BETTING

NBA Computer Picks for March 21: Memphis Struggles Without Ja

There are 11 games on tonight’s NBA slate! Most basketball fans will tune into the NCAA Tournament, but there’s still money to be made in the NBA!

Here are three bets using the AI Model to consider for tonight’s NBA slate.

Picks Summary


Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Phoenix Suns

Friday, March 21, 2025 – 10:00 PM EDT at Footprint Center


The AI Model predicts the Suns and Cavaliers will combine for 237 points. However, the total for this game is currently at 238. That means the Under has some value tonight.

The Cavaliers Could Struggle On The Offensive Glass

The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the best offenses in the NBA. That won’t change tonight.

However, the Cavaliers have only added 27.7% of offensive rebounds, which isn’t a high rate. On the other hand, the Suns have limited teams to just 27.7% of offensive rebounds.

If the Cavaliers struggle to find their shot on the road, there won’t be enough second chances to recover.

Cleveland Can Still Win With Its Defense

The Cavaliers can still escape with a win with their defense. After all, the Cavs rank 9th in the NBA in points per 100 possessions and fourth in the NBA in defensive effective field goal percentage.

Plus, the Suns have added only 24.8% of offensive rebounds and also aren’t aggressive enough on the offensive glass. That said, the Suns are aggressive at getting to the foul line. But even then, the Cavaliers have limited teams to an 18.8 free throw rate this season.

Let’s back the Under at -110 NBA odds and stick with the AI Model in this one.

NBA Pick: Under 238 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)


Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Friday, March 21, 2025 – 10:00 PM EDT at Moda Center


The AI Model predicts that the Trail Blazers will win 114-112 at home against an injured Nuggets team. Meanwhile, the Blazers are -1 against the spread at Bet365. That’s the play.

Nikola Jokic Is Out!

The Denver Nuggets won’t have Nikola Jokic tonight due to an ankle injury. Christian Braun, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon are also all questionable for this game.

The Nuggets usually have one of the best offenses in the NBA. But the backup lineup won’t produce nearly as well as the No. 1 unit.

The Nuggets could end up playing another game with their second unit tonight.

Can Portland Compete?

The Portland Trail Blazers have shot a 52.7% effective field goal percentage while turning the ball over 16.1% of the time.

Portland has been solid on the offensive glass, but the more turnovers, the fewer opportunities there will be on the offensive glass. In addition, Denver has held teams to a 17.2 free-throw rate, which is fourth in the NBA.

Still, the line likes the Trail Blazers at -1, suggesting the Nuggets could rest their entire team. Let’s go with the Blazers at -1.

NBA Pick: Blazers -1 (-110) at Bet365


Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Friday, March 21, 2025 – 10:30 PM EDT at Intuit Dome


The AI Model predicts that the Clippers will win by eight points over the Grizzlies. Meanwhile, the Clippers are just -7.5 at Caesars, which they’d cover in this scenario.

Ja Morant Is Still Out

The Grizzlies still won’t have Ja Morant available due to a hamstring injury. He could be back soon. But for now, he’s out, which will hurt Memphis’ chances of winning tonight’s game.

The Grizzlies have shot a high effective field goal percentage and typically dominate the offensive glass. But that’s unlikely against the Clippers.

Los Angeles has held teams to 25.9% of offensive rebounds and 110.8 points per 100 possessions. They’ve also forced 15.5% of turnovers, which is critical since the Grizzlies have allowed 15.5% of turnovers themselves this season.

The Clippers Can Get To The Foul Line!

The Los Angeles Clippers have shot a 55% effective field goal percentage. They might be weaker from the field. However, the Clippers are usually more aggressive and get to the foul line more.

In addition, the Grizzlies have allowed 29.1% of offensive rebounds. If the Clippers can take advantage of the offensive glass and make a high number of foul shots, they’ll win and cover this game. Take the Clippers at -7.5.

NBA Pick: Clippers -7.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)

*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler

*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.

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