I have a few plays for the light NBA slate on Monday, March 9. So, while I normally break things down with two separate articles, I’m bringing everything under one roof instead of splitting up sides/totals and player props — a streamlined look at my favorite bets for the day’s slate. Keep reading for my NBA picks and predictions for Monday.

RELATED: Check out the Pro Picks page for more selections from our talented VSiN hosts and analysts!

NBA Best Bets Today

Nuggets +7.5 (-112) vs. Thunder

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Nuggets at Thunder – 7:30 pm ET

Denver nearly earned a win in Oklahoma City a couple of weeks ago, and I don’t see why the Nuggets can’t keep this one within seven points. Jamal Murray is questionable for Denver tonight, so that’s something you’ll want to keep an eye on. However, Oklahoma City will be without Isaiah Hartenstein and Jalen Williams, and both Alex Caruso and Chet Holmgren are listed as questionable. That said, you really can’t consider either of these teams healthy right now. The Nuggets are, however, coming off two full days of rest, so they have an advantage there. They’ll also have Aaron Gordon in the lineup tonight, as he returned to action on Friday. That means Denver should be a little sharper defensively.

This is also a game that could be thoroughly dominated by Nikola Jokic. With Hartenstein out, Jokic should be able to score whenever he wants. And if the Thunder end up sending help, Jokic will pick the defense apart and set up open looks for his teammates.

It just feels like Denver is being a little disrespected in the market, as the team has been a huge ‘dog in all three meetings between these teams. I think the Nuggets make a statement tonight.

Clippers +2.5 (-112 – 1.5 units) vs. Knicks

Knicks at Clippers – 10:00 pm ET

Towards the end of yesterday’s loss to the Lakers, Jalen Brunson looked exhausted and banged up. The superstar has been struggling with his shot lately, and he played 42 minutes in yesterday’s defeat. Well, Brunson could now carry some fatigue into a meeting with the Clippers, who also happen to have Kris Dunn, an elite point-of-attack defender, to throw on him. That said, I feel like there’s a decent chance Los Angeles can cut off the head of the snake and turn in an excellent defensive showing tonight.

Offensively, the Clippers have Kawhi Leonard playing at the peak of his powers, so that should allow them to do just enough to get across the finish line. Los Angeles will just need some contributions from elsewhere, but look no further than Darius Garland. The dynamic guard will be out there for the Clippers tonight, and I like him to roast the Knicks defensive backcourt.

NBA Player Props Today

VJ Edgecombe Over 18.5 Points (-105) vs. Cavaliers

76ers at Cavaliers – 7:00 pm ET

Tyrese Maxey is out for the 76ers right now, so Edgecombe will have a lot of on-ball responsibility if he plays tonight. The talented rookie is questionable, so there’s no guarantee. However, if he sits, this will just be voided. That means there isn’t much of a risk in throwing this in and hoping he plays. If he does suit up, the reward could be there. Edgecombe is averaging 24.0 points per game in 39.0 minutes per game when playing without Maxey this season, and this Cavaliers team is just 23rd in the NBA in defending in isolation. Cleveland is also pretty weak defensively when it comes to guarding the perimeter, so Edgecombe’s quick first step should be problematic for the Cavaliers. We’ll just have to hope that the 76ers can keep this close enough for Edgecombe to play the fourth quarter.

Nolan Traore Over 18.5 Points + Assists (-110) vs. Grizzlies

Grizzlies at Nets – 7:30 pm ET

The Grizzlies are a bottom-10 defense in the NBA, and they’ve been miserable when it comes to slowing down lead guards. Well, Traore is currently serving as the primary initiator for the Nets, and he’s fully capable of taking advantage of this matchup. In fact, Traore has had at least 19 combined points and assists in the last three games he has played against bottom-10 defenses. We’ll just need Traore to avoid getting into foul trouble, as that has been something that has plagued him this year. If he can, he should live in the paint with his ability to explode off the bounce. Once he’s there, he can score for himself or set teammates up. Traore should also knock down a triple or two, as Memphis’ spot-up defense has been awful.

Additional Plays (Late Adds, Parlays, Teasers, Futures)

Nothing yet.

2025-26 NBA Record: 381-366 (+2.72 units)

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