Our free NBA picks are out for Tuesday, March 8th, 2022! Make sure you check our NBA picks before the action kicks off.
Look below to find our free NBA picks for the best five games on today’s schedule!
Brooklyn Nets @ Charlotte Hornets – 7pm ET
The Brooklyn Nets are in the middle of their three game road trip when they face off against the Charlotte Hornets, who themselves are in the middle of their three game homestand. The Nets have fallen below the .500 mark for the first time this season, after they lost to the Celtics last time out. The Hornets have back-to-back wins, which brings them to the same record the Nets are currently at, 32-33.
Jeffery Thomas
Concern has to be building in Brooklyn over the Nets who are now sitting at 32-33 and in 9th place in the Eastern Conference. Kyrie Irving being in and out of the lineup is appearing to cause chemistry problems on the court, as they just aren’t looking like a cohesive unit. He will be available for this game, and it’s always good to have his talent out there but only having him for the road games will be a huge hindrance on their title aspirations. For Charlotte, they are slightly improving after hitting a wall mid-season, winning two straight over the Spurs and Cavaliers. It’s the Hornets first time winning consecutive games since late January and they now sit within an identical record to the Brooklyn Nets.
Both teams are looking at play-in tournament bids if they don’t go on a big run to end the season. The Hornets are one of the most exciting, young teams we have in the league and playing them at home is always dangerous because they love to feed off their electric crowd. But the experience and veteran presence sides with the Nets, who know they are in desperation mode and are led by two former NBA champions in KD and Kyrie Irving. I think they’ll be able to put aside whatever chemistry issues they are working through to get this win and avoid falling behind Charlotte in the Eastern Conference.
Jeffery’s NBA Pick: Brooklyn Nets (-142)
Michael Lantz
While the Brooklyn Nets fell below .500 after a 120-126 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday, they can take solace in knowing the NBA’s hottest team needed 54 points from Jayson Tatum to take them down. The Nets looked strong on offense as they went up against a Boston defense that’s become one of the league’s best. Unfortunately their defense continued to be ineffective—this would have been an ideal game for a Ben Simmons type player. The Nets will have to continue to push ahead and keep focused on making the playoffs. On Tuesday they play a team that’s battling with them for the eight seed in the Charlotte Hornets.
Great Energy ⚡️⚡️⚡️#AllFly pic.twitter.com/TSA0eHHiHS
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) March 7, 2022
The Charlotte Hornets have an electric offense, with plenty of young talent including LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. They’ve overpowered their last opponents (the Spurs and Cavaliers) and will look to do the same against a subpar Brooklyn defense. Unfortunately, the Hornets defense is pretty bad as well and with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving coming to town in a pretty important game, I think the Nets will pull out a much-needed win.
Michael’s NBA Pick: Brooklyn Nets -2.5 (-112)
Noah Dunlap
Originally I told Brooklyn fans to wait on hitting the panic button after struggling with Kevin Durant sidelined, as I think many were under the impression that KD being out was a huge cause for the struggles. However, with Durant back in the lineup, and with Kyrie Irving in for at least road games, the struggles have continued, so the time is now. Hit the panic button!!
They’ve dropped below .500, and now there are serious questions about whether they’re even going to find themselves in the playoffs by the end of the year. The good news is that they get a similar Charlotte Hornets team in this one, as the Hornets have been hit or miss all year long. They played decently at the beginning, but then seemed to run out of steam towards the middle part of the season. However, they’re now playing slightly better ball once again, though the defense is still shaky. In the end, I’m going to take the combination of KD and Kyrie over LaMelo Ball and company, so give me Brooklyn in a tight one on the road.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Brooklyn Nets -2.5 (-112)
Phoenix Suns @ Orlando Magic – 7pm ET
The Phoenix Suns are on the road on Tuesday night when they head on over to Amway Center to take on the Orlando Magic. The Suns have lost three of their last five games, and this takes their season record to 51-13. The Magic have managed to win three of their last five, but last time out they went down to the Grizzlies, 96-124.
Jeffery Thomas
The Phoenix Suns had a letdown performance on Sunday afternoon against the Bucks on the road, losing 122-132. They were coming off a thrilling victory over the New York Knicks, where Cam Johnson hit a game-winning three as time expired. The Suns were then without Johnson for the game against Milwaukee on Sunday, due to injury but were still able to put up 122 points. They couldn’t get nearly enough stops defensively though and even with Giannis fouling out, they couldn’t pull out the win in the NBA Finals rematch. Stops shouldn’t be too hard to come by in this game against the Orlando Magic, who rank 28th in the league in team points per game. Their last game out, they failed to crack 100 points, losing 96-124 to the Memphis Grizzlies on the second night of a back-to-back.
