We’ve got a mixed bag of NBA action today, with some strong headline acts and a heavy dose of tank-tastic lottery teams.
While the late tip between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks is a must-see clash, there are some lopsided spreads to sift through before we get there. But the NBA player props market still has lots to offer — check out my top three NBA picks for Sunday, March 16.
Best NBA player props today
Ball Over 22.5 points (-115 at bet365)
Sharpe Over 19.5 points (-115 at bet365)
Gilgeous-Alexander Over 6.5 assists (+100 at bet365)
NBA player props for March 16
LaMelo Ball Over 22.5 points (-115 at bet365)
The Charlotte Hornets are trudging toward the finish line of another rough season, but they’re still capable of serving up some inviting player props, as we saw in a 145-134 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.
There’s real potential for another all-offense contest against the Los Angeles Clippers tonight, and I’m jumping on this points prop Over for LaMelo Ball.
While the Hornets won’t go overboard with his minutes, Ball dominates on every possession, and he raced to 27 points against the Spurs on just 13 shots.
This 22.5 O/U line feels a little light. Ball has cruised past that number in four of his last six games, and he’s jacked up double-digit 3-point attempts in five straight.
Ball is averaging 25.6 points per game for the season, with almost identical home and road splits and, while Charlotte is a massive underdog, don’t be surprised if LaMelo shines in a losing effort.
Shaedon Sharpe Over 19.5 points (-115 at bet365)
Five straight losses have popped the Portland Trail Blazers’ play-in balloon, but that shouldn’t detract from this season's forward progress — and there’s a very winnable game on deck today against the Toronto Raptors.
With the Raptors feeding minutes to player development projects, the Blazers should post a big total, and I like the points prop Over for Shaedon Sharpe. Toronto gave up 118 points to the Utah Jazz last time out and has a lengthy injury report for tonight’s contest.
Meanwhile, Sharpe is on course for a strong finish to the season. He dropped 21 points in Portland’s overtime loss to the New York Knicks in midweek, and he’s reached the 20-point mark in five of his last seven contests when logging 30+ minutes.
His 3-point shooting remains a significant hole — just 25% from downtown this month — but he’s an irresistible threat attacking the hoop and Toronto offers little rim protection beyond Jakob Poeltl, who’s been under a minutes restriction lately.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 6.5 points (+100 at bet365)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have rolled to a 7-1 mark so far in March, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seems to strengthen his MVP case with every outing.
SGA's scoring sunk the Detroit Pistons yesterday — 48 points — but still had time to pile up six dimes. I’m picking him to go one better tonight with the Over on 6.5 assists at a nice price.
Before last night, Shai had served up at least seven assists in five of his prior six outings, and I don’t see how the Milwaukee Bucks (or anyone) can contain him without sending frequent double teams.
Gilgeous-Alexander is a willing passer and may have Chet Holmgren back alongside him after the big man sat out last night.
With Cason Wallace and Lu Dort also knocking down shots, I expect SGA’s playmaking to stand out again tonight.
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NBA odds today
Here are the full NBA odds for all of today’s matchups.
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