The Cavaliers are still awaiting the return of their star Donovan Mitchell, but Caris Levert has stepped up in his absence, particularly as a playmaker. Tonight, he will look to help the Cavaliers snap a losing streak in Charlotte.
In the East, the Knicks are a half game behind the Cavaliers for the third seed. Tonight, they are heavily favored against the Pistons. They will look to get some scoring punch from Miles McBride.
The Rockets are continuing to put pressure on the Warriors as they have pulled within a game of them for the final play-in tournament spot in the West. Tonight, they are favored again at home over the Trail Blazers. They will look to continue riding the hot hand of Jalen Green.
Caris LeVert
Over 11.5 Rebounds + Assists (-115)
The Cavaliers are coming off a dreadful offensive performance in Miami and as a result most of the overs for their starters did not hit last night, including Caris Levert's. However, the game snapped a 13-game streak in which LeVert had at least five assist. LeVert is averaging 7.8 assists per over his last 15 games. In that span, he has cleared this line with 12 assists or more twice and also had 11 in two other games.
LeVert has also chipped in the glass. He is averaging 5.3 rebounds over his last 15 games and he has had at least four in 12 of those games. Charlotte is 28th in rebounds allowed and 22nd in rebounds allowed to shooting guards over the last 15 games. It is also 25th in assists allowed this season.
That means LeVert has a prime matchup to excel in both of these categories. He is averaging 13.1 rebounds and assists per game his last 15 games and that is despite having just four last night. However, because of the blowout last night, he only played 20 minutes per game, so he should be fresh on the second night of the back-to-back. LeVert is averaging 32.4 minutes per game in March. With his regular allotment of minutes, he should have 12 rebounds and assists in this matchup.
Pick: Caris LeVert Over 11.5 Rebounds + Assists (-115)
Miles McBride
Over 13.5 Points (-125)
Miles McBride is averaging 7.3 points per game for the season, but with the Knicks injuries woes, they have needed him to step up. McBride has scored in double figures in seven of his last 10 games. However, he broke out last Monday with 29 points against the Warriors, in a national TV spot at that. He also had 26 points on Saturday afternoon against the Nets.
Tonight, McBride's line is at 13.5, which he has nearly doubled twice that in the last week. Props.cash projects him for 15.6 points tonight and he may get there tonight with the long ball. McBride has made three triples or more in six of his last 10 games. He also made nine 3s against the Warriors and six 3s against the Nets.
With the Knicks injuries, McBride has worked himself into Tom Thibodeau's circle of trust. As a result, he has played 44 minutes or more in each of the past three games. The Knicks are 16.5 point favorites tonight, so if they are able to cover, his minutes may dial back a bit. However, the Knicks have won the first two meetings by just six and two points. That means he will have volume and opportunity to hit this line.
McBride attempted 9 3s against the Warriors and 12 against the Nets. The Pistons are 22nd in 3-point percentage defense this season, which means he may be able to soar over this line in this matchup. On FanDuel, McBride is +340 for 20 points, +260 for four 3s and +600 for five 3s.
Pick: Miles McBride Over 13.5 Points (-125)
Jalen Green
Over 26.5 Points (-122)
Last Tuesday, we backed Jalen Green against the Wizards. Not only did he 25 score points, he finished with 42 on the night, cashing all of his value lines as well. Tonight, his line is two points tonight higher, but I don't expect him to have much issue clearing it. Green is averaging 27.8 points per game in March, which he has upped to 34.4 over his last five games. He has hit this line in three of them and finished with 26 in the other two.
Green has also cleared this number in his last two meetings against Portland. Like McBride, he likes to much of his damage behind the arc. His matchup is not as favorable as Portland is both fifth in 3s allowed and 3-point percentage defense. However, Green made four in the most recent meeting this month en route to scoring 27 points. He also scored 29 against the Blazers while making only two 3s in January.
Recently, Green has had the green light from head coach Ume Udoka and he has been firing away. He is averaging 3.9 3s on 9.4 attempts (41.7%) per game this month. He has made five 3s or more in three of his last five games, including seven last Tuesday against the Wizards and again on Saturday against Utah. However, he is also attempting 19.8 field goal attempts per game while shooting 51.4% from the field in March.
If Portland limits him behind the arc tonight, he has proven he can hit this line in this matchup regardless. He also scored 37 points in three of his last five games and 40 twice. Green is +380 for 35 points and +1000 for 40 points on FanDuel.
Pick: Jalen Green Over 26.5 Points (-122)
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