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NBA Best Bets Today: Top NBA Betting Picks for Friday 3/21/25

NBA Best Bets Today: Top NBA Betting Picks for Friday 3/21/25

Published:

By: Grant Afseth

With 10 NBA games on the schedule for Friday, March 21, there are plenty of opportunities to get in on the action with DraftKings Sportsbook.

Here’s the full NBA schedule for Friday, March 21 (all times Eastern):

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  • Magic at Wizards, 7 p.m.
  • Rockets at Heat, 8 p.m.
  • Pelicans at Timberwolves, 8 p.m.
  • Hornets at Thunder, 8 p.m.
  • 76ers at Spurs, 8:30 p.m.
  • Pistons at Mavericks, 8:30 p.m.
  • Celtics at Jazz, 9:30 p.m.
  • Cavaliers at Suns, 10 p.m.
  • Nuggets at Trail Blazers, 10 p.m.
  • Grizzlies at Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Spurs -6 (-112)

The Spurs have been looking to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since January as they have hosted the 76ers. San Antonio comes into this game with momentum after a convincing 120-105 victory over the Knicks, in which Sandro Mamukelashvili scored a career-high 34 points, showcasing the depth of their roster. With their playoff aspirations still alive, the Spurs will look to build on this strong performance.

In contrast, the 76ers have been struggling, losing five of their last six games. Philadelphia is also battling injuries, with key players like Tyrese Maxey still sidelined. Their lack of consistent play has been evident, and they suffered a heavy 133-100 defeat to Oklahoma City on Wednesday. With Philadelphia missing vital pieces and San Antonio playing with renewed energy, the Spurs should be able to cover the -6 spread at home.


Rockets -4.5 (-112)

The Rockets are riding a season-best eight-game win streak and are playing with newfound confidence. Jalen Green has been leading the charge, contributing 21.4 points per game, while Alperen Sengun continues to dominate with 19.2 points and 10.5 rebounds. Houston’s offense has been clicking, and their free-throw shooting, especially in their 116-108 win over Orlando, has been a key factor, making 29 of 32 attempts (90.6%).

The Heat are on a nine-game losing streak, their longest since the 2007-08 NBA season. Miami has had trouble closing games, evidenced by their heartbreaking 116-113 loss to Detroit on Wednesday, where they allowed a last-second 3-pointer from Cade Cunningham. With the Heat struggling to find consistency and Houston looking poised to make a playoff run, the Rockets are the stronger team here and should comfortably cover the -4.5 spread.


Pistons -9 (-112)

The Pistons have a lot of momentum right now, having won their recent games and maintaining a firm position in the playoff race. Their latest thrilling 116-113 victory over the Heat saw Cade Cunningham at his best, showcasing elite playmaking and scoring. The Pistons have been impressive, with Cunningham leading the charge, and they are proving to be a tough team to beat.

Meanwhile, the Mavericks are struggling with a severely depleted roster. Due to injuries, key players like Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II, among others, remain sidelined. Without these crucial contributors, Dallas has had difficulty staying competitive. Given the Pistons’ offensive firepower and the Mavericks’ ongoing injury woes, Detroit should have no trouble covering the -9 spread on the road.


Nuggets +2 (-112)

Despite missing three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets have remained competitive, making them a strong pick against the Trail Blazers. Denver has faced several injury issues recently, with Jokic out due to a left ankle injury and Jamal Murray also missing time. However, Aaron Gordon has been stepping up in Jokic’s absence, delivering impressive performances, including 38 points and 11 rebounds in a win over the Warriors. The Nuggets have still shown solid depth, with Gordon and others filling the void left by their injured stars.

Portland, meanwhile, is coming off a solid 115-99 victory over the Grizzlies but remains inconsistent. The Blazers have struggled defensively throughout the season. While they’re fighting for a play-in spot, their defense continues to be a weakness, particularly in their recent losses. The Nuggets should be able to cover the spread, even without Jokic.


Grizzlies +7 (-110)

Despite losing three of their last four games, the Memphis Grizzlies remain tough, especially when healthy. Ja Morant’s absence due to shoulder and hamstring injuries has clearly impacted the team’s offensive rhythm, but Memphis continues to rely on its defense and depth to stay competitive. Jaren Jackson Jr. has been the standout, leading the team with 22.4 points per game and providing strong defense, including shot-blocking and rebounding.

The Clippers are riding a hot streak, having won seven of their last eight games, with key performances from Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell. However, the Clippers will face a more formidable challenge in this matchup against the Grizzlies, especially considering their recent defensive lapses. Memphis should be able to stay close in this game. With the spread at +7, the Grizzlies have the firepower to cover.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is grant-afseth) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.