NBA Predictions and Best Bets – March 19, 2021

The NBA is loaded up again on Friday, with another 10-game slate upon us.

Take a look at the schedule for March 19th before placing any bets.

There should be plenty of scoring tonight, with the Kings starting things off in Boston, and the night being capped with a clash between Luka Doncic and Damian Lillard.

It should be a fun time, but how should you bet? To close the week out with some wins, read on for Friday’s NBA predictions and top betting picks.

The Kings and Celtics start off a loaded night of NBA action, with Boston playing host at TD Garden.

Boston should have Kemba Walker back for this one, and the Celtics probably need him after dropping their second straight game on Wednesday.

The Celtics are just 20-20 on the year and 5-5 over their last 10, but they should have the edge at home, where they’re 12-6 this season.

Boston and the Over look like the best bets here.

DeMar DeRozan will hopefully be back for the Spurs, but even if he’s not on hand for this one, it’s hard to hate San Antonio as they take on the Cavs.

San Antonio is still competing for a playoff spot, and have won their last two games. They have the more reliable offense and better coaching, while they’ve been quite good (11-6) on the road this season.

Cleveland got Kevin Love back and immediately lost him again.

The Cavs have solid guard play and a collection of quality bigs, but they just can’t put it all together. Their offense has come along slowly, and they’re giving up over 113 points per game.

It’s led to a bad 15-25 start, and a middling 10-10 record at home.

The pace of this game makes it one to avoid, but if you want to bet on it, I like the Spurs and the Under.

The drought is over. That’s the hope for bettors, at least. Houston has lost an insane 18 consecutive games, but with a palatable home date with the 11-29 Pistons, I think they finally get a win.

It’s been a rough ride for Houston, but they finally got Christian Wood back. It was like he never left.

CHRISTIAN WOOD DROPPED DRAYMOND ? pic.twitter.com/kEng8urW8l

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 18, 2021

Victor Oladipo could be on hand for this one, too, so a stronger than usual Rockets team feels like a solid bet to snap this skid.

The Pacers and Heat face off in Miami, in what should be a hotly contested matchup. Jimmy Butler is a bit banged up, so make sure he’s on hand for this one.

Butler did suit up in Miami’s last game, though, so all signs point to him being on hand to help the Heat get their 9th win in their last 11 games.

Miami looks like a good bet at home, where they’re 12-8 on the year. These two sides haven’t faced off this year yet, but Miami swept the playoff series (4-0) last year, and went 3-1 in this matchup during the regular season.

Indy has a little help with Caris LeVert in tow, but they’re just 2-8 over their last 10.

The Magic are utterly hopeless these days. They are nearing the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and they have precious few bodies to go to war with.

Brooklyn is still without Kevin Durant, but that’s been no problem during a six-game winning streak.

There won’t be much value in betting on the Nets here, but the Over could be a viable secondary play.

Utah has been a pretty middling team lately, but they should have Mike Conley back after he took a breather last night.

They also should be in a fine spot against the Raptors, who have stumbled into a six-game skid.

Toronto still isn’t 100%, and facing the league’s best team probably won’t help matters.

A Jazz win can be expected, and it wouldn’t be too shocking for them to cover the 5-point spread. The Jazz are 26-13 against the spread on the year, after all.

The Grizzlies are probably one of the sneakier plays on this slate. Normally I wouldn’t get too excited about them, but they’re at full strength and they’re at home.

Memphis is just 18-19 on the year and 5-5 over their last 10, but they should hold the edge when they host the Dubs.

Stephen Curry didn’t practice on Thursday, and he’ll be in doubt for this one.

Stephen Curry (tailbone) doesn't practice Thursday. https://t.co/No6WFR5zOb

— FantasyLabs NBA (@FantasyLabsNBA) March 18, 2021

Golden State remains viable and you can also consider the Over thanks to their pace of play. But with Curry potentially out, Memphis stands out as a nice straight up bet.

Denver should be another good pick on Friday, as the Bulls have absolutely nobody that can hang with Nikola Jokic down low.

That was made evident earlier this year, when The Joker hung 39 points on this Chicago team.

The rematch is in Denver, where the Nuggets are a respectable 11-8. They’re also in a groove right now, having won two straight and eight of their last 10.

Chicago can fill it up offensively at times, but they have no resistance here. I’d be surprised if this one stays close.

The T’Wolves and Suns could both be tired and may potentially rest some players, as they squared off last night.

It’s always tough to predict NBA games when they face twice in a row, so this may be one to shy away from.

Phoenix is still at home and has the edge in just about every way, though. The spread is thick and the total is high, as well. I’d favor the Suns, but this may end up being a game I’d just avoid.

I’m on the opposite side of things for this one, as Luka vs. Dame to close out Friday looks to be all of the fun.

Portland has won two in a row in this series, and they claimed the prior meeting this year in a wild 121-118 shootout.

Lillard poured in 34 points in that one, and judging by his current form, he’ll be a threat to drop a 50-burger in this one.

Doncic can do that, too, of course, seeing as he just scored 42 in his last outing.

Luka Doncic vs the Clippers:

42 PTS
6 REB
9 AST
6 3PT
16-28 FG

The Mavs are 12-4 in their last 16 games. pic.twitter.com/TBCWQhqQbC

— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 18, 2021

Both of these guys will surely stay hot here, but I tend to trust the Mavs a little more. They’re 7-3 over their last 10, and they play a bit more defense. I like Dallas, and you can hammer the Over.

There are sure to be plenty of NBA bets to fall in love with on a slate this big, but I’m only highlighting the three I really feel great about.

Miami’s offense is slow, but they’re getting healthier and are a better team at home. I think Indy’s faster pace will push this game up a bit, and a 216 total just feels low.

Dallas is my pick over Portland, so you can hit the moneyline when pricing emerges. For now, I don’t mind just taking them to cover. They’re a solid 5-3 ATS as the road favorite.

Lastly, I’ll go hard at the Nuggets. They’re the superior team at home, and Chicago won’t be able to stifle Joker down low. This game shouldn’t be close.

Like my NBA picks or want to roll with other bets on Friday? Hit up the best NBA mobile betting apps to get in on the action.