NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (3/26)
While the NBA has only scheduled six games tonight, ESPN is still carrying a doubleheader of NBA games.
First, the Lakers will face the Pacers. After that game, ESPN will switch to the Celtics vs. the Suns. I’ve got the best bets for each of these games below.
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Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers
It sounds like LeBron James will play against the Pacers in tonight’s game. James has been dealing with a left groin strain but is listed as probable for tonight.
I’d expect the Lakers to get to the foul line at a high rate. It’s what they’ve done all year. The Lakers have a 21.6% free-throw rate, which is the best in the NBA. However, the Lakers have struggled on the offensive glass and will need to be efficient from the floor to be effective on the offensive end.
The Pacers have limited teams to 114.4 points per 100 possessions. They’ve also added nearly 15% of turnovers per game. At home, the Pacers are also 24-9 and are quietly 42-29 on the season.
In addition, Indiana has scored more points per 100 possessions than the Lakers. The Pacers have added 116.1 points per 100 possessions while shooting a 56.6% effective field goal rate. The Pacers have limited turnovers to 13.3%, but aren’t effective on the offensive glass.
The Pacers likely won’t consistently get to the foul line in this game, but Indiana will likely shoot a higher percentage and have fewer turnovers. That should be the difference.
I’ll take the Pacers at +100 odds to win.
Pick: Pacers Moneyline (+100)
Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns had a disastrous start to the season. However, they’re still in playoff contention, sitting at 35-37. The Suns have won four consecutive games and limited three of their opponents to just 112 points or fewer. This four-game winning streak has pushed the Suns to 10th in the Western Conference. If the season ended today, the Suns would be in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
The Suns are also on this run without Bradley Beal, who was also ruled out for tonight’s game due to a hamstring injury.
That said, the Suns are in line to face a Celtics defense that has limited opponents to 111.5 points per 100 possessions. The Suns are inactive on the offensive glass and likely won’t earn many second chances against the Celtics, who have limited teams to 26.8% of offensive rebounds. Plus, the Celtics have held teams to a 53% effective field goal percentage, so it’s likely the Suns miss shots and come away empty-handed a lot.
Meanwhile, the Celtics are better offensively, scoring 120.8 points per 100 possessions. However, the Celtics also won’t dominate the offensive glass and usually don’t see the foul line very often. Boston will keep the turnovers down and make more shots. But this game has under written all over it.
Back the Under 220.
Pick: Under 220 Points (-108)