5 (-110) | Under 234.5 (-110)

Pelicans vs Kings betting trend to know

The Kings are 3-6 ATS in their last nine contests. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Kings.

How to watch Pelicans vs Kings

Pelicans vs Kings latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

The Detroit Pistons take on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs again, a few games after Wemby stifled their offense. Stephon Castle deserves credit for his pressure on Cade Cunningham, but everything changes with Wemby on the backline.

A 2005 Finals rematch is a real possibility. Both Detroit and San Antonio are top 10ish offenses and top 5 defenses. Detroit has some playoff experience with their showing last year, but not too many on either team have been a major contributor on a deep run. Harrison Barnes has been, but he is out tonight after waking up with a sore ankle a few days ago.  

Both teams are live dogs to make the NBA Finals. Improvement was expected for both teams, but they’ve smashed expectations. Detroit will travel to San Antonio to test their mettle against one of the league’s best.

Game Vitals

Where: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas

When: 8:00 PM

Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit

Odds: Pistons (+3.5)

Analysis

The Pistons had two tight games with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the last week, who were without their star, Donovan Mitchell. Detroit split those games, but there are moments they’d want back. Here’s a great opportunity to get back on track against a Spurs team that has won 14 of its last 17 games, including a dub over Detroit.

Figuring out the Wemby challenge as an offense is no easy task. Teams have taken him out of the game scoring-wise, but he still ends up a +41 because he is that impactful as a defender.

Cade turned down some solid looks with Wemby in his vicinity in the last matchup. Wemby, being the pest he is, plus Castle’s relentless intensity, didn’t make things easier for the MVP candidate.

It was a rough shooting night in Cade’s last outing in Cleveland. His overall impact was there with the 33 points he created off assists, but Detroit will need his shot-making tonight. And that goes for everyone. Players need to take advantage of the attention Cade draws tonight.

Consistently hitting outside shots can combat Wemby’s nutty rim protection. They love to play him on a non-shooter to allow him to hover in the lane. Someone has to make him pay for sagging.

That’s not going to be Ausar Thompson or Jalen Duren making Wemby pay from 3 tonight. Duren is capable of going at Wemby. He should be aggressive early to potentially get Wemby in foul trouble. Ausar often offsets his shooting woes with timely cuts, aggression on the offensive glass, and secondary playmaking duties.

If Ausar is the player Wemby sags off of, crashing the glass should skyrocket on his priority list. That’s not as good as sinking open 3s, but it can lead to winning basketball. Wemby won’t be matched up with the likes of Duncan Robinson or Tobias Harris, most likely, but those guys still need to deliver from 3. Maybe it’s a tryout game for Kevin Huerter? Someone has to help keep the Spurs honest and make them pay for gapping up on Cade and Duren.

Besides Wemby’s paint protection and Castle’s all-around solid game, San Antonio burned Detroit from 3. They buried a season-high 18 triples. While Detroit’s own lack of shooting has been a constant conversation that I participate in, it should be noted that teams usually don’t torch them from deep.

Opponents only make 34.7 percent of their 3s against this lockdown Pistons defense. That’s third best in the association, according to Cleaning the Glass. Teams shoot a decent amount of 3s against the Pistons, but the Spurs’ explosion hasn’t been a regular theme.

The Cavs did get up a ton of deep balls last game, too, though. Tonight is an opportunity for Detroit to beat one of the hottest teams in basketball and get back to its chaotic defense that forces shooters to take contested shots or drive into their top-tier rim protection.

Devin Vassell (28 pts – 7 3s) and Julian Champagnie (17 pts – 5 3s) got it going in the last matchup. Those two need to be limited. Isaiah Stewart is around for this one. It’s not an easy night for anyone when he and Duren come into town.

Wemby is averaging 16 points with a 54 true shooting percentage over the last five games. He has struggled as a scorer, and Detroit could keep those struggles alive. It remains to be seen how Detroit can respond to Wemby on the other end.

