The 2023-24 NBA regular season is coming to an end and we’re continuing to tackle it hard at VSiN. As always, Jonathan Von Tobel continues to provide you with his exceptional coverage of the greatest league in the world. Just click here for all of his content. However, all of my picks will be featured in this daily column, which will combine my NBA best bets and NBA player props. So, keep reading to find out how I’m playing the NBA slate on Friday, March 29th. Also, check out our NBA Odds page for the latest line movement.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have on March 29
2023 Record: 287-299-2 (-7.37 units)
NBA Best Bets Today – March 29
New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs – 8:00 pm ET
The Knicks have won three games in a row by double digits, and the team is now 7-1 straight-up and 6-1-1 against the spread in its last eight games. But the Spurs have won and covered in back-to-back games, and they’re 12-6 ATS in their last 18 games. This has just been a very competitive basketball team since Victor Wembanyama was moved to center. And with OG Anunoby and Julius Randle both out, I’m not sure the Knicks have the edge in talent that people think here. Sure, Jalen Brunson will be the best guard on the floor in this game. But Wembanyama’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is hard to overlook. And Devin Vassell will be the best wing on the court.
The Spurs just need to find a way to avoid getting absolutely dominated when Wembanyama is off the floor. This is a team that plays winning basketball whenever he’s out there, but they look like the lottery team they are when he takes a seat. That’s why I’m making a bigger play on the spread and sprinkling the moneyline. I think the Spurs will play to the level of the Knicks for most of this game, and they’ll have a shot at winning it late. But the minutes without Wembanyama might prevent San Antonio from winning. However, I’m taking a shot on it at these odds. This banged-up Knicks team is overachieving without key pieces.
Bet: Spurs +9.5 (-115 – 1.5 units) & Spurs ML (+320 – 0.5 units)
Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder – 8:00 pm ET
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is listed as doubtful for Oklahoma City tonight. That’s really all you need to know if you’re looking to bet this game. The Thunder are far from a one-man show, with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgrem both being superb players. However, beating a team with as much firepower as the Suns will be tough without a legitimate MVP candidate. Williams might be great as a second option, but he hasn’t had much experience as the top dog on a team. And Holmgren doesn’t create much offense for himself. With that in mind, I’m not sure Oklahoma City will be able to take advantage of Phoenix’s defensive issues. The best chance the Thunder will have is by jacking up 3s and hoping to win the math battle.
It’s also hard to ignore that Phoenix seems to have a real sense of urgency now. After blowing a big lead to a Spurs team that was missing Wembanyama, Phoenix rebounded with a 104-97 road win over the Denver Nuggets. The Suns know they have work to do in order to miss the Play-In, and I’d be surprised if they let another game get away against a team playing without its best player.
Bet: Suns ML (-125 – 2 units)
NBA Player Props Today – March 29
Los Angeles Lakers at Indiana Pacers – 7:00 pm ET
Pascal Siakam only had 14 points against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. However, the 29-year-old had 31 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, and he had 36 points against this Los Angeles Lakers team on Sunday. Siakam had also scored at least 25 points in four consecutive games before the sluggish outing against Chicago. So, Siakam has been in a nice groove as a scorer lately, and we know he likes this matchup with the Lakers. Los Angeles really doesn’t have anybody that can prevent him from getting to the basket.
Siakam also happens to be a great transition player, and the Lakers have been one of the worst teams in the league in transition defense since the start of 2024. Siakam could also make a couple of triples here. He hasn’t been shooting them very often since arriving in Indiana, but the Lakers are giving up more 3s per game (14.2) than all but two teams.
Bet: Siakam Over 22.5 Points (-115) & Siakam Alt Points 30+ (+350 – 0.25 units)
Added Plays
Sacramento Kings ML (-102 – 2 units) vs. Dallas Mavericks
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