We went 1-1 with our NBA computer predictions on Monday while using the OddsTrader algorithm to find the biggest edge and now we are back at it with two more among the six games on the Tuesday schedule.
NBA Pick: Magic +7.5 (-110) at BetMGM
Miami Heat vs. Toronto Raptors
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 – 07:30 PM EDT at Scotiabank Arena
This is the first game of a TNT doubleheader, followed by New Orleans at Golden State. Both the Heat and Raptors are trying to avoid the Eastern Conference play-in tournament. Miami has a shot as it sits seventh in the West and is tied with No. 6 Brooklyn but currently loses a tiebreaker. Toronto isn’t getting into the Top 6 as it sits ninth but also won’t fall outside spots 7-10.
The OddsTrader algorithm has Toronto winning by 6 points. The Raptors lead the season series 2-1 but all three games took place early in the season. The Raptors have dominated Miami 34-18 (+16) on the offensive glass. Toronto (12.8) currently ranks second in the NBA in offensive rebounds. The Raptors also hold a +19 turnover advantage in the season series with the Heat. Toronto leads the league in points off turnovers (20.9), while also averaging the fewest turnovers per game (11.9).
Former Face of the Franchise
Miami is listing point guard Kyle Lowry, a former Raptors franchise icon, as questionable with left knee soreness. The Heat come off a terrible home loss to the Nets, 129-100. Lowry had just three points in 22 minutes off the bench. Max Strus and Tyler Herro led Miami with 23 points each. Herro is 40-of-40 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter this season. That’s pretty amazing.
Also note this is the front end of a back-to-back for Miami with a more marquee matchup on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks. On the first night of a B2B, Miami is 5-7 this year.
Toronto looks to conclude a homestand at 3-1 and comes off a 114-104 win over Washington on Sunday. This a chance for the Raptors to return to the .500 mark for the first time since Dec. 9 when they were 13-13. Pascal Siakam has recorded double-doubles in five of the last six games, averaging team-highs of 24.5 points and 10.3 rebounds, along with 6.5 assists, while shooting 50.9% from the field in that span.
The Raptors are the only team this season to have five players score at least 1,000 points, also a franchise first.
- Heat are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight-up loss of more than 10 points.
- Heat are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games.
- Raptors are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 home games.
- Raptors are 5-1 ATS in the past 6 meetings.
NBA Pick: Raptors -3 (-110) Caesars Sportsbook
Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 – 08:00 PM EDT at FedExForum
Memphis is an NBA-best 32-5 at home and has won its past 11 at FedExForum. The 32 wins have tied the 2012-23 team for the most at home in regular-season history. The Grizzlies have won six straight games overall, the NBA’s longest active winning streak.
The big news here is that Grizzlies All-Star guard Ja Morant, who recently returned from an eight-game suspension, is doubtful due to some soreness in his right thigh. It also could be simply that Memphis plays Wednesday again as to why Morant would sit. Morant comes off his best game since his return with 27 points and six assists in Sunday’s 123-119 win in Atlanta. Boost for Tyus Jones props tonight then.
Defensive Player of the Year candidate Jaren Jackson Jr. is on pace to become the fifth player since the NBA-ABA merger to average 18.0 points, 1.0 steals and 3.0 blocks in a single season. Jackson Jr. would join Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson.
JJJ is three blocks away from tying his own single-season club record set last season (177 in 2021-22). Memphis remains without injured center Steven Adams, one of the NBA’s best rebounders.
On the Right Path
Orlando will miss the playoffs yet again but is clearly much improved this season led by Rookie of the Year lock Paolo Banchero and could be quite good next season if the draft lottery works out for them. The Magic enter on a three-game winning streak, knocking off Brooklyn 119-106 on Sunday. Cole Anthony had 21 points to lead eight Orlando scorers in double figures. Jalen Suggs returned from an injury with 16 points.
Memphis won in Orlando 123-115 on Jan. 5. Morant scored 32 points, while Jackson Jr. added 31 points and 10 rebounds. Banchero had 30 points and nine rebounds for Orlando. The OddsTrader NBA computer picks algorithm has Memphis winning 115-111 this time.
- Magic are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
- Magic are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
- Grizzlies are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Tuesday games.
- Grizzlies are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS win.
NBA Pick: Magic +7.5 (-110) at BetMGM
