NBA Best Bets: Monday, March 14th

With only a few weeks left in the NBA regular season, I’m taking full advantage of this 9-game Monday night. I’ve got 3 of my NBA best bets for tonight with a bit more variety than usual. We have one 1×2 bet, one handicap and one Over/Under. Take a look at my best bets and feel free to comment your opinion.

NBA Best Bets Monday, March 14th

• Atlanta Hawks vs Portland Trail Blazers: Blazers +13.0 at 1.91
• Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets: Over 220.5 at 1.95 odds 
• Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks: Jazz to Win at 2.16

Odds as at 2 pm March 14th 2022. Odds may now differ.

Atlanta Hawks vs Portland Trail Blazers Best Bet

Mon, Mar 14 22:30 (UK)

The Atlanta Hawks are having a very disappointing 2021/22 season so far, sitting 9th in the east and will likely still be battling for a playoff spot come June. They have won 6 of their last 10 games, as well as their last 2, but it was against mediocre competition, and their play is unlikely to allow a repeat of last year’s success. Whilst their offence has fared very well once again, it’s their defence that has prevented them from climbing the conference standings, ranking 27th in defensive rating and allowing 112.1 points per game. Although Trae Young is having another phenomenal season for them, averaging 28 points and 9.4 assists per game, their team defence has been atrocious, allowing opponents to drain 36.4% of their 3-pointers. The Hawks are heavy favourites in this one, available at 1.11 odds to win, and 90% of bettors are picking them to win tonight.

The Portland Trail Blazers have also been struggling all season, sitting in 11th place in the western conference with just 26 wins and 40 losses. But they are coming off a huge 127-118 victory over the Washington Wizards, where Josh Hart exploded for 44 points and 6 assists. It’s no secret that the Blazers are struggling at the moment, especially with Simons, Lillard, Nurkic out with injury, but they’re capable of going off against bad defensive teams, and the 13-point spread is the ideal opportunity to take advantage of their underdog status. They beat the Atlanta Hawks in their first encounter of the season by 136-131, and I’m expecting a similar result this time around. I don’t expect much defence to be played in this one, especially considering the Hawks played a close game against the Pacers last night. I’m backing the Blazers to stay within 13 points tonight.

• Selection: Blazers +13.0
• Best Odds: 1.91 (Unibet)
• Stakes: 6/10

More Atlanta Hawks vs Portland Trail Blazers tips

Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets Best Bet

Tue, Mar 14.  23:30 (UK)

The Philadelphia 76ers have recovered nicely after their slow start to the season, and are now 2nd in the eastern conference standings with 41 wins and 25 losses. They have won 7 of their last 10 games and are coming off a 116-114 victory over the Orlando Magic. Their offence has performed very well recently, with a rating of 114.2 in the last 10 games, but their defence has been surprisingly underwhelming, ranking 20th in the league and allowing 114.1 points per game. This is a lot higher than their season average of 106.5 points allowed per game, and Philly’s defence will be facing one of the top offences in the league. This game could also have huge MVP implications with Jokic and Embiid facing off head to head, and I’m expecting both of them to turn up the heat on offence.

The Denver Nuggets have been one of the most up-and-down teams in the league this season, with huge deviations in their play. For a time, they were the best defence in the NBA, but have now dropped to 22nd in the league in defensive rating, and are allowing 112.6 points per game at the moment. They are coming off a 127-115 loss to the Toronto Raptors, and this team’s fatigue is clearly visible on the floor. Their defence is in tatters at the moment, and if it weren’t for their potent offensive game, they would be one of the worst teams in the conference. But Nikola Jokic is having another incredible offensive season for them, averaging 26 points, 8.1 assists and 13.8 rebounds per game, and if their shooters continue to make close to 40% of their threes like they did against Toronto, this game is going to see well over 220.0 points.

• Selection: Over 220.5
• Best Odds:  1.95 (Marathonbet)
• Stakes: 7/10

More Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets tips

Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks Best Bet

Tue, Mar 15.  02:00 (UK)

The Utah Jazz are 4th in the western conference with 42 wins and 25 losses and are coming off a 134-125 victory over the Sacramento Kings where Jordan Clarkson went off for a 45 point game. The Jazz have had the 6th-best offence in the NBA in the last 10 games, and have averaged 113.9 points per game this season. Their defence has also been solid this year, ranking 9th in the league in defensive rating and allowing just 107.5 points per game. They have managed to keep opponents to 34.2% from beyond the arc, and with Rudy Gobert providing excellent interior defence and shot-blocking, they are a powerhouse. The problems have occurred in games when Gobert hasn’t played, like in their most recent one against the Kings, but should he play tonight, it’s going to be a hard night for Milwaukee.

Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are sitting 3rd in the eastern conference, and are 3 games behind the top seed. They have won 7 of their last 10 games, but they haven’t played as well as one would expect. They have lost their most recent game against the Warriors where their defence allowed 122 points. In fact, the Bucks’ defence has been mediocre recently, ranking 21st in the NBA in defensive rating and allowing 118.2 points per game. Although they’ve had the 3rd best offence in the league this year, they have struggled against tough defensive sides, and have lost their last 3 encounters against the Utah Jazz. Their first game against the Jazz this year was a 107-95 loss at Fiserv Forum, and I’m expecting a similar result this time around. The Jazz are available to win at 2.16 odds, and with 41% of bettors backing them tonight, it’s a solid value bet.

• Selection: Jazz to Win
• Best Odds: 2.16 (Marathonbet)
• Stakes: 6/10

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