There are just a couple of weeks left in the 2024-25 NBA regular season which means games for the contending teams are becoming increasingly important. This Thursday we see a huge 11-game slate, with the first of the games getting underway at 10:00am AEDT.
Also, make sure to head over to our NBA Tips regularly, as we’ll be providing free tips for all the major slates for each and every week of the 2024-25 season!
NBA Betting Tips: Thursday, March 20th 2025
Houston Rockets at Orlando Magic (10:00am AEDT)
The Rockets enter this matchup in scorching form, riding a seven-game winning streak that has propelled them back into second place in the West with a 44-25 record. With just 13 games left in the regular season, securing the second seed would be a major boost for their playoff aspirations. Even without Amen Thompson, who remains sidelined, Houston has been dominant, showcasing their defensive prowess and efficient scoring. Their last encounter with the Magic saw them put on a suffocating defensive display, limiting Orlando to just 84 points in a quarter on their way to a comfortable 13-point victory.
Orlando, meanwhile, continues to battle for a top-six finish in the East but remains six games behind Detroit, making the Play-In Tournament their most likely path to the postseason. A brutal five-game losing streak at home threatened to derail their push, but they have steadied somewhat with three wins from their last five. Still, their inconsistencies on home court remain a concern, especially against elite defensive teams like Houston.
Given their red-hot form and defensive strength, the Rockets should have the upper hand in this contest. If they execute as they did in their previous matchup, they’ll be well-positioned to extend their winning streak.
Rockets to Win
$1.71 (2 Units)
Detroit Pistons at Miami Heat (10:30am AEDT)
The Pistons continue their playoff push when they host the struggling Heat, looking to build on a dominant 46-point victory over the Pelicans. Now sitting at 38-31 and in 6th place in the East, Detroit is just one game behind the Pacers in 4th, a position that would help them avoid Boston or Cleveland in the first round. With a healthy squad apart from Jaden Ivey, the Pistons have the momentum to make a late-season surge up the standings. Their recent form has been solid, and they have already beaten Miami twice this season.
The Heat, on the other hand, appear to have lost all direction, slumping to eight consecutive defeats. While they remain in 10th place and likely to feature in the Play-In Tournament, their performances have been woeful, losing four straight games by at least 12 points. Miami’s defence has crumbled during this stretch, while their offence has lacked any real cohesion. With no clear signs of turning things around, they look to be playing out the remainder of the season without much fight.
Given Detroit’s strong form and Miami’s struggles, the Pistons should have the upper hand here. Another convincing win looks likely as they continue their charge up the standings.
Pistons -5.5
$1.94 (2.5 Units)
Cleveland Cavaliers at Sacramento Kings (1:00pm AEDT)
The Cavaliers have been one of the league’s most dominant teams this season, holding a 56-12 record, which is tied with the Thunder for the NBA’s best. Despite a rare two-game losing streak, they remain 6.5 games clear atop the East and have the benefit of a fully healthy roster. Prior to this brief slump, Cleveland had won 16 straight games, showcasing their consistency on both ends of the floor. Having already dismantled the Kings by 26 points earlier this season, they’ll be eager to respond with a strong performance and snap their losing streak.
The Kings, meanwhile, are in a tight battle to secure a playoff spot in the West. Sitting at 34-33 and in 9th place, they are three games ahead of the Suns in 11th but five games behind the Warriors in 6th, making a Play-In Tournament appearance likely. Their situation was made even more difficult after Domantas Sabonis suffered an ankle injury in their most recent game. With the big man set to miss at least 10 days, Sacramento will need to find answers in the paint.
Given Cleveland’s superior form and full-strength roster, they should have the upper hand in this contest. Expect them to return to winning ways here and to cover the relatively small spread.
Cavaliers -5.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
