Top NBA Picks and Predictions for March 24 (Trust Suns, Cavaliers on the Road on Thursday)
Looking to bet on the five games in the NBA on Thursday?
BetSided's Peter Dewey and Donnavan Smoot have you covered with their favorite pick for tonight's action, with all odds via WynnBET:
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Prediction and Pick
The Cavs have been inconsistent since Jarrett Allen went down with an injury, going 5-5 over their last 10 games, but I think they could be live to upset the Raptors on Thursday if Gary Trent Jr. and OG Anunoby can’t suit up.
The duo combine to average 35.5 points per game for Toronto, so it won’t be easy to replace that production if they can’t suit up.
The Cavs are one of the best teams in the NBA as an underdog this season, going 21-13-2 against the spread, and I think Darius Garland and company can keep things close tonight. Over the last 10 games, the Raptors have posted a better defensive rating, but the Cavs have been the better offensive team.
I’d wait for the official statuses of Trent and Anunoby before betting, but don’t sleep on Cleveland tonight.
Lean: Cavs +5.5 (-110) -- Peter Dewey
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.
Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets Prediction and Pick
The Phoenix Suns won the last meeting against the Nuggets, and I think they have enough to get the job done tonight. While the Suns are 6-6 ATS with no rest, they are 9-3 straight up. Phoenix is normally the favorite, so I can see how ATS wins wouldn't always be there. However, they get the job done.
After a solid win in Minnesota, Phoenix will roll into Denver and hope Deandre Ayton has just as much of an impact tonight as he did last night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Ayton had a career-high 35 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the process.
The Nuggets are going to be reliant on their shooters to get going. With Mikal Bridges able to play centerfield tonight and cover the entire perimeter, I'm not sure many of them will be able to get quality looks.
Denver is 12-16 ATS this year as a home favorite. The best team in the league is coming into town and I don't think the Nuggets will be ready.
Lean: Suns ML (+120) -- Donnavan Smoot
You can find Donnavan Smoot’s full betting record here.