The NBA regular season continues with an enticing Tuesday slate that features 9 games on Tuesday night. So, our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified the best value on the board.
Our betting experts have looked over the odds and made 8 NBA picks for today's contests. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Tuesday, March 4.
NBA Best Bets, Predictions, Picks, Odds: Tuesday, March 4
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:00 p.m. | |
  | 7:00 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 7:30 p.m. | |
  | 8:00 p.m. | |
  | 10 p.m. | |
| 10 p.m. | |
  | 10:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Raptors vs. Magic
By Bruce Marshall
Maybe it's risky to again trust an Orlando side that apparently isn't as close to turning the corner as we might have thought last week.
However, there is one contrarian clue for tonight. Winning back-to-back games against the same team on the road — as an underdog, no less — has long proven to be a tall mountain to climb in the NBA. Can we trust the Raptors to win twice in 48 hours at Kia Center?
The Magic destroyed themselves on Sunday with a woeful stretch from the end of the 3rd quarter until early in the 4th, when they were outscored 22-3 and saw a one-point lead turn into an 18-point deficit. That Orlando rallied to have a chance to force overtime in the final seconds suggests that maybe that late surge can carry over to tonight. Even in losing efforts, Paolo Banchero is scoring 30 points per game over his past three. Play the Magic tonight.
Pick: Magic -7
| | | | | | | |
Rockets vs. Pacers
By Picks Office
Indiana’s offense has been scorching, averaging 120.6 PPG over its past five, a run fueled by 52.7% shooting. Tyrese Haliburton runs the show and is leading the NBA in assists per game, while Pascal Siakam thrives in transition.
The Pacers have also hit 40.7% from deep in this stretch, a deadly combo against a Houston defense allowing 115.4 PPG over its past five. They’ve given up 50.2% shooting in their past five and are struggling to defend perimeter shots.
Indiana’s pace (top-five in the league) ensures a high-possession game, which will force the Rockets into an up-tempo battle they aren't built to win. These teams combined for 243+ in three of their past four meetings and both rank in the top 10 in fast-break points and thrive in transition. Houston’s defense has dipped lately, while Indiana remains elite at pushing the tempo. The matchup screams points, so expect some fireworks in Indianapolis.
Pick: Over 229.5
| | | | | | | |
Bucks vs. Hawks
By Picks Office
The under looks strong in this one. Over the past 12 meetings in Atlanta, the under has hit nine times. Both of these teams are playing their second game in three nights — fatigue slows pace.
Milwaukee’s defense is holding opponents to just 108.6 points per game over the past five games. Atlanta also struggles from deep at home (34.5% 3PT), which limits easy scoring runs.
Pace and efficiency trends also support the under.
Milwaukee allows just 45.2% FG to opponents (fourth-best in NBA). Atlanta, despite its high-scoring reputation, plays slower at home and is averaging just 111.2 PPG at State Farm Arena. The last matchup between these teams totaled 225 points, despite 45/92 shooting from Atlanta and we likely won’t get that efficiency again.
Plus, the Hawks’ bench scoring has dipped, contributing to lower totals. Milwaukee's improved rebounding controls the tempo. The Bucks are grabbing 46.0 RPG, top 10 in the league, which will limit Atlanta's second chances. Milwaukee also forces tough shots as opponents shoot just 34.9% from 3. The Hawks’ offense thrives in transition, but the Bucks allow only 13 fast-break points per game. A slower game with tough defense means under 237.5 is the play.
Pick: Under 241.5
| | | | | | | |
Warriors vs. Knicks
By Alex Hinton
Last night wasn't a great night in the Association on the injury front. Kyrie Irving (Mavericks), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies) and Tyrese Maxey (76ers) all left their respective games and did not return. Meanwhile, in Charlotte, Stephen Curry tweaked his ankle, but finished the game.
While that may not sound like an issue, the Warriors’ legend has notoriously battled ankle injuries throughout his career. Additionally, the Warriors face the Knicks tonight at Madison Square Garden and Golden State is 4-6 against the spread on the second night of a back-to-back this season.
Curry was hopeful about playing in tonight’s game, but even if he does, it will be a difficult assignment. The Knicks may catch the brunt of jokes for their struggles against the Celtics, Cavaliers and Thunder, but they are 40-13 against everyone else. They are also fourth in offensive rating this season.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns (questionable) combine to average 50.6 points per game and will look to lead the way again. However, the Warriors just gave up 44 points to Quentin Grimes on Saturday. Would anyone be surprised if Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby suddenly dropped 30 points? What about Miles McBride off the bench? That would also take the pressure off the Knicks’ stars tonight.