Lineups

Detroit Pistons (45-15): Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

San Antonio Spurs (44-17): DeAaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Victor Webmanyama

Question of the day

Did the 1988 or 2005 Finals loss hurt more?

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Houston Astros sent All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña to see a hand specialist on Thursday for further examination of an injury to his right ring finger that has made his immediate availability for the World Baseball Classic unclear.

Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters at the team's spring training complex that Peña had some damage to the nail area on the finger after fielding a hard groundball for the Dominican Republic national team during an exhibition game on Wednesday. Peña was pulled after that.

The Dominican Republic plays its first game of the WBC on Friday in Miami against Nicaragua.

The 28-year-old Peña is coming off a career-best season in 2025, when he made his first All-Star team and batted .304 with an .840 OPS and 20 stolen bases.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

The Toronto Raptors, by just about any measure, are enjoying a highly successful season. At 35-26, they’ve surpassed all reasonable expectations for a team that picked up just 30 wins last year. They have two All-Stars, and are well on their way to a playoff appearance. 

And yet, Tuesday’s loss to the New York Knicks cemented a concern that’s been on many Raptors fans’ minds: They can’t seem to beat good teams.

The Raptors are currently just 4-16 against the 10 teams ahead of them in the NBA standings. Three of those four wins came early on against the then-struggling Cleveland Cavaliers who had not yet added James Harden. Four of the losses, meanwhile, have come against the Knicks, each by a margin of 16 or greater. 

On the flip side, the Raptors are a dominant 31-10 against the 18 teams beneath them in the league standings. Beating bad/mediocre teams is not a useless exercise: Those results make a big difference when it comes to fighting for playoff seeding. 

But as the playoffs draw closer, the Raptors’ woes against top teams are becoming an increasingly worrying indicator that they’ll struggle in the postseason. 

Their recent results bear out this trend. Toronto is 3-3 in their last six games: The losses all came against teams in a playoff spot, while each win was against a team outside of the playoff picture. 

Tonight, the Raptors will have their work cut out for them as they head to Minnesota to take on the 39-23 Timberwolves, at 8 p.m. EST on Sportsnet.

These two teams last faced each other about a month ago, when the Wolves won 128-126 led by a 30-point performance by Anthony Edwards. The Wolves have been especially hot since the All-Star break, winning seven of their last eight games. Meanwhile, the Raptors could be without their top scorer as Brandon Ingram is questionable with a thumb injury.

Ingram scored 25 and was a +2 in their loss against the Wolves. And following Tuesday’s loss to the Knicks, in which Toronto came within two points with six minutes left only to end up losing by 16, Ingram spoke about the need to overcome their persistent issues executing in the fourth quarter.

“I think every time we play a good team, they know exactly where they want to go in the fourth quarter, and they do it over and over again,” Ingram said.

He added, “The good thing is, we’re in the games. But we got to figure out how to finish the game.”

That fourth quarter execution issue was on full display when the Wolves overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Raptors in February.

The Raptors may be down their top scorer in their rematch against the Wolves, but they’ll have a new weapon for the rematch: Jakob Poeltl missed that first game and will be active tonight. While sometimes looking diminished as he returns from his back injury, Poeltl has been valuable for the offense as a screener, and his size will be key in matching up against Rudy Gobert. Collin Murray-Boyles remains out.

The Raptors have some things to clean up outside of fourth quarter execution. Their defense looked at times lethargic against the Knicks, and they made a number of mistakes and miscommunications that led to rapid scoring opportunities that may very well have cost them the game. 

The Timberwolves have the league’s sixth-rated defense which features Gobert, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate/winner down low, and Jaden McDaniels, one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders. The Timberwolves have also added guard Ayo Dosunmu since their last matchup.

Scottie Barnes may need to shoulder a larger offensive load if Ingram is out – and he may also draw the assignment of guarding Edwards, one of the league’s most dynamic and athletic scorers.

It won’t be easy for the Raptors. But if they want to change the narrative about facing good teams, they’ll have to win some tough ones.

