Category: Basketball

It’s Monday, March 24, and the Los Angeles Lakers (43-27) and Orlando Magic (33-38) are all set to square off from Kia Center in Orlando.

The Lakers are currently 15-18 on the road with a point differential of 1, while the Magic have a 2-8 record in their last ten games at home. Orlando is 1-0 against the Lakers this season with a 119-118 victory back in Los Angeles on November 21.

Los Angeles has lost two straight games after winning three before that. Orlando is 4-3 over the last seven games and alternated wins and losses. The Magic have not had a winning streak following the All-Star break.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on 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 Lakers vs. Magic live today

• Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
• Time: 7:00PM EST
• Site: Kia Center
• City: Orlando, FL
• Network/Streaming: NBA TV

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 Lakers vs. Magic

The latest odds as of Monday:

• Odds: Lakers (-174), Magic (+145)
• Spread:  Lakers -4
• Over/Under: 215 points

That gives the Lakers an implied team point total of 108.77, and the Magic 106.68.

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 Lakers vs. Magic game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Magic to cover against the Lakers:

"Orlando hasn't had back-to-back wins since the All-Star break, but this isn't the worst spot. Orlando won in the only meeting of the season and the Lakers are coming off back-to-back blowout losses to Milwaukee (118-89) and Chicago (146-115). The 29-point loss to the Bulls was LeBron James' first game back since March 8 (17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 turnovers). Los Angeles is starting a four-game road trip in Orlando and I don't think this will be a smooth game for the Lake Show considering the Magic's defensive mindset. I would take the Magic with the points."

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 Lakers & Magic 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 Lakers at .
• Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of .

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions pagefrom 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 Lakers vs. Magic on Monday

• The Lakers have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Eastern Conference Southeast Division teams
• The Under is 37-31 in the Magic's home games and the Lakers' road games combined this season
• The Lakers have covered in 6 of their 9 matchups against Eastern Conference Southeast Division teams this season
• Betting the Lakers on the Money Line in all games this season would have shown a 112% return on investment

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!

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)

It’s Monday, March 24, and the Minnesota Timberwolves (41-31) and Indiana Pacers (41-29) are all set to square off from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The Timberwolves are currently 20-15 on the road with a point differential of 5, while the Pacers have a 9-1 record in their last ten games at home. Indiana won the only meeting with Minnesota on March 17, 132-130 in OT. This is the final meeting of the season.

Indiana is 8-3 over the last 11 games and enters on a four-game winning streak, while Minnesota is coming off a 41-point win over New Orleans to break a two-game losing streak. The Timberwolves are 9-2 in the past 11 games.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on 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 Timberwolves vs. Pacers live today

• Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
• Time: 7:00PM EST
• Site: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
• City: Indianapolis, IN
• 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 Timberwolves vs. Pacers

The latest odds as of Monday:

• Odds: Timberwolves (+110), Pacers (-130)
• Spread:  Pacers -2.5
• Over/Under: 230.5 points

That gives the Timberwolves an implied team point total of 114.13, and the Pacers 116.91.

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 Timberwolves vs. Pacers game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans Tyrese Haliburton to double-double and the Pacers to win:

"Over the last 10 games, Tyrese Haliburton has double-doubled in all 10 games, and the Pacers have gone 7-3 during that stretch. To start March (six games), Haliburton averages 18.8 points, 12.3 assists, and 5.0 rebounds over 33.0 minutes per game. He's recorded at least 12 assists in five of the previous six and grabbed at least five rebounds in four of those. He's on a heater right now, so I lean Haliburton to double-double at +105 odds and lean the Pacers to win at -130 odds."

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 Timberwolves & Pacers 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 Indiana Pacers at .
• Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of .

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 Timberwolves vs. Pacers on Monday

• The Pacers are showing a 106% return on investment at home on the Money Line
• 8 of the Pacers' last 10 home games stayed under the Total
• The Timberwolves have gone 19-16 on the road against the spread this season
• The Pacers have won 7 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!

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)

It’s Monday, March 24, and the Toronto Raptors (24-46) and Washington Wizards (15-55) are all set to square off from Capital One Arena in Washington.

The Raptors are currently 8-26 on the road with a point differential of -5, while the Wizards have a 2-8 record in their last ten games at home. Toronto is 2-1 against Washington this season and won the previous meeting on March 10.

