NBA betting picks & top value plays – Wednesday, March 16

Just one day after Karl-Anthony Towns had the first 60-point game of the 2021/22 NBA season, Nets star Kyrie Irving went to Orlando and matched it. We are currently in an unprecedented run of NBA scoring that saw both of those performances, two LeBron James 50-pointers and a Kevin Durant 50-point game. The stars are balling in the NBA and it couldn’t be more fun to watch. Wednesday night is a packed slate with 12 games, so it’s very possible another player goes off. Here are the best picks of the bunch.

Philadelphia 76ers at Cleveland Cavaliers

After Philly acquired James Harden, the team immediately went on a run that had fans thinking the Sixers would win a championship. Since that run, Philly has slipped a little and found some issues within its bench. However, it is Joel Embiid’s birthday and NBA fans just saw Steph Curry drop 45 on his birthday. It’s not real analysis, but for someone as competitive as Embiid, he will want to show out. While the Cavs have some good interior defense, the Sixers’ addition of Harden will be hard for Cleveland to defend. These are two playoff teams, and while they are evenly matched in the standings, Philadelphia has more star power and should cover this number.

Cleveland is 39-29 in a season where the team was expected to struggle. The Cavs have had a great season and hold legitimate hopes for the future. They drafted a future star in Evan Mobley and he has had an unbelievable rookie season. Unfortunately for him, Embiid is just a class above. While the Cavs are scrappy, they come into this game on a 4-8 run against the spread. Philly will prove to be too much to deal with and should easily defeat this upstart Cleveland squad.

Dallas Mavericks at Brooklyn Nets

The Nets are coming off a game in Orlando yesterday and now return to Brooklyn to play a very strong Mavericks team. While the Nets are probably the better team, traveling that long within one day is very tough on the body. Not to mention, Kyrie Irving is not allowed to play in home games due to COVID mandates. It’s a silly rule at this point, but one that the Nets will have to deal with. While it is still hard to bet against Kevin Durant the way he is playing, there is a lot going against the Nets and this is a bad spot for them.

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The Mavericks have quietly been awesome as of late. They are on a 7-1 streak and have covered their last seven away games. Luka Doncic is a true MVP candidate and one of the few players in the league who can match Durant’s offense. The Nets are a good team with a lot of talent, and at home they will expect to win this game. However, the Mavs are no slouches, and given the tired legs the Nets may have, take Dallas away and watch Luka cook.

Boston Celtics at Golden State Warriors

This is the game of the night. It could quietly be a 2022 NBA Finals preview, as both of these teams will expect to make runs in the playoffs. The Celtics have been one of the NBA’s best in recent months and are 16-3 in their last 19 games. Jayson Tatum is playing at an elite level and the Celtics still have their patented elite defense. With a 41-28 record, Boston will feel like they can match-up with anyone, but a motivated Golden State is a different beast.

The Warriors finally got Draymond Green back, and while he is not their best player, one could make the argument he is their most important. He takes some of the pressure off Steph Curry and allows him to run around without the ball and get open. The Warriors are on a 5-0 run against the spread and will expect to keep it going. They are 29-7 at home this season, and now the team is finally at full strength. While it won’t be easy, take the Warriors at home in this late tip and watch two contenders battle it out.