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Joining the Golden State Warriors hasn’t been as glamorous as Al Horford hoped.

The veteran was supposed to be a complementary piece on a championship contender, but with injuries ravaging the Dubs, Horford is carrying more of the load lately.

My Warriors vs. Rockets predictions and NBA picks for Thursday, March 5 bank on “Big Al” to battle on the boards.

Don't miss tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video.

Warriors vs Rockets prediction

Warriors vs Rockets best bet: Al Horford Over 5.5 rebounds (-112)

Al Horford’s floor time jumped in the past seven outings, logging more than 26 minutes and hauling in an average of 5.2 rebounds. 

He’s snagged six or more boards in four of those showings, and his rebounding chances spiked to 9.2 in that frame — up from 7.7 before that uptick in action.

He could face less competition on the glass vs. a Houston Rockets frontcourt missing a ton of size, with its top four rebounders either questionable or out Thursday.

Projections sit north of six rebounds from Horford, with Over 5.5 priced as high as -130 at other books.

Warriors vs Rockets same-game parlay

Houston is back home after a road-heavy schedule. The Rockets are trying to hold on to the No. 3 seed in the West, while the Golden State Warriors are sinking like a stone with two wins in the last seven games and little motivation to make the postseason cut.

Horford is getting more run with the Dubs roster depleted, and Houston’s frontcourt could be running thin, with several forwards dealing with ailments. 

Gui Santos is enjoying an uptick in offensive touches due to the Warriors’ injury issues. Before a bad outing vs. the Clippers, he scored 13 or more points in nine of his last 10 games and is projected for 14.4 points tonight.

Warriors vs Rockets SGP

• Rockets moneyline
• Al Horford Over 5.5 rebounds
• Gui Santos Over 12.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Draymond vs. Durant

There’s no love lost between these former teammates. Draymond Green gets the Golden State offense going while Kevin Durant comes up short on his scoring total, but helps pick up the slack on the glass.

Warriors vs Rockets SGP

• Draymond Green Over 8.5 points
• Kevin Durant Under 25.5 points
• Draymond Green Over 4.5 assists
• Kevin Durant Over 5.5 rebounds

Warriors vs Rockets odds

• Spread: Warriors +8.5 (-110) | Rockets -8.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Warriors +290 | Rockets -370
• Over/Under: Over 213 (-110) | Under 213 (-110)

Warriors vs Rockets betting trend to know

Houston is the best home Under bet in the NBA, going 9-17-1 Over/Under inside Toyota Center. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Rockets.

How to watch Warriors vs Rockets

Warriors vs Rockets latest injuries

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It’s a jam-packed night of hoops action with nine games on the board, full of NBA player props for bettors to dive into.

I’ve found my three favorites for today, which include Devin Booker staying hot for the Phoenix Suns and Nikola Jokic dishing out the dimes against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Those and more NBA picks below on Thursday, March 5.

Best NBA player props today

Player	Pick
Wendell Carter Jr.	Double-double	+290
Devin Booker	Over 2.5 made threes	+140
Nikola Jokic	Over 10.5 assists	+105

Prop #1: Wendell Carter Jr. to record a double-double

+290 at bet365

The Orlando Magic are fighting to avoid the Play-In, and that means taking care of business against a banged-up Dallas Mavericks team.

The Mavericks' injury list is long and includes No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, who is questionable with a foot injury. It’s also devastated their depth in the frontcourt, and teams have taken advantage.

Dallas ranks dead last in opponent points in the paint per game. 

So, I’m targeting Wendell Carter Jr. He’s averaging 10 points and 10 rebounds over his last seven games, so getting him to record a double-double at +290 is great value tonight.

• Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: KFAA, FanDuel Sports Network Florida

Prop #2: Devin Booker Over 2.5 made threes

+140 at bet365

Devin Booker returned after missing 12 of 15 games and immediately let it fly against the Sacramento Kings, going 4-for-9 from 3-point range.

I’m betting the Phoenix Suns’ star guard stays hot in another great matchup against the Chicago Bulls. 