They only managed one offensive rebound during the game and the pace of the Grizzlies was just too much to keep up with. This year is a total wash for the Magic, who have the worst record in the league. There will be no Devin Booker again for the Suns, as he is still in health and safety protocols, and they are 2-1 in the three games he’s missed. This will be by far the worst opponent they’ve faced without Booker though, and even on the road, there’s no reason to think they won’t get this win comfortably. Their depth is the reason they’ve been one of the best teams all year and guys are stepping up with their stars being out, and that will continue against the hapless Magic.
Jeffery’s NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns -7.5 (-110)
Michael Lantz
With no Devin Booker and Chris Paul, the Phoenix Suns fell to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, losing 122-132. Despite the loss, the Suns have to be pretty happy that they only lost by ten without their two best players. Unfortunately they’ll still be without their two All-Stars on Tuesday, and they’ll be missing Cameron Johnson as well. They’ll depend on the likes of Deandre Ayton and Cam Payne as they face off against a young Orlando Magic team.
📊 @campayne: 23 PTS, 8 AST@CJC9BOSS: 19 PTS, 7 AST (season-highs) pic.twitter.com/0tQgqe7XDc
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 6, 2022
The Orlando Magic might be dead last in the Eastern Conference, but they have some exciting young talent. Players like Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and Frank Wagner are all showing massive potential. Suggs is questionable for this matchup but this team still has a lot of blossoming players looking for the opportunity to step up. The Suns might still win this one, but with the spread at 7.5, I’ll pick the Magic to cover at home.
Michael’s NBA Pick: Orlando Magic +7.5 (-110)
Noah Dunlap
Despite a few struggles as of late, the Phoenix Suns are going to absolutely roll in this one. They’re 2-3 in their last five, but one of those was a tough loss Sunday to Milwaukee, in a game that they didn’t have Chris Paul, Cameron Johnson, or Devin Booker in the lineup. Even without that backcourt, they scored 122, but couldn’t get enough stops when it came to guarding Giannis and Khris Middleton. They won’t have that same problem against this Orlando Magic team, as there’s no one even close to the talent of Giannis or Mid on this roster.
This Orlando team is currently the worst team in basketball, and Saturday night, against a really good Memphis Grizzlies team, but one that lacks elite size, they only managed one offensive rebound, and no fast break points. If they can’t get anything going on the boards and consequently, the fast break, against Memphis, then I see no way that changes against the best team in the NBA. Even with this one taking place from sunny Orlando, Florida, the Magic are simply way too overmatched. Take Phoenix in a major way, even with a depleted backcourt.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns -7.5 (-110)
New Orleans Pelicans @ Memphis Grizzlies – 7.30pm ET
A Southwest Division clash between the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies for your Tuesday night viewing in the NBA. The Pelicans recent hot run of four wins in a row came to an end last time out, as they went down in overtime to the Nuggets, 130-138. The Grizzlies will be looking to bounce back after just getting beaten by one of the worst teams in the league, the Rockets, 112-123.
Jeffery Thomas
The Grizzlies only lost two games in the entire month of February and 3 games into March, they’ve already met that loss mark. It was a loss in Boston two games ago, and then an inexcusable loss in Houston on Sunday that has Memphis searching for answers on how to get their magic back. Houston outplayed the Grizz in almost every aspect, out-rebounding them 40-45 and outscoring them 13-22 in second chance points. It also didn’t help that Memphis only shot 5-26 from three-point range. It was just an off night overall and now they will look to bounce back at home against a New Orleans Pelicans team that suffered a 130-138 overtime loss to Denver on Sunday.
That loss snapped a 4-game winning streak they were riding, winning each game by an average of 26.8 points. I think we just got Houston catching the Grizzlies in a fatigue spot in that last loss. It was their third game in four nights and their defensive efforts just weren’t there and they had no lift on their shots, resulting in all those missed 3s. They get the day off Monday, at home to relax and get prepared for a Western Conference battle against a hungry Pelicans team. The Pelicans are hungry, but the Grizzlies are the better team and will have the home energy on their side. I expect us to see the Grizzlies of old in this one as they get the home win and right the ship.
Jeffery’s NBA Pick: Memphis Grizzlies (-245)
Michael Lantz
Finally, two teams that deserve a little more prime time attention: the surging New Orleans Pelicans take on one of the NBA’s best squads, the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies had a rough time last week, losing to the Celtics by double digits, and then two games later, they lost to the bottom dwellers of the West, the Houston Rockets. Ja Morant and Co. have a great opportunity to catch an injured Golden State Warriors team for the two-seed, but they can’t afford to be losing games, with Draymond Green returning for the Dubs soon. They’ll be tested on Tuesday, as they face a new-look New Orleans Pelicans squad.
