Ah, Monday. When hope springs eternal, coffee hits like a sledgehammer, and the NBA schedule serves up just enough chaos to drive you crazy. But not today, friends. Today, we embrace the madness with open arms and sharper bets.
The Lakers get a gift-wrapped Rockets team staggering in on tired legs, the Wizards are somehow still playing basketball (and might even cover?), and the Celtics get to beat up on a Memphis squad that's basically being held together by vibes and duct tape.
Let’s make Monday suck less, one bet at a time. Continue below for my NBA picks and predictions for March 31.
NBA Picks Tonight, Predictions, Expert Bets for Monday, March 31
Celtics vs. Grizzlies
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 236.5 -110o / -110u | -190 |
| Grizzlies Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 236.5 -110o / -110u | +160 |
Boston is well-equipped to exploit Memphis’ lack of spacing and five-out counter.
Memphis is in disarray after firing Taylor Jenkins and multiple staff members, along with internal friction.
The Celtics play elite defense and thrive against teams with weak halfcourt offenses; Memphis is 14th in half-court offense.
Boston is 6-4 against teams above .500 as a road favorite this season. The model has been simple: fade Boston at home, back them on the road.
The Grizzlies are 5-11-1 (31.2%) this season against teams with a winning percentage of 60% or better. They can’t beat any of the elite teams.
Memphis wants to slow things down and run more pick-and-roll, and that’s not how you beat Boston.
Pick: Celtics -4.5 (-120)
Rockets vs. Lakers
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5 -110 | 224.5 -110o / -110u | +165 |
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5 -110 | 224.5 -110o / -110u | -200 |
The line opened at Lakers -4.5. I actually make this -2.3, but I like the spot enough for the difference.
