Handicapper Bryan Bash posted a 3-5 record on March 13, 2026, finishing below .500 on an eight-game slate. The day featured a mix of spread and underdog plays across both conferences, with Bash finding success on two home favorites and one underdog cover while struggling with several double-digit spreads.
Timberwolves @ Warriors
Bash’s card opened with a loss on Golden State +5.5, as the Warriors fell 127-117 to Minnesota. Anthony Edwards dominated with 42 points and 8 rebounds, leading the Timberwolves to a convincing victory. The game turned in the second quarter when Minnesota outscored Golden State 38-20, building a cushion that proved insurmountable despite Brandin Podziemski’s 25-point, 10-rebound effort for the Warriors. Minnesota’s shooting efficiency (56.1% from the field, 40.0% from three) overwhelmed Golden State’s 40.2% field goal percentage, and the Timberwolves’ seven-rebound advantage helped control the tempo throughout.
Suns @ Raptors
Bash bounced back with a win on Toronto -4.5, as the Raptors rallied for a 122-115 victory over Phoenix. Brandon Ingram led Toronto with 36 points while RJ Barrett added 22 in a game that saw the Raptors erase a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit. Toronto’s fourth-quarter explosion (36-23) proved decisive, with the Raptors shooting an impressive 51.9% from three-point range for the game. Jalen Green matched his career high with eight three-pointers and scored 34 for Phoenix, while Devin Booker contributed 31, but the Suns couldn’t hold their lead as Toronto’s 25 assists facilitated efficient offense down the stretch.
Cavaliers @ Mavericks
The Dallas +13.0 play resulted in a loss as Cleveland dominated 138-105, winning by 33 points. Evan Mobley matched his season high with 29 points on 12-of-15 shooting, including 16 first-quarter points that set the tone early. The Cavaliers’ 38-21 opening quarter established control immediately, and Cleveland’s 61.5% field goal percentage and 47.4% three-point shooting proved overwhelming. James Harden added 17 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists as the Cavaliers never allowed Dallas within striking distance, despite Cooper Flagg’s 25 points for the Mavericks.
Grizzlies @ Pistons
Bash secured another win with Detroit -15.5, as the Pistons defeated Memphis 126-110, covering by half a point. Jalen Duren’s 30-point, 13-rebound performance and Cade Cunningham’s 17-point, 15-assist night led Detroit to their third consecutive victory by an average of 25.3 points. The Pistons’ dominance showed in the rebounding battle (52-33) and assist differential (36-20), with seven Detroit players reaching double figures. Memphis extended their losing streak to seven games as Javon Small’s 23 points couldn’t overcome the Pistons’ balanced attack.
Bulls @ Clippers
The Clippers -12.5 pick ended in a loss despite Los Angeles winning 119-108. Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points and Bennedict Mathurin added 26 as the Clippers extended their winning streak to four games, but the 11-point margin fell short of the 12.5-point spread. Los Angeles improved to 34-32, moving two games over .500 for the first time this season, but couldn’t pull away sufficiently. Josh Giddey’s triple-double (20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) helped Chicago stay within range throughout, and the Bulls’ 92.3% free throw shooting kept them competitive.
Pelicans @ Rockets
Houston -6.5 resulted in a loss in a nail-biter that saw the Rockets edge New Orleans 107-105 but fail to cover. Kevin Durant hit the go-ahead 18-footer with 7.6 seconds remaining, finishing with 32 points after scoring just 11 two nights earlier. The Pelicans’ strong fourth quarter (33-27) nearly stole the game outright, with Dejounte Murray’s 35 points leading New Orleans. Despite the Rockets’ rebounding advantage (52-48) and Amen Thompson’s 23 points, the two-point victory margin left Bash on the wrong side of the spread.
Knicks @ Pacers
Bash salvaged a win with Indiana +14.0, as the Pacers lost 101-92 but easily covered the large spread. Jalen Brunson’s 29 points and OG Anunoby’s 25 points led New York to victory, while Mitchell Robinson grabbed a career-high 22 rebounds. The nine-point final margin was well within the 14-point cushion, as Indiana’s Jarace Walker contributed 18 points and 9 rebounds. The Knicks’ rebounding edge (53-46) helped secure the win, but Indiana’s competitive effort throughout kept the game closer than the spread suggested.
Jazz @ Trail Blazers
The day concluded with a loss on Portland -15.0, as the Trail Blazers defeated Utah 124-114 but fell short of the spread by one point. After Utah jumped out to a 33-15 lead in the first quarter, Portland responded with a dominant 27-5 run and a 38-20 second quarter to seize control. Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson each scored 25 points while Donovan Clingan added 21 points and 15 rebounds, but Brice Sensabaugh’s 31 points for Utah kept the Jazz competitive enough to prevent the cover.
Bash’s 3-5 performance on March 13 highlighted the challenges of navigating double-digit spreads, as four of his five losses came on spreads of 12.5 points or higher. While his winning picks on Toronto, Detroit, and Indiana demonstrated solid handicapping, the day ultimately tilted negative as several favorites won but failed to cover the number.
