The NBA regular season continues with an excellent 10-game slate on Sunday, March 8.
Our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified best bets for six of today's contests.
Continue below for our NBA best bets, expert picks, and predictions for Sunday, March 8.
NBA Picks, Predictions for Sunday, March 8
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 1 p.m. | |
  | 3:30 p.m. | |
  | 6 p.m. | |
  | 6 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 10 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Celtics vs. Cavaliers Spread Prediction
By Matt Moore
The Cavaliers allow a high rate and percentage on both three-pointers and mid-range shots as they attempt to take away the rim, much like Boston — but the Celtics' contests are better.
Boston is a better rebounding team. Cleveland forces more turnovers, but Boston leads the league at avoiding them.
The Cavaliers have a rest advantage here, and Kenny Atkinson is 17-11 ATS as a favorite with rest advantage. However, Joe Mazzulla is 23-15-2 ATS on the road with rest disadvantage. So, let’s call that a wash.
I’m going to back the better team in Boston, given the injuries, though the oddsmakers have this right: it’s a coin flip.
Pick: Celtics -1 (-110)
| | | | | |
Knicks vs. Lakers Over/Under Pick
By Matt Moore
The Lakers offense is truly incredible because of how good Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are with the ball.
The duo's on-ball scoring is so elite, and it raises the floor of what are essentially low-percentage opportunities under high contests.
On the flip side, the Lakers’ defense is incredible because there’s truly nothing they are good at; they don’t take away drives, or cuts, or threes. You can get whatever you want against them.
Meanwhile, the Knicks are 17th in opponent free throw rate. That’s a real weakness; they foul quite a bit.
The Lakers lead the league in free throw rate by a mile. They will get to the line, which stops clock and adds points.
I have the Knicks projected at 118 on their own today. Give me the Over.
Pick: Over 227.5 (-110)
| | | | | |
Mavericks vs. Raptors Prop Bet
Action PRO is projecting 1.78 blocks for Scottie Barnes in the Raptors' matchup against the Mavericks tonight, showing an excellent 17.4% edge against his current prop line of over/under 1.5, which is strong enough to tag the Over with an A- grade in our database.
Barnes has blocked at least one shot in eight straight games, and while he only blocked multiple shots in three of those contests, he recorded at least three blocks in all those three games. So, if you catch Barnes in the right spot, the sky is the limit.
You could also consider sprinkling on 3+ Blocks (+580) at DraftKings. Barnes has recorded 3+ blocks in seven of his last 15 games overall.
Pick: Scottie Barnes Over 1.5 Blocks (+180)
| | | | | |
Pistons vs. Heat Moneyline Prediction
By Bet Labs
This NBA moneyline betting system identifies road teams positioned for a bounce back after a recent loss, taking advantage of the market’s tendency to undervalue teams following poor performances.
When a team loses by any margin in its previous game and immediately plays again on the road, it often responds with sharper focus and renewed energy.
Short travel stretches and single road starts help minimize fatigue while maintaining rhythm.
Public betting tends to fade these teams, driving value on the moneyline within moderate favorite ranges where the talent gap still favors the road side.
Historically, these teams show resilience and motivation after defeat, translating into profitable rebounds during the regular season as they aim to reestablish momentum and avoid extended losing streaks.
Pick: Pistons Moneyline (-115)
| | | | | |
Rockets vs. Spurs Player Prop Pick
Action PRO is projecting 1.92 steals for Amen Thompson in the Rockets' matchup against the Spurs tonight, presenting a solid 8.4% edge against his current prop line of over/under 1.5, which is good enough to tag the Over with a B- grade in our database.
Thompson has recorded 2+ steals in six of his last nine games, while hitting 3+ steals in three of those contests; and 4+ steals in two of them.
You could also consider climbing the ladder up to 3+ Steals (+305) or 4+ Steals (+830) at DraftKings. However, we'll go ahead and lock in our best bet for this game at Over 1.5 at plus-money.
Pick: Amen Thompson Over 1.5 Steals (+105)
| | | | | |
Hornets vs. Suns Moneyline Bet
By Bet Labs
This NBA moneyline betting system captures regular season games where visiting teams show renewed energy and focus after a disappointing home loss.
When a team transitions from playing at home to the road following a poor result, motivation and effort tend to rise, particularly in non-conference matchups where travel can reset rhythm and concentration.
Teams with a solid overall record often channel frustration from a narrow defeat into improved play away from home, benefiting from reduced pressure and sharper preparation.
By targeting quality teams coming off home losses in unfamiliar settings, this approach leverages the psychological edge of redemption and the tendency for capable squads to perform better when seeking to rebound on the road.
Pick: Hornets Moneyline (-180)
| | | | | |
