NBA 101

Hawks vs Bucks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The Milwaukee Bucks brought back Giannis Antetokounmpo, but it is fair to wonder to what end. The Atlanta Hawks are four games ahead in the standings for the final Play-In spot in the Eastern Conference, and that should become five games tonight.

My Hawks vs. Bucks predictions and NBA picks will not put faith in Atlanta, but they will also not put faith in Giannis aside from crashing the glass on Wednesday, March 4.

Hawks vs Bucks prediction

Hawks vs Bucks best bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 10.5 rebounds (+110)

Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the court on Monday, his first action since late January. The Milwaukee Bucks’ cornerstone struggled from the field, going 7-of-18 for 19 points, but he was still an asset.

Antetokounmpo’s 11 rebounds showed he’s still impacting the game despite being out of rhythm. That rhythm might take time to return, but those misses create more chances for him to crash the boards against the Atlanta Hawks.

Hawks vs Bucks same-game parlay

Antetokounmpo’s rhythm will struggle as long as he is on a minutes restriction, playing just 25 in his return.

Milwaukee’s three-game losing streak will also plague some of his play, as the Bucks have little incentive to win or stress their superstar.

Hawks vs Bucks SGP

• Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 10.5 rebounds
• Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 25.5 points
• Hawks moneyline

Our “from downtown” SGP: Broken Bucks

Milwaukee has not cracked 100 points in its last three games, a trend that underscores that this roster is more broken than Antetokounmpo deserves.

Hawks vs Bucks SGP

• Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 10.5 rebounds
• Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 25.5 points
• Hawks moneyline
• Under 232.5

Hawks vs Bucks odds

• Spread: Hawks +1 (-110) | Bucks -1 (-110)
• Moneyline: Hawks -105 | Bucks -115
• Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)

Hawks vs Bucks betting trend to know

Milwaukee is 0-3 against the spread in its last three games, falling short of bookmakers’ expectations by at least 20 points in each of those games. Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Bucks.

How to watch Hawks vs Bucks

Hawks vs Bucks latest injuries

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Pacers vs Clippers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn could be one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA.

He’s not only Los Angeles’ top perimeter defender, but the veteran guard has upped his offensive efforts over the past month, averaging almost 10 points per game in the Clippers’ last 10 outings.

Los Angeles is a sizable home favorite against the Indiana Pacers tonight, and my Pacers vs. Clippers predictions and NBA picks like Dunn to keep contributing on both ends of the floor.

Pacers vs Clippers prediction

Pacers vs Clippers best bet: Kris Dunn Over 7.5 points (-105)

As mentioned, Kris Dunn has been doing more on the offensive side since early February. 

He’s scored 8+ points in seven of the L.A. Clippers’ past 10 games, including 16 points in the recent win over Golden State.

Dunn, who went 7-for-10 in just 26 minutes Monday, faces an Indiana Pacers team riding out a lost season. Indiana has dropped six straight showings and sits 27th in defensive rating over its last 10 outings.

Wednesday’s game will have a quicker tempo, with Indiana involved, and Dunn’s player projections range from 7.9 to 8.8 points.

Pacers vs Clippers same-game parlay

The Clippers are fighting to stay in the conversation for the play-in tournament while the Pacers are in full “tank mode”, sliding into L.A. on a six-game losing skid. Indiana is 1-9 SU and 4-6 ATS in non-conference road games.

Dunn is averaging almost 10 points over the last 10 games. His projections flirt with nine points versus a Pacers team trying to tank for a Top 3 pick.

Andrew Nembhard is seeing his playing time tick down with Indiana giving up on the season, and the guard is nursing a sore back. His projections are as low as 12.4 points tonight.

Pacers vs Clippers SGP

• Clippers -12.5
• Kris Dunn Over 7.5 points
• Andrew Nembhard Under 15.5 points

Our “from downtown” SGP: Best Supporting Actors

In La La Land, you need a strong supporting cast. With the Clippers running away from the Pacers, I like L.A. to spread the love around to Dunn, Brook Lopez, and Kobe Sanders — all of whom are projected to top their scoring totals tonight.

