Best NBA Bets Today | Top Predictions From Thursday’s ‘Buckets’ Podcast (March 7)

There are seven games — and plenty of NBA betting opportunities — on Thursday night's NBA slate. Our Buckets Podcast crew has cooked up two best bets, including two sides and a total.

Check out the NBA best bets from the "Buckets" podcast below.

By Albert Nguyen

I feel like I have a pretty good read on the Mavericks right now.

They are coming off getting blown out by the Pacers, so it needs to be a concerted effort for the entire team to play some defense. I was originally looking at the under, but I can't trust that Mavs defense at all.

I think this is a kitchen-sink game for the Mavericks. They are going to go all out in this game to get a win on this homestand and should come out hot in the first half. I think Miami, without Tyler Herro, doesn't have enough firepower to keep up with them.

Pick: Mavericks 1H -2.5 vs. Heat

By Jay Money

Both teams are coming off a loss heading into this matchup in Denver.

Jaylen Brown is questionable with a sprain, so it is basically a pick'em. The Celtics are coming off a game where they blew a 20-point lead to the Cavs in a Dean Wade legacy game. The Celtics are 10-2 straight up coming off a loss in the next first half. They are also 11-1 straight up off a loss in full games.

The Nuggets ended the Celtics' home winning streak earlier in the season, but I think this is a spot where arguably the best team in the NBA has been looking forward to getting revenge. Hopefully Jaylen Brown plays in this one so they have no excuses to lose.

Pick: Celtics 1H ML -115 at Nuggets