I only have a few plays for the loaded NBA slate on Tuesday, March 3. 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 Tuesday.

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

NBA Best Bets Today

PARLAY: Cavaliers Alt +8.5 vs. Pistons & Knicks Alt +7.5 vs. Raptors (-139 – 1.5 units)

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Pistons at Cavaliers – 7:00 pm ET
Knicks at Raptors – 7:30 pm ET

I don’t have any traditional sides or totals this evening, which is odd for me on a bigger slate. However, I do have some picks I really like, including this two-leg parlay with alternate spreads. I had strong leans on Cleveland and New York, but I didn’t quite get there with either side. So, I found some solid prices on alternates and threw them together.

With the Cavaliers, I just don’t think Donovan Mitchell’s absence will be a death sentence. James Harden shot the ball well in his first game with a wrap on his right thumb, so he looks ready to rock the rest of the year. Cleveland also happens to have a deep group of guards, with Sam Merrill, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis all being fully capable of playing expanded roles. The depth in the backcourt, combined with the elite frontcourt, should prevent the Cavs from being run out of their own gym.

In the other game, I’m just buying into what I’m seeing with the Knicks. Since January 15, New York is third in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions (108.2), so the defense has completely turned things around. The Knicks should show up ready to slow down a below-average Raptors offense, and I think New York’s play inside could be big here. Toronto is relatively weak at the center position, so Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson could be a lot for the Raptors to deal with. Also, Jalen Brunson really should be the best scorer on the floor, as Toronto’s backcourt options for him aren’t great.

NBA Player Props Today

Wendell Carter Jr. Over 21.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-110) vs. Wizards

Wizards at Magic – 7:00 pm ET

I’m trying to avoid playing full-game player props in games featuring tanking teams, but I’m making an exception here. Carter Jr. has scored at least 15 points in three of the last four games, has dished out at least two assists in six of the last eight, and has pulled down at least eight rebounds in seven of the last eight. He’s really stuffing the stat sheet for the Magic, and he gets a golden matchup with the Wizards tonight. Washington is the third-worst defense in the league inside 10 feet, and the team is also 27th defending catch-and-shoot jumpers. Well, Carter scores a huge chunk of his points in both of those areas. He should make his mark as a scorer here, and he’s going to have some rebounds. We’re just going to need Carter to be great in quarters 1 through 3, as there’s no guarantee he’ll play in the fourth. But I’m willing to take a chance on it.

Saddiq Bey Over 16.5 Points (-110) vs. Lakers

Pelicans at Lakers – 10:30 pm ET

I’m a little surprised that Bey’s point totals continue to be so low. Over the last 17 games, Bey is averaging 22.2 points per game. That’s a pretty significant sample size, suggesting this might be who he is as a scorer. Bey also happened to have 22 points against the Lakers on November 30, taking advantage of a defense that is unorganized overall and can’t defend at the rim. I just see Bey getting into the paint frequently, and he should be able to finish or draw some fouls. Bey is also a threat to knock down some open triples. There’s also no guarantee Zion Williamson will play tonight. If he’s out, that’ll mean an even bigger usage rate for Bey.

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

PARLAY: Hornets ML vs. Mavericks, Heat ML vs. Nets, Timberwolves ML vs. Grizzlies, Suns ML vs. Kings (-128)

Joe Mazzulla To Win Coach of the Year (+450) – I’m tailing Kelley Bydlon on this play. We discussed it on today’s episode of Hardwood Handicappers!

2025-26 NBA Record: 365-353 (+1.06 units)

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