The Bulls’ defensive effort has waned, as they rank 28th in defensive rating over the last 15 games. They are also surrendering the sixth-most opponent-made threes per game over that stretch.

At this price, I love backing Booker to have another big night from beyond the arc.

• Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: CHSN, KTVK

Prop #3: Nikola Jokic Over 10.5 assists

+105 at bet365

The Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets are similar teams, which is probably why they’re battling in the Western Conference standings.

These are two excellent offensive rosters that aren’t giving the same effort at the other end. The Lakers, in particular, rank 22nd in defensive rating and allow the fourth-worst opponent effective field goal percentage.

The Nuggets obviously move the ball well, and the Lakers also rank 26th in opponent assists per possession. So, let’s not overthink this. Nikola Jokic averages 10.3 assists per game, and we are getting plus money for him to go Over a number he’s topped in five of his last 10.

• Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
• Where to watch: Prime Video

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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The Utah Jazz continue their road swing tonight in D.C. against the Washington Wizards. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. 

Keyonte George is thriving as the main option right now for Utah, and I’m eyeing him to keep it rolling this evening in my Jazz vs. Wizards predictions. 

Read more in my NBA picks for Thursday, March 6. 

Jazz vs Wizards prediction

Jazz vs Wizards best bet: Keyonte George Over 25.5 points (-115)

No Lauri Markkanen for the Utah Jazz means Keyonte George is the top guy at the moment, and he’s running with the opportunity. The Baylor product has cashed the Over in back-to-back games with ease.

On Monday, George put together a 36-point game against the Nuggets in a tight loss. The Jazz then fell by just four points on Wednesday evening versus the 76ers, but George put his best foot forward, balling out for 30. 

The Washington Wizards are in the gutter of the East and sit 29th in defensive rating. George will go off again. 

Jazz vs Wizards same-game parlay

Utah is in the midst of a seven-game losing skid, but a win is right around the corner. Their last two games against two solid teams have been incredibly close, and they’ve won four of their last five meetings with Washington 

After giving Philly a run for their money, the Jazz will finally end the losing run tonight. 

Kyle Filipowski is averaging 6.7 rebounds this season, but he’s been a larger presence on the boards lately. The big man has cashed the Over in boards in back-to-back contests. 

The Duke product had 11 rebounds in Philadelphia, and grabbed eight boards against the Nuggets on Monday. 

Jazz vs Wizards SGP

• Keyonte George Over 25.5 points
• Jazz moneyline
• Kyle Filipowski Over 9.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Another big number for Jazz

Utah scored 125 points against Denver, and Washington has allowed Over 120.5 points in four straight contests. 

Jazz vs Wizards SGP

• Keyonte George Over 25.5 points
• Jazz moneyline
• Kyle Filipowski Over 9.5 rebounds
• Jazz team total Over 120.5 points

Jazz vs Wizards odds

• Spread: Jazz +2.5 | Wizards -2.5
• Moneyline: Jazz +125 | Wizards -150
• Over/Under: Over 243.5 | Under 243.5

Jazz vs Wizards betting trend to know

The Jazz have hit the Over in 30 of their last 50 games (+8.00 Units / 15% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Wizards.

How to watch Jazz vs Wizards

Jazz vs Wizards latest injuries

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MUMBAI, India (AP) — Captain Harry Brook called correctly at the coin toss and England opted to bowl first against India in their Twenty20 World Cup semifinal on Thursday.

India was unchanged from its win against the West Indies on Sunday. England made one change, bringing back pacer Jamie Overton for spinner Rehan Ahmed.

The pitch at the iconic Wankhede Stadium should aid batters and a high-scoring contest was on the cards. Evening dew should aid the chasing side.

The winner will take on New Zealand in the final on Sunday at Ahmedabad.

England and India are playing their third straight T20 World Cup semifinal.

England beat India by 10 wickets in Sydney in 2022 and ultimately won its second title. India then beat England by 68 runs in the 2024 semifinal at Georgetown and went on to its second title, too.

