In the sports world, Sundays are reserved for football — ask just about any human being, and they’ll tell you the same. But as winter nears its conclusion and the spring season approaches, basketball is quietly claiming that space. More specifically, the NBA is taking over Sundays.
Per usual, the ABC and ESPN networks have carved out chunks of their Sunday schedule to implement a star-studded slate and cater to NBA fans around the United States.
Here is one bet to make for each of the nationally televised game on this first Sunday of March: Mavericks-76ers, Celtics-Warriors, Suns-Thunder and Cavaliers-Knicks.
All odds via BetMGM
Dallas Mavericks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
(Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)
Talk about two teams headed in opposite directions. On the heels of an 8-3 record over their last 11 games, the Dallas Mavericks have returned to their winning ways thanks to some roster turnover and, more importantly, good health. Such a combination has Dallas peaking at the right time and trying to climb from out of the Play-In Tournament seeding.
Meanwhile, the Sixers are sliding. Philly is just 5-8 since losing reigning MVP Joel Embiid to a knee injury, with six of the eight losses coming by 14 or more points, including a 16-point loss to the Mavs during that stretch. With a healthy Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, there’s no reason to think an Embiid-less Philly squad will cover. Take the Mavs to cover at home.
The Pick: Dallas -7.5 ML (-115)
Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors
(John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports)
A 2022 NBA Finals rematch! The Boston Celtics, winners of 10 straight games, and the Golden State Warriors, who’ve won 11 of their last 13, will take the hardwood at TD Garden for what should be an absolute doozy. With both teams at the peak of their powers and so many high-profile names out there, where do you begin? I’ll tell you where: Stephen Curry.
For the Warriors, it starts and ends with Curry. And this mid-afternoon showcase just feels like one of those times where he recognizes the moment and just goes deep into his bag of tricks. I’m predicting a statement win for the Dubs and Curry to have himself a day, even with elite wing defenders Jrue Holiday and Derrick White draped all over him. Lock in the over on 25.5 points, and if you’re really feeling dangerous, you may want to look at the overs on Stephen Curry threes.
The Pick: Stephen Curry – Over 25.5 points (-140)
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
(Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
Looking over the many lines and props for this game, I can’t move past how incredibly low the points total is. I get it; the injury-plagued New York Knicks aren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard these days, and the Cleveland Cavaliers allow the second-fewest points per game to opponents (109.6) of any team in the league. But this is also a Knicks squad that surrendered at least 110 points in nine out of 12 games last month, while the Donovan Mitchell-led Cavaliers enter this matchup averaging 114.6 points per game on the season.
Without second-guessing, I feel confident saying that more than 213 points will be scored in Cleveland on Sunday night.
The Pick: Over 213.5 total points (-105)
Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
(Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports)
What an excellent nightcap for a wonderful four-game national TV slate. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Shai Gilgeous Alexander; what more could you ask for? How about asking for Jalen Williams?
Williams’ 19.3 ppg average doesn’t jump off the page, but if you look at some of the performances he put up in February, you’ll understand why betting on him to score over 19 points is the best money you can spend on this game. He’s topped 20 points in three consecutive games and is just a few weeks removed from back-to-back 30-point outings.
I don’t see Phoenix having enough defensive wings to slow down both Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Certainly not enough to limit Williams to 19 points or fewer.
The Pick: Jalen Williams – Over 19.5 points (-115)
