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NBA Betting Picks for Tuesday 3/12/24: Points Could Be a Premium for the 76ers-Knicks

Riley Thomas
Riley Thomas_riley8

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NBA Betting Picks for Tuesday 3/12/24: Points Could Be a Premium for the 76ers-Knicks

The 82-game NBA regular season offers us a wide variety of betting options, including point spreads, moneylines, and totals. The Association features 1,230 regular season games, which can make sifting through the odds an overwhelming task.

However, various advanced statistics can help narrow the choices. numberFire's NBA power rankings and daily projections paired with advanced stats from the NBA can help give the inside track to winning big.

While utilizing some of the mentioned tools, which NBA odds from FanDuel Sportsbook look like the best bets today?

Please note lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published.

NBA Best Bets

Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks

Under 208 (-110)

Selecting the under with a 208 total may turn heads at the NBA level. In fact, the lowest points per game (PPG) average in the league is 105.8. Two of the lowest averages in the Association are still good enough for the over for a 208 total. So, why am I backing the under for the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks?

The under has been a consistent winner for both teams, going 7-3 over the 76ers' last 10 games and 8-2 over the Knicks' previous 10. This even includes multiple low totals, such as New York going under 207 on March 8th. I expect this trend to continue; let's look at the support.

Of course, Philadelphia continues to be without Joel Embiid, who leads the team with 35.3 PPG and tops the league with a 38.6% usage rate. Tyrese Maxey (26.0 PPG) missed the last four games and is returning from injury tonight. Still, some rust is possible for Maxey.

The 76ers and Knicks collided on March 10th, and the final looked like a college score as New York won 79-73. By NBA standards, this is like watching paint dry. We should expect more of the same.

Philly totals the 11th-most points in the paint per game, but the Knicks give up the 7th-fewest points in the paint. On the other side of the court, New York shoots the 12th-most three-pointers, and the Sixers surrender the 7th-fewest three-point shots. Each defense has the ability to take away the opponent's greatest strength, which only provides more support for the under.

Washington Wizards at Memphis Grizzlies

Grizzlies +3 (-112)

Two bottom-tier teams meet with the Washington Wizards visiting the Memphis Grizzlies. According to numberFire's nERD-based power rankings, the Grizzlies rank as the league's sixth-worst team, and the Wizards are the third-worst squad. Despite Memphis being rated as the better team via numberFire and paired with being the home team, Washington is still the favorite.

Let's not act like the Wizards are miles better. In fact, Washington is 11-53 versus the Grizz at 22-43. The Wizards are 2-8 over the last 10 games while Memphis is 3-7. Injuries are playing a major factor in this line, though.

The Grizzlies are expected to be without Desmond Bane (24.4 PPG), Jaren Jackson Jr. (22.4 PPG), and Marcus Smart (14.5 PPG). Of course, Ja Morant has been out for nearly the entire season, playing in only nine games before his season-ending injury. The injury bug has been absolutely relentless for Memphis, but I still believe they can cover tonight.

Washington's defense has been horrendous with the worst rating in the league. The Grizzlies' offense has struggled with the worst rating and fewest PPG, but they've shown some glimmers of hope over the previous six games. This includes three contests with at least a 37.0% three-point percentage. The Wizards rank in the bottom half of opponent three-point percentage.

Memphis still has the 11th-best defensive rating, while Washington touts the 5th-worst offensive rating. One of the Wizards' clear strengths is averaging the 3rd-most points in the paint, but the Grizz surrender the 12th-fewest points in the paint and have the 8th-best mark in opponent two-point percentage. Give me the home team to cover with one of the league's worst teams paying a visit.

Milwaukee Bucks at Sacramento Kings

Over 235.5 (-112)

The Milwaukee Bucks total the second-most PPG while the Sacramento Kings log the eighth-most PPG. Each team is also among the top 12 best offensive ratings in the Association. The Bucks and Kings colliding could mean one thing: plenty of points.

If both squads are lighting up the scoreboard, this should mean a good day for the over. I'm backing this pick, especially with numberFire's daily game projections also pointing to the over. Here's why each offense should have success.

Starting with Milwaukee, the Kings have the 11th-worst defensive rating and give up the eighth-most three-point makes while opponents shoot 39.8% from deep (last for defense). This plays right into the Bucks' strengths as they attempt the fourth-most three-point shots and make the sixth-most threes.

Sacramento's offense totals the seventh-most points in the paint and has the fourth-best two-point percentage. Milwaukee's interior defense has struggled at times, surrendering the 11th-most points in the paint.

From a small sample size, we can see how each offense has the tools to expose weaknesses. Plus, these are simply two of the best offenses in the league. I expect this total to storm to the over.


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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.

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