Defending champion India's only loss in the tournament so far was against South Africa.

England has lost only once, too, against the West Indies in the first round, also at Mumbai.

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Lineups:

India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (captain), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

HAINAN ISLAND, China (AP) — Zhang Weiwei chipped in on her last two holes, one for eagle and the other for birdie, giving her a 6-under 66 and a three-way tie for the lead in the Blue Bay LPGA on Thursday.

Zhang, one of 20 players in the field from the China Golf Association, was tied with Mary Liu of China and Youmin Hwang of South Korea. All three of them were solid on a day of strong wind at Jian Lake Blue Bay.

Auston Kim, the American who tied for third last week in the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore, shot a 67.

Zhang took advantage of a shorter tee box on the par-5 17th that allowed her to get close enough to the green in two to chip in for eagle. She finished with a chip just off the 18th green about 30 feet from the cup.

“I hit it a bit heavy,” she said of her chip on the 17th. “But the landing spot was perfect and it rolled straight into the hole. That really got me excited and energized.”

Liu birdied four of her last six holes for a 66, while Hwang did her best work around the turn with five birdies in a six-hole stretch in the middle of her round.

Kim had nine birdies, offset by four bogeys, that put her in a tie for third.

“I’m just hitting a couple shots here and there that are really costing me,” Kim said. “Couple three-putts today, and just a couple bad shots off the tee. Overall the rest of it was more solid than before.”

Blue Bay LPGA wraps up a three-tournament swing through Asia for the LPGA with the weakest field of the three. It follows a week in Singapore that had nine of the top 10 in the women's world ranking, missing only Nelly Korda, who again skipped the Asia swing.

Ruoning Yin of China (No. 10) is the only player from the top 10 at Hainan Island. Ruoning, a former Women's PGA champion, opened with a 68.

___

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

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The Orlando Magic wrap up a four-game homestand with a non-conference NBA matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.

Orlando lives in the half-court, and my Mavericks vs. Magic predictions expect Dallas to struggle to score consistently tonight at the Kia Center. 

Read on for my NBA picks for Thursday, March 5.

Mavericks vs Magic prediction

Mavericks vs Magic best bet: Mavericks team total Under 109.5 (-110)

The Orlando Magic defense can strand the Dallas Mavericks in the half-court for long stretches, and the visitors aren't explosive enough to score more than 110 points.  

Even if the Mavericks hang around, their scoring comes in spurts, and Orlando is good at taking away easy points, as evidenced by their 109 points-per-game allowed across their last five contests. 

Orlando’s defense is stout, and its snail-paced offense won’t allow Dallas to jack up the tempo or to have enough successful offensive possessions to clear its team total.

Mavericks vs Magic same-game parlay

Orlando lives in the half-court, and that’s a tough setup for both Naji Marshall and Cooper Flagg.

Marshall must score against a physical Magic perimeter and interior defense, and if Flagg plays, he’s likely on a minutes restriction, which makes it hard to reach 19+ points against Orlando.

Mavericks vs Magic SGP

• Mavericks team total Under 110.5
• Naji Marshall Under 16.5 points
• Cooper Flagg Under 18.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Suggs to be You

Jalen Suggs went 0-for-2 from three against Washington, but he’s hit at least two deep balls in three of his previous five games.

Mavericks vs Magic SGP

• Mavericks team total Under 110.5
• Naji Marshall Under 16.5 points
• Cooper Flagg Under 18.5 points
• Jalen Suggs Over 1.5 made threes

Mavericks vs Magic odds

• Spread: Mavericks +8.5 (-110) | Magic -8.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Mavericks +280 | Magic -360
• Over/Under: Over 228.5 (-110) | Under 228.5 (-110)

Mavericks vs Magic betting trend to know

The Dallas Mavericks have hit the 2H Game Total Under in 13 of their last 18 away games (+7.41 Units / 36% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Mavericks vs. Magic.

