Tonight’s NBA slate consists of eight matchups, including the Lakers-Celtics game that will be featured on ABC. I asked the AI Model for its best bet in that game along with two others.
Let’s have a big night!
Picks Summary
- Magic-Bucks Over 218 (-110) at Bet365
- Pistons +6.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Lakers +7.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Saturday, March 8, 2025 – 8:00 PM ET at Fiserv Forum
The AI Model believes Magic and Bucks will combine for 221 points. However, Bet365 has the total for tonight’s game at 218. There’s some real value in the over tonight.
Orlando Looks Terrible
The Orlando Magic might rank No. 2 in the NBA in points per 100 possessions, but this team continues to lose right now. They’ve allowed at least 121 points in three of their latest five losses but have also scored at least 113 in three of their last four losses.
The defense will likely allow the Bucks some easy buckets. After all, the Bucks have shot an effective field goal percentage of 57.1% this season, and the Magic have the worst ree throw rate on defense in the NBA.
The Bucks will have their opportunities.
The Bucks Don’t Force Turnovers
The issue with the Bucks is their inability to force turnovers. The Bucks have added only 12.6% of turnovers per game. So, while the Magic might not shoot a high percentage from the floor, they’ll have enough shots to put up a respectable amount of points at least tonight.
Let’s rock with the Over 218 in this game.
NBA Pick: Over 218 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Detroit Pistons vs. Golden State Warriors
Saturday, March 8, 2025 – 8:30 PM ET at Chase Center
The AI Model thinks the Pistons will lose to the Warriors on the road, 120-114. Still, the Pistons are +6.5 against the spread and would cover in this scenario.
Stop Sleeping On The Pistons!
The Detroit Pistons have scored 114.5 points per 100 possessions, which is an average offense. However, the team has still scored nearly 30% of offensive rebounds and has an effective field goal percentage of 55.1%.
The Pistons have been reliable and are 35-28 on the season. On offense, they’ll stick around with any team.
But the defense has actually looked elite. It has held teams to 113.1 points per 100 possessions and allowed only 26% of offensive rebounds.
The Warriors Could Struggle Doing The Little Things!
The Golden State Warriors will get some quality looks from the field. Stephen Curry is the best shooter on the planet.
However, the Warriors typically do well on the glass but could struggle since the Pistons have held teams to a low offensive rebounding rate. Plus, the Warriors might be unable to take advantage of the Pistons’ high foul rate. The Warriors only have a 17.6 free throw rate this season, which ranks 27th in the NBA.
I’ll take the points with the Pistons at +6.5.
NBA Pick: Pistons +6.5 (-110) at Bet365
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics
Saturday, March 8, 2025 – 8:30 PM ET at TD Garden
The AI Model predicts the Lakers will lose to the Celtics 117-111. Yet the Lakers are +7.5 at Caesars. Even with a six-point loss, the Lakers would still win against the spread.
The Lakers Are Streaking!
The Los Angeles Lakers have had some close calls. However, they’re still on a long winning streak that could reach ten games very soon.
Ultimately, the Lakers defeated the Knicks last time out, 113-109, after trailing by nearly double digits at halftime.
The Lakers likely won’t get the best shots up against the Celtics. However, it’s likely the Lakers at least keep turnovers down and get shots up. That’s ideal, especially since the Lakers rank 9th in effective field goal percentage and first in the NBA in free throw rate. Just getting shots up will be crucial for the Lakers to stick around.
Boston Won’t See The Foul Line Much
The Lakers match up with the Celtics a little bit better. Ultimately, Boston should be able to keep turnovers down as well. It’s just unlikely that the Celtics will dominate the offensive glass and get to the foul line very much.
The Celtics rank 28th in free throw rate on offense, while the Lakers rank 5th on the defensive side of the ball.
These two teams are evenly matched, but the Lakers should win the free-throw battle. Give me the Lakers at +7.5.
NBA Pick: Lakers +7.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
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