Top NBA Picks and Predictions for March 9 (Trust Nuggets, Bucks and Celtics on Wednesday)

There are 12 games in the NBA on Wednesday night, and BetSided's Donnavan Smoot and Peter Dewey are sharing some of their favorite picks for tonight's action.

Here are three teams you should consider betting, with all odds via WynnBET Sportsbook:

Boston Celtics vs. Charlotte Hornets Prediction and Pick

This is a fade the Hornets spot all the way tonight. 

Not only have the Hornets covered in just four of their last 14 games, but they are one of the worst teams in the NBA against the spread on a back-to-back, going just 3-9 this season. 

Boston is going to be rested in this game, as it had two days off after beating the Nets on Sunday. 

The Celtics are one of the best defensive units in the NBA this season, and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown should have no problem against a Hornets defense that allowed 132 points last night and 130-plus points in two of its last four games. 

Boston can really make a move up the standings in the East with a win, and I’ll back the Celtics to get it done on the road. 

Lean: Celtics -7 (-110) -- Peter Dewey

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Milwaukee Bucks Prediction and Pick

Over the last five games, the Atlanta Hawks have played well. They are 3-2, have a top three offensive rating and are top 10 in net rating. Atlanta is making its case for the play-in, and it's been fairly strong.

Then we get to the Milwaukee Bucks, who are finding their stride. Milwaukee is 5-0 in that same span, has the second best offensive and net rating and is 4-1 ATS. The Bucks are looking like one of the teams to beat, and I don't think Atlanta can beat them.

The Hawks have kept up a weird trend in which they fail to cover in each one of their losses this season. With this line being a bit closer than I expected, I'll back Milwaukee with value and wait for the blowout.

Lean: Bucks -5 (-110) -- Donnavan Smoot

You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.

Denver Nuggets vs. Sacramento Kings Prediction and Pick

I’m all over Denver in this game, even though it has had to play three games in four days because of a COVID makeup game. 

Over their last 10 games, the Nuggets are sixth in defensive rating and ninth in offensive rating, while the Kings rank 24th and 20th in those respective categories. 

Denver is also 9-4 against the spread over its last 13 games, and I think it can get another cover considering how the Kings have played lately. Sacramento was destroyed in the second half by the New York Knicks on Tuesday, and it simply doesn’t defend well enough to slow down a Nikola Jokic-led team. 

I like Denver in any moneyline parlays tonight (if you’re into that), but I’m going to lay the points with the Nuggets. 

Pick: Nuggets -4.5 (-110) -- Peter Dewey