How to watch Mavericks vs Magic

Mavericks vs Magic latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

BOSTON — Jaylen Brown wasn’t at his sharpest Wednesday night against the Hornets. He missed four of his first six shots and four of his final six as the Celtics suffered a lopsided 118–89 defeat at TD Garden.

“I take accountability,” Brown said. “I gotta be better at the rim and play with more energy.”

Brown’s first three shots were all within 12 feet of the rim, and all three missed. He proceeded to miss six more from within six feet before finishing 7-for-19 with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and three turnovers. Both Brown’s scoring and playmaking proved unreliable, turning what began as a first-quarter 7-for-23 Celtics slump into a contagious burden that prevented anyone from finding a rhythm.

Charlotte’s defense smothered Boston so effectively that it held the Celtics to fewer than 23 points for three quarters.

“That wasn’t Celtics basketball,” Brown said. “They had more energy than us. Usually, that doesn’t happen a lot all season long. Today wasn’t the best example of Celtics basketball, and we all can be better. Being the leader, I take accountability.”

Brown tried to revive the Celtics. In the second quarter, he poster-dunked over 6-foot-10 center Moussa Diabaté in an attempt to motivate the rest of the team. The energy lift lasted only a few moments before Charlotte closed the frame with a 64-43 halftime lead. Brown’s latest dunk-of-the-year submission wasn’t enough to swing the pendulum in Boston’s favor. The shooting woes, turnovers, and unlikely brand of basketball that prompted halftime boos among the over 19,000 fans in attendance remained stuck to the Celtics.

In the third quarter, Brown’s right-handed layup attempt was blocked by Ryan Kalkbrenner. Brown immediately looked toward the officials, shouting while holding his right arm. Seconds later, he was charged with a his career-high ninth technical foul of the season, allowing Colby White to visit the charity stripe and extend Charlotte’s lead to 20 points with 11.4 seconds remaining.

No matter where the Celtics looked, they couldn’t find an answer.

Hornets coach Charles Lee’s offense, on the other hand, never took its foot off the gas. Charlotte recorded 26 assists to Boston’s 18 and scored 22 fast-break points, while the Celtics finished with nine.

Part of Boston’s internal makeup that has made the Celtics one of the most dominant teams in the NBA this season is their ability to outwork opponents. Regardless of who’s healthy, they’ve been able to rely on their all-or-nothing commitment to make up for any star-power gap or unfavorable matchup. This time, that wasn’t the case, and Brown called it out.

“We weren’t the harder-playing team tonight on either side of the ball,” Brown said. “Uncharacteristic of us.”

In addition to getting outworked, key contributors to Boston’s offense became complete non-factors. Payton Pritchard went scoreless for the second time in three games, this time shooting 0-for-6, including 0-for-5 from three. Nikola Vučević scored only eight points, shooting 2-for-10 with only four rebounds. Everyone on Charlotte’s sideline whom Lee played registered a positive plus-minus, as the Hornets outscored the Celtics 44-26 in bench points.

“We just didn’t have it tonight,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.

Failing to convert at the rim wasn’t just Brown’s problem; it plagued Boston’s entire offense.

“We went 4-for-18 from layups, so I don’t really know what else to tell you,” Mazzulla said. “That was in the first half. We went 11-for-33 in the game, and brought it up to 33 percent.”

As Mazzulla saw it, Boston’s misses constantly turned into fast-break opportunities for Charlotte, who capitalized on easy baskets. The Celtics committed 15 turnovers, which the Hornets converted into 21 points. Poor ball protection and the inability to finish at the rim quickly caught up to Boston. Charlotte had little trouble maintaining its double-digit lead, as the Celtics were unintentionally blueprinting their own undoing.

Nobody in the locker room was overly concerned with the loss. They were more focused on learning from their mistakes. That’s the Mazzulla way.

“I think we had a lot of good looks,” Derrick White said. “There’s a lot of layups we missed, a lot of open looks that we missed, and honestly, we’re gonna look back and see some things that we should’ve done better. But I think overall it was pretty good. We just gotta execute better.”