Adams was last night’s @MichelobULTRA #GrizzPlayerOfTheGame pic.twitter.com/NrmuPl4fwK
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) March 7, 2022
After the All-Star break, the New Orleans Pelicans got off to a hot start, they won four straight games, all by double digits. Their win streak came to an end on Sunday where they fell to the Denver Nuggets in overtime, 130-138. It was in no way a bad loss: losing on the road in overtime to a playoff team isn’t a gut-wrenching loss. Still, this team is trying to work it’s way up the standings to get the best playoff seed possible. CJ McCollum has been an incredible addition to this squad and with Zion Williamson’s return allegedly right around the corner, the Pelicans feel like a sleeping giant. I think the Grizzlies win this one at home, but I like the Pelicans to keep it close, and cover the 5.5 spread.
Michael’s NBA Pick: New Orleans Pelicans +5.5 (-108)
Noah Dunlap
All the Memphis Grizzlies can do about Sunday’s loss to the Houston Rockets is simply throw it away and move on. Anyone paying attention knows that it was a fluke situation in which Memphis looked as if they just didn’t bother making the trip, as they were outplayed in nearly every facet of the game. However, we’re still talking about one of the best teams in the NBA, and one that is only percentage points behind Golden State for the two-seed in a loaded Western Conference. They also have a MVP candidate in Ja Morant, who has shown the ability to take games over if he needs to, which is always a nice piece to have on your roster.
Now they get a New Orleans Pelicans team that has improved greatly since the beginning of the year, and they’re now trying to hang on to a spot in the play-in tournament. They had won four straight before losing a tight one in OT to Denver Sunday night, in a game that saw Nikola Jokic go bonkers in the fourth quarter and OT. They’re playing much better after acquiring CJ McCollum, which is a good sign for them moving forward, but I’m still going to lean Memphis by a nose in this one. Memphis hasn’t had many stretches this season where they let struggles last for more than a game or two, and I don’t think that starts now. With them having the inexplicable loss to Houston in their last game, I think they come out motivated at home and look to make a statement.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -5.5 (-112)
Milwaukee Bucks @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 8pm ET
The Milwaukee Bucks are on the road for just one game when they travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder. The Bucks are currently riding a four game winning streak, and this takes their overall season record to 40-25. The Thunder have lost five of their last seven games, including their last two in a row against the Timberwolves and Jazz.
Jeffery Thomas
It’s been a perfect start to the month of March for the Milwaukee Bucks, going 3-0 with wins over the Heat, Bulls, and Suns. Each of those teams are in the top 4 of their conference standings, so a game against this Thunder team, who is 14th in the West, will be a relief for the defending champs. Their Sunday afternoon win over Phoenix was a slow start, with them falling behind double-digits in the first half, but by the halftime buzzer they had cut the deficit down to 3. Milwaukee led by 1 going into the 4th and then it was a clinic by Jrue Holiday, who scored 16 of his 17 in the 4th, and Khris Middleton, who had a season-high 44 points.
Giannis had 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists despite fouling out and having to sit most of the 4th quarter. Oklahoma City was in action later that night, hosting the Utah Jazz in a game they lost 103-116. That was game two of their three-game homestand so a loss here would leave them empty handed before they head off for 4 of the next 6 on the road. The Bucks beat the Thunder way back on November 19, 96-89 in a game where they never trailed and had a lead as big as 20 points. OKC rallied late but Milwaukee was able to withstand it, and hold on for the victory. In this game, with the postseason and around the corner, I don’t see Milwaukee losing focus and blowing another lead to this lousy Thunder team that is much more short-handed than the last meeting. Give me the Bucks big.
Jeffery’s NBA Pick: Milwaukee Bucks -14.5 (-110)
Michael Lantz
The Milwaukee Bucks were happy to grab a win against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, after the Suns torched them earlier in 2022. Still, it was a little concerning that they needed a big fourth quarter to get past a Suns team that didn’t have its two best players. There’s been some concern over the Bucks play lately, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re just taking it easy in anticipation of another Finals run. No Brook Lopez has been tough and the team has had some inconsistent health issues, but if they can go into the playoffs with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday all injury-free, they know what it takes to make a championship run.
𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌 🤝 pic.twitter.com/8SyZBnWYZv
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) March 7, 2022
Still, they won’t want anymore negative attention, so it would be best for them not to lose to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder do have some promising talent courtesy of Josh Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Lu Dort. Even though they’re 20-44, the Thunder do have the capability of pulling off a big upset. Just last week they beat the Denver Nuggets—without Dort and Giddey. Those two will continue to be out for this matchup, and while you can never count the Thunder out, I think the Bucks should run away with this one.
Michael’s NBA Pick: Milwaukee Bucks -14.5 (-110)
Noah Dunlap
The Milwaukee Bucks have finally found their rhythm, at least it’s starting to look like it. Giannis is continuing to play incredible ball, but the biggest key is that Khris Middleton looks as if he’s starting to pick up his play, which could go a long way in terms of them trying to make another deep run, potentially to a title, this season. They’ve won four straight, and that streak certainly won’t be ending in this one, as they take on an Oklahoma City Thunder team that has been near the bottom of the league all year.
