Sunday has two-thirds of the league in action as the first week of March 2026 draws to a close. It features 10 contests on a full NBA slate with start times ranging from 1:00 PM ET to 10:00 PM ET. Can the Pistons cover the 1.5-point spread as road favorites against the Heat? Will the Hornets cover on the road against the Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix? I’ll make picks for both contests below. Read on for our Sunday NBA Best Bets March 8 article.
NBA Best Bet: Miami Heat +1.5 over Detroit Pistons
I like Miami here. The Heat are well-positioned to cover the 1.5-point spread and win outright as home underdogs against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Miami thrives when doubted, boasting a stellar 6-2 ATS record as a home underdog this season. What’s more, the Heat have played great in their own building, as they sport an 18-13 ATS mark as the home team this year.
Miami has consistently exceeded expectations, as they are 20-12 ATS as an underdog in 2025-26. Additionally, the Heat’s 22-15 ATS record in conference play proves they step up against familiar Eastern Conference rivals. Expect Miami’s home-court edge to help seal the victory in a tight matchup.
Final score projection: MIAMI HEAT 112, DETROIT PISTONS 109.
NBA Best Bet: Phoenix Suns +5 over Charlotte Hornets
I’d take the Suns in this contest. Phoenix is in an excellent spot to cover the 5-point spread as home underdogs against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night. Phoenix embraces the underdog role, boasting an 18-14 ATS record as underdogs overall and a profitable 9-5 ATS mark as a home underdog in 2025-26.
Coming off a recent victory, they’ve maintained their momentum well in spots like these with a 20-15 ATS record after a win this season. A day off also serves the Suns well, as they sit at 24-15 ATS when playing on 1 day of rest this season. Expect Phoenix to keep this game highly competitive and comfortably cover the number, with a chance to win the game outright on Sunday night.
Final score projection: PHOENIX SUNS 112, CHARLOTTE HORNETS 110.
Sunday NBA Best Bets March 8
- Miami Heat +1.5
- Phoenix Suns +5
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