We have eight NBA games to look forward to today. While we enjoy the action, I have found the best NBA bets for March 18 for you to jump on. Let’s win some bucks as we enjoy the NBA action. We’re currently on a hot streak.
Best NBA Bets For March 18, 2024
Cavaliers @ Pacers
Over 224.5 (-110)
The Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Indianapolis to take on the Pacers in the third game of their season series. The previous game ended in a five-point win for the Pacers. With these two teams being divisional rivals, there is a lot of familiarity between them. Both are on the fringes of the Eastern Conference championship discussions.
The Cavs are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Pacers are sixth. They are in the thick of the race for playoff positioning, with five teams separated by three games.
Both teams can ill afford to drop games down the stretch of the season, so expect them to be highly motivated for this matchup. Also, if the season were to end today, these teams would face each other in the first round.
The Cavaliers have Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, and Evan Mobley as absences for this game. The Pacers have Bennedict Mathurin and Doug McDermott listed as out.
The Pacers will be confident heading into this tie with four wins in their last six. They have a three-win streak against the Cavs. The Cavs have struggled in recent games, winning just two of their last six.
This number is surprisingly low considering the pace at which games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse are played. The Pacers are third in the NBA in pace over the last 30 days.
Since the All-Star break, the over has hit in five of seven games at home for the Pacers. During this run of games at home, the Pacers have scored at least 121 points in six games.
Finally, the Cavaliers shoot more threes when dealing with injuries. In the last game they played without those same set of injured players, they attempted 46 threes.
When the Pacers faced the Timberwolves, the game finished with 224 points despite the Wolves making just 7-of-25 three-point attempts.
Bet on these teams to hit the over in a potential three-point fest.
Heat @ 76ers
Heat +2.5 (-110)
The Miami Heat travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. This will be the third meeting of the season between both sides, with the Heat leading the series 2-0. The Heat won the most recent encounter in Philadelphia by five points.
Both teams head into this matchup struggling for consistency. The Heat have won four of their last eight, while the 76ers have won three of their last eight. The Heat come into this game off a two-game win streak against the Pistons. The 76ers won their most recent game at home against the Hornets.
Since the All-Star break, the only teams the 76ers have beaten at home were the shorthanded Hornets and Cavaliers. The Heat exchanged a six-game win streak with a more recent three-game loss streak on the road. Those three losses on the road were to the Nuggets, Mavericks, and Thunder. Exactly, a murderer’s row. They will be facing a considerably weaker team in this injured 76ers team.
The 76ers’ Joel Embiid remains out. Also, Robert Covington and De’Anthony Melton are ruled out. With Tobias Harris listed as a game-time decision. For the Heat, Tyler Herro, Kevin Love, Nikola Jović, and Josh Richardson are listed as out. While Jimmy Butler is listed as a game-time decision.
In this NBA bet, we are backing the Heat because their stars are healthier and have greater depth in their rotation.
Trailblazers @ Bulls
Trailblazers +8.5 (-110)
The Portland Trailblazers travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls in the second game of the season series. The previous game ended in an eight-point win for the Bulls at the Moda Center.
Both teams have won just two of their last five. While the Trailblazers are having a forgettable season, the Bulls are trying to salvage theirs and make the play-in tournament.
The Bulls are currently in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are 4.5 games off home advantage in the play-in tournament. They will be pushing to finish the season with as high a seed as possible.
The Bulls have struggled at home in recent weeks. They have covered the spread just twice since the All-Star break. The Trailblazers have covered the spread in six of their last nine on the road. That run includes games at the Nuggets (twice), Rockets, Timberwolves, and the Thunder.
The Bulls have Coby White and Alex Caruso listed as game-time decisions. While the Trailblazers have Jerami Grant and Matisse Thybulle listed as doubtful.
The Bulls and Trailblazers have been in tight games all year. The Bulls particularly are inconsistent at starting games strong. Expect to see a close game in this matchup. Bet on the Trailblazers to keep it close.
Timberwolves @ Jazz
Timberwolves -5.5 (-110)
The Minnesota Timberwolves remain in Utah to take on the Jazz. This will be the final meeting of the season between both sides, with the Timberwolves looking for a 4-0 sweep. The Wolves won the most recent encounter two days ago by just 19 points, covering the spread. The Timberwolves have dominated this matchup this year, winning each game by at least 18 points.
The Timberwolves have been strong on the road all year. They have won 11 of their previous 15 on the road. Three of those four games were against teams in playoff/play-in spots. The Jazz have been inconsistent at home, beating teams under .500 but losing to playoff teams.
The Jazz have Lauri Markkanen listed as a game-time decision and Jordan Clarkson listed as out. For the T-wolves Rudy Gobert, Kyle Anderson, and Monte Morris will be re-evaluated and are game-time decisions. While Karl-Anthony Towns remains out for extended time.
In this NBA bet, we are backing the better Timberwolves team to beat up their divisional rivals. We are asking for more of the same. Importantly for our spread bet, the Timberwolves are first in the NBA in defensive rating.
These are my best NBA bets for March 14. Let’s repeat some recent successes.
Good luck with your bets.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of approximately 5:00 p.m. EST on March 18th. These are for entertainment purposes only and by no means a guarantee. Wager responsibly.