The Raptors have lost four straight games to follow up three consecutive losses, including last night's 123-89 blowout loss to the Spurs. The Wizards are on a four-game losing streak as well that followed up back-to-back wins.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on 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. Wizards live today

• Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
• Time: 7:00PM EST
• Site: Capital One Arena
• City: Washington, DC
• 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. Wizards

The latest odds as of Monday:

• Odds: Raptors (+106), Wizards (-124)
• Spread:  Wizards -1.5
• Over/Under: 228.5 points

That gives the Raptors an implied team point total of 113.84, and the Wizards 115.28.

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. Wizards game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Under between the Raptors and Wizards:

"It's hard to pick a winner between these two teams right now with the Wizards in contention for the worst record and the Raptors falling hard. Toronto has dropped the last four games and with this being the second night of back-to-back with no rest and off a blowout loss to the Spurs (123-89), I have to think Washington is favored for a reason, but not a good enough one for me. I'd rather take a stab at the Under than back the Wizards or Raptors."

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 & Wizards 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 Toronto Raptors at .
• Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of .

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions pagefrom 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. Wizards on Monday

• The Wizards have lost 4 of their last 5 games against teams with losing records
• The Raptors' last 3 road trips to the Wizards have stayed under the Total
• The Wizards have failed to cover in their last 3 games at home
• Eastern Conference Atlantic Division teams have won 4 of their last 5 matchups against Eastern Conference Southeast Division sides

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!

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)

It’s Monday, March 24, and the Dallas Mavericks (34-37) and Brooklyn Nets (23-48) are all set to square off from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The Mavericks are currently 14-21 on the road with a point differential of 0, while the Nets have a 5-5 record in their last ten games at home. This is the first meeting of the season between the two teams.

The Nets are 0-3 in the past three games and 1-6 over the previous seven, while the Mavericks are 1-4 in the last five and 2-9 over the past 11.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on 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 Mavericks vs. Nets live today

• Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
• Time: 7:30PM EST
• Site: Barclays Center
• City: Brooklyn, NY
• 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 Mavericks vs. Nets

The latest odds as of Monday:

• Odds: Mavericks (-115), Nets (-104)
• Spread:  Mavericks -1
• Over/Under: 218 points

That gives the Mavericks an implied team point total of 109.27, and the Nets 108.75.

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 Mavericks vs. Nets game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Nets ML against the Mavericks:

"Brooklyn is a 1-point favorite and this is the first meeting of the season. While Brooklyn has lost six of the past seven, Dallas hasn't been any better at 1-4 in the previous five contests. Both teams are hard to bet on and seem to have given up most nights, but I'd lean with the small home favorite in Brooklyn."

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 Mavericks & Nets 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 Dallas Mavericks at .
• Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of .

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions pagefrom 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 Mavericks vs. Nets on Monday

• The Nets have lost 14 of their last 17 games
• The Over is 8-2 in the Mavericks' last 10 games
• The Nets have covered the Spread in their last 4 games at home
• The Mavericks are on a 4-game win streak at the Nets

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!

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)

Things got messy in Miami — Jimmy Butler never hesitates to burn a bridge on his way out of town. From the moment Heat decision-maker Pat Riley said after last season that he was not going to give Jimmy Butler the max extension he wanted, we all knew what was coming. Butler eventually demanded a trade, was suspended multiple times by the team, and it was all a massive distraction from which the Heat have never recovered (Miami had lost nine straight before Sunday's win against tanking Charlotte).

Tuesday night, Jimmy Butler returns to Miami in a Golden State Warriors uniform — and the welcome may not be very warm. It's a big, emotional game... unless you ask Butler.

"Another game for me," Butler said Saturday night after a win in Golden State, via the Associated Press. "Another game that we're expected to win, for sure, though."

Butler wasn't done, including talking about his Miami years, via Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.

"We was all right. We didn't win like we were supposed to. We made some cool runs. We had some fun...

"I was traded from there, yadda yadda yadda. Yeah, it didn't end the way people wanted it to, yadda yadda yadda. But that's so far behind me now, I don't even think about it."

It's easy not to think about it, given that the Warriors have gone 16-3 with Butler in the lineup and look like a threat in the West.

However, picking up that 17th win may be challenging with Stephen Curry expected to miss the game with a lower back contusion (Curry has flown to Miami and joined the team for the six-game road trip they are starting but is not expected to play at the start of the trip). No Curry means the ball will be in Jimmy Butler's hands more, giving Heat fans more chances to express their feelings. All of which makes this must-watch TV.