Pacers vs Clippers SGP

• Clippers -12.5
• Kris Dunn Over 7.5 points
• Brook Lopez Over 9.5 points
• Kobe Sanders Over 6.5 points

Pacers vs Clippers odds

• Spread: Pacers +12.5 | Clippers -12.5
• Moneyline: Pacers +500 | Clippers -700
• Over/Under: Over 227 | Under 227

Pacers vs Clippers betting trend to know

The Pacers have only covered twice in the past 11 games since February 3. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Clippers.

How to watch Pacers vs Clippers

Pacers vs Clippers latest injuries

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Spurs vs 76ers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The San Antonio Spurs’ 11-game win streak was snapped on Sunday, and the Western Conference heavyweights will look to start a new one when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers.

Philly’s frontcourt is vulnerable, and my Spurs vs. 76ers predictions expect the big man duo of Luke Kornet and Victor Wembanyama to lead San Antonio to a comfortable win behind big performances.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference showdown on Tuesday, March 3.

Spurs vs 76ers prediction

Spurs vs 76ers best bet: Luke Kornet Over 11.5 points + rebounds + assists (-120)

The Philadelphia 76ers’ interior defense will be exposed again with Joel Embiid on the sidelines.

The team’s defensive rating without Embiid is a dreadful 117.1 this season. Philly surrendered 114 points, 59 total rebounds, and a whopping 19 offensive boards in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Celtics.

Luke Kornet is averaging a career-best 15.5 points + rebounds + assists, going for 12+ in 38 of 50 games, including six of his last nine. This line is wildly mispriced, and Kornet could see additional run if the San Antonio Spurs run away with the game in this favorable matchup.

Spurs vs 76ers same-game parlay

The 76ers are just 14-17 against the spread at home, while the Spurs are 17-14-1 ATS on the road. The Spurs’ 11-game win streak was snapped in a rare blowout loss on Sunday, and I expect San Antonio to come out with a vengeance and win comfortably.

Philadelphia’s offense may struggle to score against San Antonio’s stingy defense, especially with Embiid and Paul George sidelined.

Spurs vs 76ers SGP

• Luke Kornet Over 11.5 points + rebounds + assists
• Spurs -8
• Under 231.5

Our “from downtown” SGP: Wemby’s Super-Sized Combo

Wembanyama’s combo line would have been the best bet had it not been for the advantageous pricing on Kornet’s line. Wemby will benefit from Embiid’s absence, and he’s already gone for 40+ PRA in two of his last four games overall and in each of his last two in Philadelphia.

Spurs vs 76ers SGP

• Luke Kornet Over 11.5 points + rebounds + assists
• Spurs -8
• Under 231.5
• Victor Wembanyama Over 39.5 points + rebounds + assists

Spurs vs 76ers odds

• Spread: Spurs -8 (-110) | 76ers +8 (-110)
• Moneyline: Spurs -315 | 76ers +255
• Over/Under: Over 232 (-110) | Under 232 (-110)

Spurs vs 76ers betting trend to know

The San Antonio Spurs have hit the Game Total Under in 25 of their last 35 games (+14.00 Units / 36% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. 76ers.

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Spurs vs 76ers latest injuries

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Pelicans vs Lakers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are using a softer stretch of schedule to build momentum in the Western Conference.

Los Angeles has won two in a row and hosts the New Orleans Pelicans for an extended stay in La-La Land on Tuesday.

James’ offensive outputs have been tempered since the All-Star break, with Los Angeles running into some stronger defensive foes before two blowout wins. 

New Orleans is way down the NBA’s defensive metrics, so my Pelicans vs. Lakers predictions and NBA picks call for a return to form for “King James”, most notably when it comes to his playmaking.

Pelicans vs Lakers prediction

Pelicans vs Lakers best bet: LeBron James Over 5.5 assists (-150)

This prop bounces between 5.5 and 6.5 assists from LeBron James. And while the lower end of that number carries a hefty -150 ask, projections for the Los Angeles Lakers’ veteran are too good to ignore.

