With an action-packed 10-game NBA slate on Monday, March 17, there are plenty of intriguing matchups to take advantage of on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Here’s a look at the full NBA schedule for today’s games (all times Eastern):
- Heat at Knicks, 7:30 p.m.
- 76ers at Rockets, 8 p.m.
- Pacers at Timberwolves, 8 p.m.
- Pistons at Pelicans, 8 p.m.
- Bulls at Jazz, 9 p.m.
- Raptors at Suns, 10 p.m.
- Grizzlies at Kings, 10 p.m.
- Wizards at Trail Blazers, 10 p.m.
- Nuggets at Warriors, 10 p.m.
- Spurs at Lakers, 10:30 p.m.
76ers +15.5 (-108)
Philadelphia heads to Houston after a rare win against the Mavericks, pulling out a 130-125 victory on Sunday. The 76ers were led by Quentin Grimes, who has stepped up in a big way since joining the team, scoring 28 points and averaging 19.9 points per game over his 16 games with the Sixers. However, Philadelphia is still dealing with significant injuries to key players, including Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Kelly Oubre Jr. Despite this, coach Nick Nurse has praised the competitive spirit of the 76ers, noting that they’ve been able to compete at a high level, even with many key players sidelined.
Houston has been firing on all cylinders, riding a six-game win streak. The Rockets’ offense has been efficient, with Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun leading the charge. Green scored 28 points in Saturday’s 117-114 win over the Bulls, while Sengun contributed 24 points and 15 rebounds in the same game. Houston’s defense has been just as strong, ranking among the best in the NBA in points allowed per game, field-goal percentage, and rebounding differential. Though the Rockets are favored to win, the 76ers should be able to cover the spread.
Pistons -7.5 (-108)
The Pistons have been hit or miss recently, but they’re coming off a tough loss to the Thunder. Despite dropping the game, coach J.B. Bickerstaff was proud of his team’s effort, even if they were frustrated by the NBA’s refereeing. Cade Cunningham, averaging 31.7 points and 8.2 assists over the last six games, was ejected in the second half for arguing a technical foul. They’ll face a struggling Pelicans team, especially without Zion Williamson, who missed their 119-115 loss to San Antonio. Williamson is questionable against Detroit due to personal reasons.
New Orleans has been without key players for much of the season, and their lack of depth has been evident in recent games. The Pelicans have lost six of their last seven games, with turnovers and missed opportunities playing a significant role in their struggles. Detroit will look to bounce back after a tough loss, and with Cunningham leading the way, they should be able to cover this spread against a short-handed Pelicans team.
Warriors -7 (-112)
The Warriors enter Monday’s game against the Nuggets on a seven-game win streak, bolstered by strong performances from Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga. Curry has been the key to Golden State’s success, contributing 11 points and five assists in their latest victory over the Knicks. Kuminga, returning from injury, added 18 points in 20 minutes, providing an extra spark to the Warriors’ offense. Golden State’s all-around execution and dominance at home make them a strong pick to cover the spread.
Meanwhile, despite MVP candidate Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets have struggled with consistency, most recently suffering a loss to the Wizards. Jokic continues to lead the team, but Denver has experienced defensive lapses. The Nuggets have also listed Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon as questionable to play. With Golden State riding high and playing at home, they should be able to cover the -4.5 spread against a Nuggets team facing some challenges.
Grizzlies -8 (-105)
Memphis will be looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Cleveland. Despite that defeat, the Grizzlies have played great basketball and will be a tough matchup for Sacramento. Ja Morant continues to play MVP-caliber basketball, scoring 44 points in Memphis’ loss to Cleveland. The recent return of Jaren Jackson Jr. has added a defensive boost, with Jackson putting up 13 points, four steals, and two blocks in his last game against Phoenix. Memphis has won five of its previous six games, and with Morant leading the charge, they should be poised to cover the spread against the Kings.
Sacramento has struggled defensively, and its lapses have been exposed in recent games, including its 122-106 loss to the Phoenix Suns. While Domantas Sabonis has thrived since returning from injury, Sacramento needs to cut down on turnovers and play better defense to keep up with Memphis.
Timberwolves -7.5 (-112)
The Timberwolves are on fire, having won eight straight games, and look to extend their streak against the Pacers. Anthony Edwards has set the tone effectively, scoring 41 points in Minnesota’s 128-102 win over the Jazz on Sunday. The Timberwolves have been playing dominant basketball, with Edwards to show why he’s one of the NBA’s most dynamic guards. Edwards has averaged 27.3 points and 4.9 assists since the All-Star break.
The Pacers are coming off a 126-119 loss to the Bucks, snapping their two-game win streak. Indiana has been hit by injuries, with Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner listed as questionable. While the Pacers have been resilient without key players this season, facing a red-hot Timberwolves squad makes this an uphill battle. Given the circumstances, expect Minnesota to cover the spread at home.
