We’re already in March. Time flies when you’re having fun. This season in the NBA has been incredible. As we approach the postseason, every game will have a little more meaning. Here are three NBA picks to consider for tonight’s slate.
Picks Summary
Bulls vs. Pistons: Bulls -5.5 (-110) at BetRivers
Grizzlies vs. Rockets: Grizzlies -10 (-110) at FanDuel
Lakers vs. Thunder: Lakers +1 (-110) at FanDuel
Chicago Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 – 07:00 PM EST at Little Caesars Arena
The Chicago Bulls have already won two games against the Pistons this season, scoring at least 126. But the offense has lagged recently.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls are scoring 112.9 points per 100 possessions. Chicago is getting good looks from the floor and should get some open looks against the Pistons’ defense, allowing a 56.1% effective field goal percentage.
You can also expect the Bulls to limit turnovers and get to the foul line at a high rate against the Pistons team that fouls at a very high rate.
Detroit Pistons
At this point, the Pistons are in tank mode. The Pistons have won just 15 games this year and are on a massive losing streak. They’re looking for that No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft.
Detroit has scored 111 points per 100 possessions with an effective field goal percentage of 52.5%. The offense also turns the ball over nearly 15% of the time.
The Pick
Look for the Bulls to be more explosive on offense and earn the cover on the road.
NBA Pick: Bulls -5.5 (-110) at BetRivers
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 – 08:00 PM EST at Toyota Center
The Grizzlies and Rockets still have three more games to play this season. The Grizzlies escaped Houston with a 129-122 win on October 21.
A lot has changed since that game. Memphis is 37-23, while the Rockets are just 13-48. Like the Pistons, the Rockets would love that No. 1 spot in the NBA Draft.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis has won three of its last four games. The offense has scored 115.4 points per 100 possessions and should be just fine against a Houston defense that is giving up 119.3 points per 100 possessions this season.
The Rockets have also allowed an effective field goal percentage of 56.5% and rarely earn turnovers. Look for the Grizzlies also to have some success on the offensive glass. They’ve earned 30.9% of offensive rebounds this season.
Houston Rockets
Houston’s arguably the worst offense in the NBA. The team has averaged just 109.7 points per 100 possessions while shooting a 51.3% effective field goal percentage. The Rockets even turn the ball over nearly 17% of the time.
They’ll go up against a Memphis defense that is one of the tops in the nation, limiting teams to 110 points per 100 possessions and an effective field goal percentage of 52.2%.
The Pick
I’ve got the Grizzlies in this game, winning in blowout fashion. However, remember that the Rockets will earn second chances with plenty of offensive rebounds. But that won’t affect the game very much.
NBA Pick: Grizzlies -10 (-110) at FanDuel
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 – 08:00 PM EST at Paycom Center
The Lakers won’t have LeBron James for at least a few weeks. The pressure is on Anthony Davis’ shoulders to help keep the Lakers in contention for now. The Lakers need to win games against other teams below .500.
Los Angeles Lakers
They might not have James, but D’Angelo Russell could be back in the lineup for the Lakers tonight. He would be a massive piece for the Lakers moving forward. He’s arguably the third-best scorer on the roster for the Lakers.
Los Angeles will end up at the foul line at a high rate, and if they can limit turnovers, the Lakers should have plenty of success against the Thunder offensively, especially on the offensive glass.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder will limit turnovers at a high rate, but Oklahoma City isn’t taking many quality shots. The Lakers also limit foul shots, keeping teams to a free-throw rate of 17.8. That’s the best rate in the nation.
If the Lakers can hold the Thunder off the foul line and limit quality looks, the Lakers should be able to earn a win over the Thunder with some solid defense.
The Pick
I’ll back the Lakers +1 against the Thunder on the road. Again, Los Angeles must win these games if they want to make the playoffs. The Lakers still have more talent on the floor than the Thunder does.
NBA Pick: Lakers +1 (-110) at FanDuel
