NBA Best Bets Today: Predictions, Picks, Odds for Sunday, March 2

The NBA regular season resumes with a jam packed slate this Sunday, with a total of 9 matchups on the docket scheduled for today. So, our staff of basketball betting experts dug into the latest odds and identified all the best value on the board.

Our betting experts have looked over the odds and made 6 NBA picks for of today’s contests. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Sunday, March 2.

NBA Best Bets, Predictions, Picks, Odds: Sunday, March 2

[quickslipbasic bookname=”DraftKings” booklogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/128508_Primary1.png” image=”https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2025/03/Image-3-2-25-at-9.22%E2%80%AFAM.jpeg” buttontext=”Tap Here to Add These Picks to Your Bet Slip Instantly!” buttonlink=”https://switchboard.actionnetwork.com/v2/deeplink?deeplinkId[0]=ML1347107217&deeplinkId[1]=ML1345968700&deeplinkId[2]=ML1345824595&deeplinkId[3]=ML1346040776&deeplinkId[4]=ML1346343009&deeplinkId[5]=ML1346167714&context=qs-articles”][/quickslipbasic]

Game	Time (ET)	Pick
[teammatchup link=”#1″ firstfullname=”Denver Nuggets” firstlogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/725847_nba_den_150x150.png” secondfullname=”Boston Celtics” secondlogo=”https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2023/07/boston-celtics-logo-updated-2023.png”][/teammatchup]	1 p.m.	Nikola Jokic Over 49.5 PTS + REB + AST
[teammatchup link=”#2″ firstfullname=”Portland Trail Blazers” firstlogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/312105_Blazers.png” secondfullname=”Cleveland Cavaliers” secondlogo=”https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2023/08/nba-updated-logo-cleveland-cavaliers.png”][/teammatchup]	3:30 p.m.	Evan Mobley Over 21.5 PTS + AST
[teammatchup link=”#3″ firstfullname=”Chicago Bulls” firstlogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/chi.png” secondfullname=”Indiana Pacers” secondlogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/ind.png”][/teammatchup]	5 p.m.	Josh Giddey Over 35.5 PTS + REB + AST
[teammatchup link=”#4″ firstfullname=”Toronto Raptors” firstlogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/tor.png” secondfullname=”Orlando Magic” secondlogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/orl.png”][/teammatchup]	6 p.m.	Magic -7.5
[teammatchup link=”#5″ firstfullname=”New Orleans Pelicans” firstlogo=”https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2023/07/new-orleans-pelicans-logo-updated-2023.png” secondfullname=”Utah Jazz” secondlogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/4868_jazz.png”][/teammatchup]	8 p.m.	Pelicans -6.5
[teammatchup link=”#6″ firstfullname=”Los Angeles Clippers” firstlogo=”https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2023/07/los-angeles-clippers-logo-updated-2023.png” secondfullname=”Los Angeles Lakers” secondlogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/lal.png”][/teammatchup]	9:30 p.m.	Clippers -2.5
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.

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[anchor name=”1″][/anchor]

[subheader sizedown=”false” text=”Nuggets vs. Celtics”][/subheader]

[gameheader haspick=”true” picktext=”Nikola Jokic Over 49.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-120) ” league=”nba” awaylogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/725847_nba_den_150x150.png” awayname=”Denver Nuggets” awayslug=”denver-nuggets” homelogo=”https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2023/07/boston-celtics-logo-updated-2023.png” homename=”Boston Celtics” homeslug=”boston-celtics” date=”Sunday, March 2″ time=”1 p.m. ET” network=”ABC” bookname=”DraftKings ” bookprimarylogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/477013_DraftKings@1x.png” bookreviewslug=”draftkings”][/gameheader]

By Bryan Fonseca

Nikola Jokic is a walking nightmare for Boston.

He’s recorded over 49.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (PRA) in three straight outings, all in efforts of 30 points or more.

The Celtics want to defend the three-point line and make a bunch of threes while limiting yours, which can mean a busy night for Jokic as both a scorer and playmaker.

Boston allows the 10th-fewest threes per 100 possessions, while allowing the third-most twos and the 12th most boards.

Jokic, in general, has also cleared this line in five of his last eight, and Kristaps Porzingis is listed as doubtful.

