NBA Top Picks & Props: Bet on Giannis, Lakers vs Magic, Haliburton Today!

Key NBA playoff positioning games are set for Monday, following a successful day of picks where I went 2-for-3 in Sunday’s NBA Best Bets.

Let’s examine the critical games on Monday that could impact the Western Conference rankings, especially after Denver Nuggets’ surprising win over Houston Rockets without Nikola Jokic last night:

• Los Angeles Lakers vs. Orlando Magic
• Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Indiana Pacers
• Milwaukee Bucks vs. Phoenix Suns
• Boston Celtics vs. Sacramento Kings

Additionally, the Nuggets face the Chicago Bulls tonight in the second game of a back-to-back set.

This evening, I’m looking at several promising bets for tonight’s eight-game lineup, including a prop bet on Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Bucks’ game against the Suns.

Here are the detailed NBA bets to consider for Monday, March 24.

NBA Best Bets Performance Overview

• 2024-25 season record: 190-182-4 (-0.03 units)
• OVERALL (since 2021-22 season): 1200-1127-26 (+38.06 units)

Find Peter Dewey’s NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on  BetStamp here.

Top NBA Picks Today

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

• Giannis Antetokounmpo OVER 31.5 Points (-120) – 0.5 unit
• Tyrese Haliburton OVER 9.5 Assists (-135) – 0.5 unit
• Los Angeles Lakers -4.5 (-110) vs. Orlando Magic – 0.5 unit

Giannis Antetokounmpo OVER 31.5 Points (-120) – 0.5 unit

With Damian Lillard sidelined by a calf injury, expect Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo to take on a heavier scoring load against the Suns on Monday. Without Dame this season, Giannis has managed an average of 30.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, surpassing 31.5 points in three of those games, including a standout 59-point performance against the Detroit Pistons.

Given the Suns’ struggle with their defensive game, ranking 26th in the league, Giannis and Kyle Kuzma will likely be central to the Bucks’ offense. It’s crucial for Milwaukee to leverage their star player if they are to secure a win.

Giannis has consistently taken at least 20 shots in the seven games Dame has missed this season, indicating a high level of involvement expected tonight.

Tyrese Haliburton OVER 9.5 Assists (-135) – 0.5 unit

Indiana Pacers standout Tyrese Haliburton has been delivering impressive assist numbers, hitting at least 10 assists in his last 10 games. This streak has pushed his average for the season to 9.1 assists per game.

During this period, Haliburton has averaged 20.0 potential assists per game, providing a solid base for this particular prop. Despite Minnesota’s strong defense, which ranks fifth in limiting opponent assists, it’s important to note that their last encounter totaled 262 points, even without Haliburton’s participation.

Given his current form, Haliburton is a strong candidate to continue his double-digit assist performance tonight.

Los Angeles Lakers -4.5 (-110) vs. Orlando Magic – 0.5 unit

Following two consecutive losses, including a poor defensive effort against the Bulls, the Lakers are poised for a comeback against the Magic on Monday.

With the potential return of Rui Hachimura and LeBron James to the lineup, the Lakers are well-positioned to take on an Orlando team that has underperformed at home as underdogs, covering the spread in just three of 11 games. Moreover, the Magic rank among the worst in the NBA for offensive efficiency and effective field goal percentage.

Considering Orlando’s offensive challenges, especially with Jalen Suggs out for the season and Cole Anthony’s uncertain status, the Lakers, potentially at full strength, are likely to dominate. Despite their recent slump, the return of LeBron and Luka Doncic could be the boost they need to secure a victory tonight.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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