Julius Caesar might have needed to beware the Ides of March, but that was his problem - not ours. Why would it be? We've got a seven-game NBA slate to enjoy. Some days have more games, sure, but seven gives me plenty of options for today's top NBA picks & predictions.
The first game of the day pits the Minnesota Timberwolves versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, which may be the best game. Let's start there.
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Sunday’s NBA Best Bets & Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
My first thought for this game was to take the Thunder and lay the points without even thinking about it. Oklahoma City at home with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the mastermind behind one of the most efficient offenses in the league, wreaking havoc on a Minnesota defense that struggles against mid-range creators like him, seems almost perfect.
But Minnesota has its own explosive scoring threat in Anthony Edwards and has decimated the Thunder on the perimeter twice this season. However, while the Timberwolves won the perimeter in those games, the Thunder dominated the paint.
If Edwards plays, I'd lean towards taking Minnesota and the points. Minnesota has won two out of three games against the Thunder this season. I'd expect the fourth and final regular-season game to be just as good.
If Edwards doesn't play or you don't want to wait to see if he does, take the over. The over is 21-12 for Minnesota. If Edwards doesn't play and the offense suffers, the defense could help make up the difference. Opponents have scored between 117 and 153 points in the Timberwolves’ last four games.
Pick: With Anthony Edwards - Timberwolves +9.5 (-108) | Without Anthony Edwards: Over 233.5 Points (-110)
Dallas Mavericks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Dallas has looked like it has thrown in the towel since beating Golden State on January 22nd, when it improved to 19-26. Since then, they have gone 3-19, including a 138-105 loss to the Cavaliers at home last Friday.
The Mavericks have a handful of players listed as game-time decisions, while Cleveland has a few players who will miss this game. But that won’t matter, as the Cavaliers will have the services of Evan Mobley, Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. Since the game is in Cleveland this time, it could be uglier than Friday's blowout.
Pick: Cavaliers -16.5 (-106)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
If the 76ers had a healthy roster, I wouldn't think twice about it. I'd take the 76ers and the points (+6.5) at home. However, they are getting those points because Jabari Walker, Andre Drummond, Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Tyrese Maxey are all out.
When the 76ers played in Portland on February 9th, with Maxey, Drummond and Oubre, Portland crushed them, 135-118. Without them, this one could get ugly.
Pick: Trail Blazers -6.5 (-110)