James has dished out six or more dimes just twice in the six post-break outings, with his potential assists slipping from 12.0 pre-break to 8.7 in this current span. That said, the New Orleans Pelicans’ defense is dreadful and allows an average of 28 assists.

LeBron’s forecasts range from 6.2 to 7.5 assists, and he handed out eight the last time he faced NOLA.

Pelicans vs Lakers same-game parlay

The Lakers are actually healthy for once and have a chance to build momentum with a third straight victory. The Pelicans are playing their fourth straight road game and third game in four days.

James’ potential assists took a hit against some tougher defenses post-break (Boston, Orlando, Phoenix), but NOLA is among the worst defensive clubs, and LeBron is pegged for more than seven dimes tonight.

Rui Hachimura is at his best when the L.A. stars are on the floor and drawing extra attention from the defense. He’s forecast for as many as 12 points tonight.

Pelicans vs Lakers SGP

• Lakers moneyline
• James Over 5.5 assists
• Hachimura Over 8.5 points

Our “from downtown” SGP: The James gang

LeBron went for eight rebounds and eight assists in his last run-in with the Pelicans, and game projections call for “King James” to top those props while powering L.A. to a win and cover in a low-scoring finish (237 points).

Pelicans vs Lakers SGP

• Lakers -8.5
• Under 242.5
• James Over 5.5 assists
• James Over 5.5 rebounds

Pelicans vs Lakers odds

• Spread: Pelicans +8.5 | Lakers -8.5
• Moneyline: Pelicans +280 | Lakers -360
• Over/Under: Over 242.5 | Under 242.5

Pelicans vs Lakers betting trend to know

The L.A. Lakers are 10-1 SU and 8-3 ATS versus the New Orleans Pelicans over the last three seasons. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Lakers.

How to watch Pelicans vs Lakers

Pelicans vs Lakers latest injuries

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Indiana's Curt Cignetti cashes in on title run with 8-year extension worth $13.2 million per year

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti is cashing in on his first national championship run — even more than initially expected.

Athletic department officials announced Monday that the two-time national coach of the year has signed a memorandum of understanding on an eight-year contract extension, paying him an annual average of $13.2 million — or an increase of about $1.6 million per year from what school officials said Cignetti would earn when he first agreed to the extension in October.

School officials released the document Cignetti signed Feb. 4.

He joins Georgia coach Kirby Smart and LSU coach Lane Kiffin as the only active Football Bowl Subdivision coaches to receive paychecks of $13 million or more. The payouts could be even higher if Cignetti earns bonuses for winning Big Ten or national coach of the year honors in addition to playoff appearances and conference titles. The 64-year-old Cignetti already has said he hopes to retire at Indiana.

The new deal calls for a base salary of $500,000 per year through the 2033 season and a $1 million retention bonus on Nov. 30 of each year, starting this fall. The remaining portion of the $105.6 million will be collected from outside, promotional and marketing income.

Cignetti initially agreed to an eight-year extension worth $92.8 million — an annual average of $11.6 million — but university officials agreed to modify the deal as the Hoosiers remained undefeated and pursued the first football national championship in school history.

It’s the third time Cignetti has received a raise since he took over the losingest program in FBS history in November 2024. All he’s done since arriving is produce the two best seasons in school history while becoming one of college football’s fan favorites for his quick quips and unique facial expressions. Players have embraced him, too, telling many of their favorite Cignetti tales.

Just ask tight end Riley Nowakowski, who recounted his favorite Cignetti story during the recent NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

“I think (Alberto Mendoza) was in the game, and he pulled like four runs in a row,” Nowakowski said, referring to last season’s victory over Illinois. “He kept pulling it, kept pulling it, kept pulling it, and then after the fourth time, it was a terrible read. So in the middle of the game, (Cignetti) tells our coach, ‘Get (Alberto) over here.’ Bert’s like, ‘What, it’s the middle of a game, what are you doing?’ And (Cignetti) goes, ‘We’re not paying you to run the ball, hand the ball off, right? We’re up like 70 points, but he’s pissed off, yelling at Bert, and (Cignetti) just turned back at me and gave me one of his little smiles, and he was just like, ’You like that now?'”