Pick: Nikola Jokic Over 49.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-120)

[teammatchup link=”#1″ shadow=”true” firstfullname=”Denver Nuggets” firstlogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/725847_nba_den_150x150.png” secondfullname=”Boston Celtics” secondlogo=”https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2023/07/boston-celtics-logo-updated-2023.png”][/teammatchup]

[teammatchup link=”#2″ shadow=”true” firstfullname=”Portland Trail Blazers” firstlogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/312105_Blazers.png” secondfullname=”Cleveland Cavaliers” secondlogo=”https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2023/08/nba-updated-logo-cleveland-cavaliers.png”][/teammatchup]

[teammatchup link=”#3″ shadow=”true” firstfullname=”Chicago Bulls” firstlogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/chi.png” secondfullname=”Indiana Pacers” secondlogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/ind.png”][/teammatchup]

[teammatchup link=”#4″ shadow=”true” firstfullname=”Toronto Raptors” firstlogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/tor.png” secondfullname=”Orlando Magic” secondlogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/orl.png”][/teammatchup]

[teammatchup link=”#5″ shadow=”true” firstfullname=”New Orleans Pelicans” firstlogo=”https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2023/07/new-orleans-pelicans-logo-updated-2023.png” secondfullname=”Utah Jazz” secondlogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/4868_jazz.png”][/teammatchup]

[teammatchup link=”#6″ shadow=”true” firstfullname=”Los Angeles Clippers” firstlogo=”https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2023/07/los-angeles-clippers-logo-updated-2023.png” secondfullname=”Los Angeles Lakers” secondlogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/lal.png”][/teammatchup]

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[subheader sizedown=”false” text=”Trail Blazers vs. Cavaliers”][/subheader]

[gameheader haspick=”true” picktext=”Evan Mobley Over 21.5 Points + Assists (-125)” league=”nba” awaylogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/312105_Blazers.png” awayname=”Portland Trail Blazers” awayslug=”portland-trail-blazers” homelogo=”https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2023/08/nba-updated-logo-cleveland-cavaliers.png” homename=”Cleveland Cavaliers” homeslug=”cleveland-cavaliers” date=”Sunday, March 2″ time=”3:30 p.m. ET” network=”NBA TV” bookname=”BetMGM” bookprimarylogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/779359_BetMGM800x200@1x.png” bookreviewslug=”betmgm”][/gameheader]

By Joe Dellera

The Cavaliers face off against the Trail Blazers on Sunday afternoon and I’m targeting Evan Mobley.

Donovan Mitchell (rest) has been ruled out for today’s contest and Mobley tends to see an uptick on offense whenever that is the case.

His scoring jumps from 28.7 points per 100 to 35.7 with Mitchell off the floor. His assists per 100 also jump from 4.5 to nearly 7, according to pbpstats.

Without Mitchell, Mobley has exceeded this line in 3/3 games while averaging 29 Points + Assists (PA).

The Blazers are 21st in Adjusted Defense and the Cavaliers should have no difficulty scoring on them. I’ll back Mobley in this spot.

Pick: Evan Mobley Over 21.5 Points + Assists (-125)

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[subheader sizedown=”false” text=”Bulls vs. Pacers”][/subheader]

[gameheader haspick=”true” picktext=”Josh Giddey Over 35.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-120)” league=”nba” awaylogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/chi.png” awayname=”Chicago Bulls” awayslug=”chicago-bulls” homelogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/ind.png” homename=”Indiana Pacers” homeslug=”indiana-pacers” date=”Sunday, March 2″ time=”5 p.m. ET” network=”NBA League Pass” bookname=”DraftKings ” bookprimarylogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/477013_DraftKings@1x.png” bookreviewslug=”draftkings”][/gameheader]

By Andrew Norton

Don’t look now, but Josh Giddey is stringing together some of his best basketball of the season.

Giddey has averaged 23.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game on a 54/67/91 shooting split in his past five games.

Giddey has slaughtered this line (36+) in five consecutive outings.

With Nikola Vucevic set to miss some time, he should continue to have a substantial usage rate and success on the defensive glass.

Additionally, the Pacers rank second-to-last in offensive rebounding percentage this season, which will also help Giddey’s cause; he will swoop in, completely uncontested, on any of Indy’s misses.

The Pacers and Bulls also rank in the top six in the NBA in pace, meaning that there will be more offensive possessions and plenty of chances for Giddey to stuff the stat sheet, like he has been recently.