The Knicks have won and covered three of their past five meetings against the Warriors. Tonight, I like them to win by at least five points and would play this line up to -5.5.
Pick: Knicks -4.5
| | | | | | | |
76ers vs. Timberwolves
By Picks Office
Minnesota’s defense should dominate this matchup as the Wolves allow just 109.0 PPG (10th best), while Philadelphia struggles offensively at 109.0 PPG (22nd).
Minnesota also locks down the paint and ranks fifth in opponent FG% (45.8), while the 76ers are shooting just 45.4% on the season (23rd). Rudy Gobert controls the boards as the Wolves are out-rebounding Philadelphia 44.0 to 39.3 on a per-game basis.
Offensively, the Wolves hold the edge — Minnesota scores 112.1 PPG and shoots 37.4% from deep (7th). Philadelphia, meanwhile, allows 113.6 PPG and lets opponents shoot 48.7% (27th).
Anthony Edwards leads the charge with a 43.8 FG%, while Philadelphia lacks firepower with Tyrese Maxey (43.4 FG%) carrying the load. Minnesota has been dominant at home, winning 16 of 30, while Philadelphia is just 10-18 on the road. The 76ers have lost 10 of their past 12 and are 2-7 ATS in their past nine road games.
The Wolves, despite some ATS struggles at home, match up well here. With their defensive edge and scoring balance, they should cover.
Pick: Timberwolves -13
| | | | | | | |
Clippers vs. Suns
By Joe Dellera
The Clippers face the Suns tonight and I’m targeting Ivica Zubac to dominate on the interior.
Phoenix has been highly susceptible to bigs, allowing the fourth-most points and the fourth-most rebounds to centers on a per-game basis.
This is where Zubac thrives.
Zubac has crushed against the Suns this season, racking up 33, 35 and 45 PRA against them, including a 25/16/4 performance about a month ago.
Tonight, the Clippers won't have Norman Powell, which will open up some additional Usage for Zubac. I’ll back Zubac to have a big game tonight.
Pick: Ivica Zubac Over 30.5 PRA
| | | | | | | |
Clippers vs. Suns
The Clippers resemble an old-school team built on defensive principles and scoring inside the paint. That strategy has worked for most of the season, but the Clippers have hit a skid with just one win in their past six games.
They’ll get another chance to get back in the win column when they visit the Suns on Tuesday night.
Phoenix has won all three head-to-head meetings by being the more aggressive team from beyond the arc. In those games, the Suns sank 55 3-pointers, compared to just 30 for the Clippers.
This season, the Clippers sit 27th in 3-point field goals (12.2) and attempts (34.2) and it’s unlikely that they’ll change their style of play overnight.
Thus, there’s a greater likelihood that the Clippers will lean into their defense even more to try and avoid a series sweep.
Given their willingness to play more traditionally, I expect Clippers center Ivica Zubac to have a big game.
The Suns don’t have a premium player at the center position. Nick Richards (9.0 PPG) is the likely starter, with Mason Plumlee (6.0 PPG) as the backup.
Phoenix is also prone to utilize a smaller lineup as it’s almost happy to concede points inside the paint if it can offer more of an offensive threat from the perimeter.
Zubac has a points + rebounds prop of 28.5 and Phoenix ranks in the bottom half of points allowed inside the paint. He has also cleared this number in four straight games against the Suns.
Phoenix’s desperation for a win should lead to another competitive matchup, with Zubac getting enough minutes to go over his prop.
Pick: Ivica Zubac Over 28.5 PR
| | | | | | | |
Pelicans vs. Lakers
By Bruce Marshall
I admit to usually not thinking "under" with the Pelicans, who are playing with a bit of an extra spring in their step now that Zion Williamson is healthy (knock on wood) and in the lineup.
It's becoming unavoidable, however, to not begin noticing trends on the Lakers side. Not as much the six straight wins, but the seven straight "under" results since Luka Doncic joined the mix.
Los Angeles doesn't have to push the place and play in transition with both LeBron James and Doncic on the floor at the same time. If anything, possessions are being extended a bit more than usual as the Lakers patiently works their half-court offense. The Lakers haven't allowed more than 102 points in the seven games since Doncic arrived.
Pick: Under 229
| | | | | | | |
