As the NBA season nears its end, the fervor for betting remains strong. With a multitude of high-stakes games scheduled for Friday, March 31, it’s time to prepare for an exhilarating night of basketball. Follow Lindy as he delves into the most exciting matchups of the day and reveals the most enticing NBA bets, propositions and selections from the 13-game lineup.
Legal gambling age is 21+ and in most states. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
Best NBA Bets, Expert Picks & Predictions | March 31
Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Hornets
Although both teams have injury concerns, the absence of key players will likely impact the Hornets more. Terry Rozier is out, Gordon Hayward is doubtful, and Kelly Oubre Jr. and Dennis Smith Jr. are questionable. The Bulls have Andre Drummond and Alex Caruso listed as questionable, but neither injury moves the needle in a significant way, and for all intents and purposes, we can assume that the Bulls will be at full strength.
With the Bulls ranking 13th in adjusted net rating on dunks and 3’s, they should have enough firepower to handle the injury-depleted Hornets. In contrast, the Hornets have fallen to 27th without their good players. We expect the Bulls to cover the spread of 7 points.
Best NBA Bet: Chicago Bulls -7 (LIKE)
Check out the best March Madness Sportsbook Promos with Stokastic!
Oklahoma City Thunder at Indiana Pacers
Unfortunately, the Thunder will be without their star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is out with an ankle injury. However, Josh Giddey has been playing well lately, and his performance against the Hornets on Tuesday hit a lot of bets for us. Plus, the Thunder don’t have any other major injuries at the moment.
The Pacers, on the other hand, have several injury concerns, including Tyrese Haliburton still out and Myles Turner listed as questionable. The Pacers defense has also been struggling without Turner. However, both teams have played at a fast pace this season and are top 4 in the NBA in shortest offensive possession length, averaging 14 seconds or less per trip down the floor.
If Turner is out, we will lock in the over of 235.5 points. But until his status is confirmed, we’ll consider it a standard like.
Best NBA Bet: OVER 235.5 (LIKE)
Legal gambling age is 21+ and in most states. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
Toronto Raptors at Philadelphia 76ers
With no injury news pending, both teams should be at full strength, save for Gary Trent Jr. as the only meaningful piece listed as questionable. The 76ers got Joel Embiid and James Harden back against the Mavericks, and they should be a tough challenge for the Raptors. We will lean towards the Raptors getting the 6 points, but this game is tough to bet on. It should be a fun game to watch but a terrible game to bet.
Best NBA Bet: Toronto Raptors +6 (LEAN)
Check out the best March Madness Sportsbook Promos with Stokastic!
Utah Jazz at Boston Celtics
The Celtics are coming off a manhandling of the Milwaukee Bucks, and with most of Utah’s good players injured, this game could get ugly quickly. The Jazz will be without Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton and possibly Kelly Olynyk.
However, Boston is likely to rest several players as well. Robert Williams playing a back-to-back seems unlikely, but Al Horford, Jaylen Brown or Jayson Tatum could sit as well. We will take a wait-and-see approach with this game and lean toward the Celtics moneyline.
Best NBA Bet: Boston Celtics Moneyline (LEAN)