Pick: Josh Giddey Over 35.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-120)

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[subheader sizedown=”false” text=”Raptors vs. Magic”][/subheader]

[gameheader haspick=”true” picktext=”Magic -7.5 (-110)” league=”nba” awaylogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/tor.png” awayname=”Toronto Raptors” awayslug=”toronto-raptors” homelogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/orl.png” homename=”Orlando Magic” homeslug=”orlando-magic” date=”Sunday, March 2″ time=”6 p.m. ET” network=”NBA League Pass” bookname=”Fanatics Sportsbook” bookprimarylogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/542724_Fanatics-banner-logo.png” bookreviewslug=”fanatics-sportsbook”][/gameheader]

By Bruce Marshall

We’re still on the lookout for an Orlando uptick, which has been hinted at in recent weeks, but put on hold in recent days with back-to-back losses at home to the Cavs and Warriors, who both hit the Kia Center very hot.

The Magic appeared to have Golden State on the ropes on Thursday night before Steph Curry exploded for 56 points, but encouraging for Orlando was their 51% FG shooting percentage and Paolo Banchero’s best game since he returned from injury, pouring in 41 points.

Orlando also has some business to take care of here after blowing a 21-point lead north of the border on January 21, not long after Banchero returned to action but when Franz Wagner was still sidelined.

The Raptors are starting to look a bit tired too, losing back-to-back games on the road at Indiana and Chicago after pushing the Celtics last Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena. Play Magic.

Pick: Magic -7.5 (-110)

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[subheader sizedown=”false” text=”Pelicans vs. Jazz”][/subheader]

[gameheader haspick=”true” picktext=”Pelicans -6.5 (-130)” league=”nba” awaylogo=”https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2023/07/new-orleans-pelicans-logo-updated-2023.png” awayname=”New Orleans Pelicans” awayslug=”new-orleans-pelicans” homelogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/4868_jazz.png” homename=”Utah Jazz” homeslug=”utah-jazz” date=”Sunday, March 2″ time=”8 p.m. ET” network=”NBA League Pass” bookname=”DraftKings ” bookprimarylogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/477013_DraftKings@1x.png” bookreviewslug=”draftkings”][/gameheader]

By Capper Central

A matchup between two bottom-tier teams in the league, but one massive edge.

The Pelicans are coming into this matchup on their third game in four nights, but the positive here is that both Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum were given rest days against the Suns. Almost the entire offense runs between these two, so I am confident backing this team with their two stars being rested.

On the flip, the Jazz are in full tank mode and are blatantly resting their entire starting rotation: Kessler, Sexton, Clarkson, Markkanen, and Collins. The Jazz don’t care what anyone thinks and they simply want to get better odds in the draft.

This Utah team does have some young talent, but I can’t see them meshing together all of a sudden to run with the Pelicans. Their defense was bottom of the barrel all year and unimaginable what can happen with all the starters sitting. Will the Jazz be able to hit 100? I doubt it.

I did expect this line to be a bit higher, so I think we’ll see it continue to move. The Jazz should struggle immensely on both sides of the floor, while a rested CJ and and Zion should carry the Pelicans to an easy victory.

I am worried about an early blowout which makes me stay away from CJ/Zion props, but I’m also more confident in full game than half time spreads because this Pelicans team is used to playing without Zion or CJ.

Pick: Pelicans -6.5 (-130)

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[subheader sizedown=”false” text=”Clippers vs. Lakers”][/subheader]

[gameheader haspick=”true” picktext=”Clippers -2.5 (-110)” league=”nba” awaylogo=”https://images.actionnetwork.com/blog/2023/07/los-angeles-clippers-logo-updated-2023.png” awayname=”Los Angeles Clippers” awayslug=”los-angeles-clippers” homelogo=”https://static.sprtactn.co/teamlogos/nba/100/lal.png” homename=”Los Angeles Lakers” homeslug=”los-angeles-lakers” date=”Sunday, March 2″ time=”9:30 p.m. ET” network=”NBA League Pass” bookname=”Fanatics Sportsbook” bookprimarylogo=”https://assets.actionnetwork.com/542724_Fanatics-banner-logo.png” bookreviewslug=”fanatics-sportsbook”][/gameheader]

By Kyle Murray

The Clippers are “road” favorites, as they had a long travel down the road to their old home, Crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers have been playing some great basketball as of late since Luka has joined the squad. However, they are dealing with some other injuries, as Rui Hachimura has been ruled out, and Austin Reaves is listed as doubtful.

It wouldn’t be overly shocking if the Lakers elected to sit one or both of Luka and LeBron, as this is a Sunday matchup and also their 3rd game in 4 days.

I believe the Clippers are fairly favored at -2.5 due to Hachimura and Reaves being out, as they could easily win this game with the rosters as expected, but if one or both of LeBron/Luka were to be ruled out, the Clippers would be pretty significant favorites in this spot.

Pick: Clippers -2.5 (-110)

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