NBA Best Bets for March 24: Can the Suns Keep Up Their Hot Streak?
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Spread Astaire
- March 24, 2025
Top NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns -3 (-110) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
We have a fun 8 game schedule in the NBA tonight including two nationally televised games between premier teams.
First, the glamorous Los Angeles Lakers will be in Orlando to take on the Magic. Then, in our evening nightcap, the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns will meet in a battle of talented teams. When these exciting games tip off, who should you back to make winning NBA picks?
Let’s analyze the latest NBA odds from top sportsbooks before placing your bets!
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Orlando Magic
Monday, March 24, 2025 – 07:00 PM EDT at Kia Center
Can Orlando Slow Down L.A.’s Firepower?
After a hot start to the season, injuries derailed the promising Orlando Magic squad from finishing in the top of the playoff standings. The Magic are not to be taken lightly, however, as they have won two of their last three games, including a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Currently, the Magic are 33-38 and are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. If the Magic can stay healthy, they have a great opportunity to make noise in the playoffs.
In the Magic’s most recent win, a 120-105 victory over the Washington Wizards, they showed the potential of their team. Paolo Banchero scored 30 points, Wendell Carter Jr. had 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Franz Wagner had 21 points. These three players are the key pieces that the Magic are building around. The Magic will need strong performances from them in order to finish the season strong and make a push in the playoffs.
Will Luka & Co. Bounce Back?
The Los Angeles Lakers returned to being a true contender for the NBA Championship with the addition of Luka Doncic, however, they are currently mired in a two-game losing streak. They lost to the Milwaukee Bucks and the Chicago Bulls to end their recent five-game homestand. Tonight’s game in Orlando starts a four game road trip for the Lakers.
When looking at this matchup the number one question that comes to my mind is whether or not Orlando will be able to stop the Los Angeles offensive attack. Orlando does have players who can score, but the strength of their team is built on their ability to get stops and play quality defense.
However, the Lakers have shown that they can score even against the best defenses in the league. Tonight will be a tough test for the Magic and their ability to get stops tonight will be a referendum for their ability to find success in the playoffs.
Takeaway
This is a great bounce back spot for the Lakers. After losing by 29 and 31 points in their last two contests, the Lakers will take out their frustrations on this middling Magic team. We will see the offensive firepower of the Lakers on full display tonight. Take the Los Angeles Lakers – 4.
NBA Pick: Los Angeles Lakers -4 (-110) at BetOnline
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Phoenix Suns
Monday, March 24, 2025 – 10:00 PM EDT at PHX Arena
Suns Heating Up at the Right Time
The Phoenix Suns were in a free fall but they seem to be turning things around at the right time. The Suns have won four of their last five games, including a 123-112 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. The Suns will look to keep that momentum going against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Suns are currently 34-37 and are in 10th place in the Western Conference but with the talent they have on their roster, they just need to make the playoffs and they will be a threat to beat anybody.
The Milwaukee Bucks are in the fourth game of their road trip and they have won two of their last three, with wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings in their last two outings. The Bucks are currently in 5th place in the Eastern Conference and will be looking to move ahead of the Indiana Pacers to have home court in the first round of the playoffs. Indiana has been playing well so the Bucks will need to win every possible game, including tonight’s exciting showdown. The Bucks will play the Nuggets on Wednesday before returning home.
Can the Bucks Contain Kevin Durant?
These two teams are averaging almost the same amount of points per game this season. The Bucks average 114.5 points per game and the Suns average 114.7. The Bucks have a better record because of their success on the defensive end. The Bucks only average 112.1 points against while the Suns average 115.8 points against. If the Bucks are going to get the road win tonight, their defense will be the key.
However, defending Kevin Durant can be a tough task for even the best defensive squads. Durant had 42 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers who have achieved first place in the East through the strength of their defense this season. Bucks coach Doc Rivers has an interesting dilemma. Does he put Giannis Antetokounmpo on Kevin Durant and try to slow him down that way; or does he put a weaker defender on Durant and allow Giannis to roam off the ball. This will be a key decision and it will be interesting to see which way coach Rivers decides to go.
Takeaway
Sometimes when we’re betting on the NBA you need to know when to ignore the full season stats and heavily weigh the recent streak. This is the case with the Phoenix Suns. Our preseason priors know that they are a strong team, and they are currently hot. Will they be able to stay hot long enough to make a playoff run/? I’m not sure. However, I know they’re hot right now and will take them to get a quality win tonight over the Milwaukee Bucks. Our second bet is the Phoenix Suns -3.
NBA Pick: Phoenix Suns -3 (-110) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