Cignetti wasted no time delivering on his promise to win after leading James Madison to the most successful transition from the Football Championship Subdivision to the FBS.

The son of Hall of Fame coach Frank Cignetti and a former Alabama assistant led Indiana to a school record 11 wins and its first College Football Playoff appearance in his first season with the Hoosiers.

Last season, he outdid that mark by producing the first 16-0 mark in major college football since the 1890s. The Hoosiers also won their first outright Big Ten crown since 1945, beat Miami on its home field to claim the national title and shed the label of having the most all-time losses in FBS history.

Mendoza’s older brother, Fernando, also became the first Indiana player to win the Heisman Trophy and is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL draft.

The reward: A record nine players, including Mendoza and Nowakowski, attended the recent combine in Indianapolis while Cignetti got another pay raise and school officials continued to invest heavily in keeping the coach’s staff together.

Offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines each agreed to three-year contract extensions worth about $3 million per year in December, making them two of the highest-paid assistants in the FBS. Haines won this year’s Broyles Award, which goes to the nation’s top assistant coach.

Indiana will begin next season with the longest winning streak (16) and longest home winning streak (15) in the FBS. Cignetti has never lost a home game with the Hoosiers, who open defense of their league and national titles at home against North Texas on Sept. 5.

___

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Celtics vs Bucks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to make his return to the Milwaukee Bucks lineup when they host the Boston Celtics tonight.

But just how much will the two-time MVP play, and will it matter against a Boston team playing great basketball?

My Celtics vs. Bucks predictions and NBA picks will be fading the Greek Freak in his return to action in this East Conference clash set to tipoff at 7:30 pm ET at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Monday, March 2. 

Celtics vs Bucks prediction

Celtics vs Bucks best bet: Celtics -2 (-110)

Giannis Antetokounmpo returns for the Milwaukee Bucks after missing more than five weeks, and his impact on the NBA odds was immediate, moving tonight’s line against the Boston Celtics from +7.5 to +4. 

Then it was announced Jaylen Brown would be out, and the line dipped to Boston -2.

However, Milwaukee was struggling with Giannis, ranking 24th in net rating before his latest injury.

Boston is 10-3 ATS over the last 13 games and only trails OKC in net rating. All this line move does is make me want to bet the next-man-up Celtics even more.

Celtics vs Bucks same-game parlay

Jaylen Brown is getting a lot of the credit for the season the Celtics are having, and rightly so, but let’s not overlook Derrick White’s impact.

White is putting up 17.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. His point total for this game without Brown is 20.5, a number he’s topped twice in his last four games, and now faces a Milwaukee team that ranks 23rd in defensive rating.

The Bucks also struggle on the boards, owning the fourth-worst rebounding rate. Celtics big man Nikola Vucevic has thrived in his role, averaging 8.6 rebounds coming off the bench, and likely gets the start tonight.

Celtics vs Bucks SGP

• Celtics -2
• Derrick White Over 20.5 points
• Nikola Vucevic Over 8.5 rebounds

Our “from downtown” SGP: Double delight

Giannis has a solid night on the scoresheet, but as has been the case much of the season, it won’t be enough to get the win.

Celtics vs Bucks SGP

• Giannis Antetokounmpo double double
• Nikola Vucevic double-double
• Celtics moneyline

Celtics vs Bucks odds

• Spread: Celtics -2 | Bucks +2
• Moneyline: Celtics -130 | Bucks +110
• Over/Under: Over 216.5 | Under 216.5

Celtics vs Bucks betting trend to know

The Bucks have only covered the 1H Spread in 12 of their last 40 games at home for -20.15 Units and a -44% ROI.. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Bucks.

How to watch Celtics vs Bucks

Celtics vs Bucks latest injuries

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