Monday’s NBA slate brings several intriguing matchups with playoff implications, struggling defenses, and star players capable of taking over games. With spreads and totals posted across the board, bettors have opportunities to exploit mismatches and situational spots. Continue reading our Monday NBA Best Bets March 16 column for our top three betting selections ahead of today’s slate.

NBA Best Bet: Warriors -7.5 (at Wizards)

The first play targets a major mismatch between the veteran-heavy Golden State Warriors and the rebuilding Washington Wizards.

Washington enters the matchup with one of the worst records in the league and an extended losing streak, while Golden State is still pushing to stay competitive in the Western Conference playoff race. The Warriors are favored by 7.5 points, with the total sitting around 231.

The key difference in this game is star power and offensive consistency.

The Warriors still revolve around Stephen Curry, who remains one of the league’s most dangerous scoring threats. Even in his mid-30s, Curry continues to average around the mid-20s in points per game while stretching defenses with elite three-point shooting. When Golden State faces teams that struggle defensively like Washington, Curry’s gravity alone can tilt games quickly.

Washington’s biggest issue is defense. The Wizards rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency and have allowed opponents to regularly surpass the 115-point mark. Their young roster is still developing, and they lack perimeter defenders capable of slowing down Curry’s movement and off-ball actions.

With Washington also struggling to maintain offensive consistency, Golden State should control the pace and create separation by the second half.

Prediction: Warriors 121, Wizards 110
Best Bet: Warriors -7.5

NBA Best Bet: Hawks -3.5 (vs. Magic)

The matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic projects as one of the most competitive games of the night, but Atlanta’s offensive firepower provides the edge.

Oddsmakers opened Atlanta as roughly 3-point favorites with a total around 230.5.

Atlanta’s offense is driven by Jalen Johnson, who averages 23 points per game and 10.4 rebounds.

Orlando has improved significantly behind rising stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner (out, ankle), but the Magic still struggle offensively at times, particularly in half-court situations.

Atlanta’s offensive efficiency should prove decisive. The Hawks are among the better teams in the league at generating three-point looks and free-throw opportunities, both of which exploit Orlando’s defensive tendencies.

At home, with Trae Young controlling tempo, Atlanta should dictate the game’s rhythm.

Prediction: Hawks 118, Magic 112
Best Bet: Hawks -3.5

NBA Best Bet: Rockets -2.5 (vs. Lakers)

The final pick focuses on the rising Houston Rockets, who host the Los Angeles Lakers as small 2.5-point favorites. The game total is around 226.5.

Thanks to top performers Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun, the Rockets have won six out of their last 10 games and are sitting in fourth in the Western Conference behind only the Thunder, Spurs and Lakers.

Meanwhile, the Lakers continue to rely heavily on LeBron James and Luka Doncic. While both stars remain elite players, the Lakers’ depth and defensive consistency have been inconsistent throughout the season.

Houston also plays at a faster pace, which could create problems for a veteran Lakers roster. If the Rockets push tempo and generate transition opportunities, they should control the game’s rhythm.

Another key factor is Houston’s strong record when favored. The team has won nearly 69% of games when favored this season, showing they can close out winnable matchups.

At home, with younger legs and momentum, Houston has the advantage.

Prediction: Rockets 115, Lakers 110
Best Bet: Rockets -2.5

Monday NBA Best Bets March 16

1. Warriors -7.5
2. Hawks -3.5
3. Rockets -2.5

Follow: Twitter/X · Bluesky · Facebook

Responsible Gaming

For help and resources, visit our Responsible Gaming page or the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Affiliate Disclosure

We may receive affiliate commissions if you sign up through links on our site. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure.