NBA Betting Guide: Odds, Predictions For March 1

NBA Odds, Predictions For March 1

We start a brand new month with Kevin Durant playing his first game with a brand new team. Scroll down to see how I'm attacking that game and where our BetQL model sees value!

One trend to note is that the BetQL NBA Model is on fire to start the second half, going 72-22 (64%) on all picks in the last five days for a quick $2,569 return on $100 bets! Take advantage of BetQL's free trial and see all of today's NBA best bets, plus what the model is projecting for this week's NHL, soccer and NCAA basketball games! Start your free trial today!

Suns at Hornets Prediction

Kevin Durant makes his Phoenix Suns (33-29 SU, 32-29-1 ATS, 26-35 O/U) debut tonight at the Charlotte Hornets (20-43 SU, 27-34-2 ATS, 28-35 O/U).

This number feels too low to me, so I am going to play the over. Both teams have scored at least 117 points in seven of their last 10 games combined. Charlotte has also played at the fastest pace in the league over its last five games and ranks 12th in offensive efficiency over that span. I know LaMelo Ball is out, which might slow them down a little, but the Hornets are still a team that likes to score in transition. They’re top 10 in points off turnovers and fast-break points this season. Kevin Durant is also making his debut with Phoenix tonight. He’s going to bring even more scoring to an already efficient offense. This number is moving up fast, so grab it on Caesars at 229 before it goes up more, and take advantage of their generous welcome offer while you're at it!

My Pick: Suns-Hornets o229

Cavaliers at Celtics Prediction

The Cleveland Cavaliers (39-25 SU, 34-28-2 ATS, 29-34 O/U) look for their third win of the season against the Boston Celtics (44-18 SU, 32-28-2 ATS, 29-30 O/U).

The Cavs have had the Celtics' number this season, winning each of the two previous meetings. Both games went into overtime, where Cleveland was able to close things out. Boston loves to shoot 3s, but the Cavs are really good at defending the perimeter, holding the Celtics to under 30% from 3 in both games. Unless Boston gets extremely hot from deep, these are two evenly matched teams and Cleveland knows what it’s going to take to get the W, even on the road, so grab the points with the Cavs; you can still get +5.5 at BetMGM (-115), along with a great signup offer!

My Pick: Cavaliers +5.5

Grizzlies at Rockets Prediction

The Memphis Grizzles (37-23 SU, 29-29-2 ATS, 25-32 O/U) and Houston Rockets (13-48 SU, 22-35-4 ATS, 30-31 O/U) meet tonight with both teams playing the second game of a back-to-back.

The Grizzlies have been really bad against Western Conference opponents, going just 13-21-1 ATS this season. Add that to a back-to-back after a hard-fought game against the Lakers last night and I don't want to get anywhere near this spread. Instead, I'll target the first quarter to go over the total of 56.5. The Rockets love to start games fast and I anticipate that being the case tonight on their home floor. Four of Houston's last five first quarters have gone over this total, averaging 61.2 points. Memphis is also in the top 10 in pace in the opening frame and top five on the road. Lastly, with both teams having played last night, I'd be shocked if they are entirely locked in on the defensive end, especially early.

My pick: Grizzlies-Rockets 1Q o56.5

MORE NBA: EXPERT PICKS | TOP PLAYER PROPS | UPSET ALERTS!

Take advantage of BetQL's free trial and see all of today's best NBA bets, including player props, plus what the model is projecting for every NHL, soccer and NCAA basketball game this week! Start your free trial today!