The Thunder are only 20-44, but they do have developing talent that looks to slowly be improving as the year progresses. That’s not to say that they’re going to pull off this upset (they aren’t), but they do have the kind of young, athletic talent that can at least keep it somewhat close for much of the game. The problem for them in this one is that I don’t think they have anyone who’s going to be able to slow down Giannis, which is why I’m taking the Bucks to cover the number, even with it being a reasonably high number.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Milwaukee Bucks -14.5 (-110)
Los Angeles Clippers @ Golden State Warriors – 10pm ET
The final game on Tuesday night’s slate will see the Los Angeles Clippers hit the road and take on the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers had their five game winning streak snapped last time out, thanks to the Knicks 93-116. The Warriors will be playing on back-to-back nights, and last time out they lost, 124-131, to the Nuggets.
Jeffery Thomas
The Los Angeles Clippers got a late night prime-time slot against the Knicks at home on Sunday night and never showed up. The Clippers lost the game 93-116 and helped the Knicks snap a seven-game losing streak while ending the five-game winning streak they were on. It was a 18-34 2nd quarter advantage for New York that really opened the game up, led by RJ Barrett who scored 16 himself in the quarter. They lacked effort all night, and it showed with the rebounding edge the Knicks had (43-57). They now get the day off on Monday to get ready for a battle against an angry Warriors team that sent a message to all their starters, benching (or resting as they want to put it) all of them after their pathetic performance against the Lakers on Saturday.
A home game is the perfect spot for the Dubs to unleash their starters back out there and I expect them to come out firing on a lot of emotion. It’s been a really rough stretch for them and they need a confidence building win sooner rather than later, and I’m sure they will see this spot as the perfect chance. Klay Thompson is still working through his rust, but once he can get back to his old self, everything will really fall back into place. He’s too good to continue to struggle like he has and I expect to see him start to turn a corner in this one, and the Warriors team as a whole. Everything sets up for a bounce-back performance for Golden State on Tuesday at home.
Jeffery’s NBA Pick: Golden State Warriors (-295)
Michael Lantz
The Golden State Warriors dropped another game last night, losing their fifth straight game. That being said, they didn’t have Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins and they still hung with a Denver Nuggets squad that was at full strength. The Warriors likely rested those All-Stars in anticipation of having to play the Los Angeles Clippers 24 hours later. The Warriors aren’t stressed yet: they’ll have Draymond Green returning soon and they know what it takes to make a successful championship run. They know the postseason is when it counts the most. Still, after resting so many players last night, they won’t want to waste tonight’s chance to end their losing streak.
Back at it. pic.twitter.com/McSXC2iunu
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 8, 2022
The Los Angeles Clippers have been one of, if not the most, resilient team(s) in basketball this season. They haven’t had Kawhi Leonard at all, barely have had Paul George, and right after they acquired Norman Powell, they lost him to injury. Still, they recently were winners of five straight games—almost solidifying their eight-seed in the playoffs. Unfortunately, they had a puzzling loss to the lowly New York Knicks on Sunday. They’ll look to bounce back against a struggling Golden State Warriors team on Tuesday, as they look to better their playoff position even more. This one should end up being a lot of fun, but, imagining the Warriors have their stars back at full health, I think the Warriors turn it around and pick up the W.
Michael’s NBA Pick: Golden State Warriors (-295)
Noah Dunlap
When are the Golden State Warriors going to figure things out? They’ve spent much of the year as the second best team in the West, as well as the league, but they’ve fallen on hard times, and currently look to be in free fall. They’ve lost four in a row, and Steph, Klay, and Andrew Wiggins are all struggling mightily. They’re in desperate need of Draymond Green to return, as he appears to be one of the main keys that was holding this team together. To make matters worse, this is going to be the second night of a back-to-back for them, as they lost to Denver last night.
The Los Angeles Clippers, on the other hand, have been one of the toughest teams in basketball, even with the injuries they’ve faced. They’re without Paul George or Kawhi Leonard, yet they’ve still managed to hang onto a playoff spot, at least for now. Luke Kennard and Reggie Jackson have been carrying the load for much of the year, and what they’ve managed to do without their two superstars has been incredible. With that in mind, I’m going to take them in this one, as I just don’t know why you would take Golden State in virtually any game right now, with how much they’ve been struggling as of late. Give me the Clips in a tight one on the road in the Bay Area.
Noah’s NBA Pick: Los Angeles Clippers +7 (-110)
If you are looking for more news, information and predictions, head over to our NBA hub page for all your basketball needs!
*Odds and spreads correct at time of publication, courtesy of FanDuel.
