We’re nearing the end of the 2024-25 NBA season. I’ll continue giving out NBA best bets and player props here as often as possible, and I’ll also occasionally write up features on big news that shakes up the league. So, make sure you check out my work throughout the season. With that out of the way, let’s get into some NBA best bets and NBA player props for Monday, March 31st. Also, make sure you check out the picks page (linked right below) before games tip off. I occasionally add picks throughout the day.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on March 31st
NBA Best Bets Today – March 31st
Los Angeles Clippers at Orlando Magic – 7:00 pm ET
The Clippers lost to the Cavaliers yesterday. Normally, I’m not a big fan of playing teams on the second legs of back-to-backs, but I’m making an exception here. Los Angeles, as the team normally does, held Kawhi Leonard out for the front end of this two-game set. So, we’re very likely going to see Leonard out there in Orlando tonight. Well, that should mean we’re going to see the core of a Clippers squad that is 10-5 with the fourth-best net rating (10.4) in basketball over the last 15 games.
I know Orlando has been a little better recently, but what exactly do the Magic do better than the Clippers? Orlando is a team that is built to defend. However, the Clippers are second in the league in adjusted defensive rating (109.4), and the Magic are third in the league (109.6). Also, while Orlando is just 28th in the league in adjusted offensive rating (108.6), Los Angeles is 18th in the NBA (113.6). That’s also looking at season-long numbers. Since the start of March, the Clippers are third in the league in points per 100 possessions (123.4), according to Cleaning The Glass.
Ultimately, I trust the Clippers to defend as well as the Magic in this game, especially with Los Angeles getting to guard a much worse offensive team. And even if this thing is close with five minutes left, how can you not trust a top-five offense, with Leonard and James Harden, to out-execute Orlando?
Bet: Clippers ML (-134 – 1.5 units)
NBA Player Props Today – March 31st
Utah Jazz at Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 pm ET
While some Jazz fans are upset with the play of Cody Williams, it helps that Utah seemingly hit on the Kyle Filipowski pick. The 32nd pick in the 2024 NBA Draft is averaging 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game in 20.2 minutes per game this year. And he has taken his game to another level in March. Since March 2nd, Filipowski is averaging 15.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, and he’s shooting 53.0% from the floor and 40.3% from 3. He has just looked extremely confident as a shooter, he’s feisty on the boards and he makes good reads for a player his size. Also, over the last two games, Filipowski has been even better. The rookie had 16 points, seven boards and four assists in 33 minutes of action against Houston on March 27th. He followed it up with 18 points, 13 rebounds and one assist in 34 minutes against Denver. With the Jazz resting veterans — also known as “tanking” — there’s more opportunity for Filipowski. And I just don’t see him failing to take advantage. That’s why I like his chances of stuffing the stat sheet in Charlotte tonight.
Bet: Filipowski Over 28.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-125)
Sacramento Kings at Indiana Pacers – 7:00 pm ET
Malik Monk is averaging 18.4 points per game since the start of March. I know the guard only had nine points against the Magic last game, but that was a 31-point loss against an elite defensive team. I imagine he’ll bounce back in a big way against the Pacers, who are a middle-of-the-pack defensive team that wants to play fast on offense. Of course, Monk is coming off the bench for Sacramento now. But that doesn’t mean much. He should see just about 30 minutes in this one, and he could close the game if he’s playing well. That’s why I have no problem firing up the Over on his modest 14.5-point total. I’m also taking a shot on him to score 20 or more. With so many good scorers in the Sacramento backcourt, Monk could benefit from being a bit of an afterthought.
Bet: Monk Over 14.5 Points (-105 – 1.5 units) & Monk Alt 20+ (+280 – 0.5 units)
Additional Plays
This is where I’ll include any late added plays, teasers/parlays or in-season futures. Come back before tip if you don’t want to miss anything. It’s always possible I’ll add something to my card.
PARLAY: Heat ML vs. Wizards & Rockets Alt +10.5 vs. Lakers (-145 – 1.5 units)
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2024-25 NBA Record: 337-338-1 (+1.39 units)
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