Handicapper Bryan Bash posted a 3-4 record on March 14, 2026, navigating a challenging slate that included several large spreads and a thrilling overtime finish. The day featured three winning selections but four losses, including a pair of double-digit favorites that failed to cover.
Nuggets @ Lakers
Bash opened the day with a winner, backing the Lakers at +2.5 against Denver in a game that required overtime to settle. Los Angeles emerged with a 127-125 victory, covering comfortably despite a strong third-quarter surge from the Nuggets that saw Denver outscore the Lakers 37-26. Luka Doncic delivered a masterful triple-double performance with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists, while Nikola Jokic countered with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 14 assists in the losing effort. The Lakers’ superior field goal percentage (51.6% to 46.3%) proved decisive, though their struggles from the free-throw line (65.4%) kept Denver within striking distance throughout. Won
Magic @ Heat
Miami failed to cover as 3.5-point favorites, falling 121-117 to Orlando in a game that saw the Magic become just the second team in 30 years to beat the same opponent five times in one season. Orlando’s dominant first quarter—outscoring Miami 41-27—built a cushion that reached 22 points before the Heat mounted a furious fourth-quarter rally, outscoring the Magic 34-23 down the stretch. Miami twice pulled within two points in the final 18.5 seconds but couldn’t complete the comeback. Paolo Banchero’s 27 points and Desmond Bane’s 21 led Orlando’s seventh consecutive victory, while the Magic’s significant rebounding advantage (49-32) proved crucial. Lost
Hornets @ Spurs
San Antonio covered the 5.5-point spread with relative ease, defeating Charlotte 115-102 behind Victor Wembanyama’s return from a one-game absence. Wembanyama dominated with 32 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, and three blocks as the Spurs won their 17th game in 19 outings. San Antonio’s rebounding edge (54-39) and superior shooting efficiency (46.7% to 37.6% from the field) controlled the contest throughout. The Spurs built early leads of 31-24 and 59-46 through two quarters, and Charlotte’s third-quarter push (37-32) wasn’t enough to threaten the cover. Won
Bucks @ Hawks
Atlanta cruised past the 8.5-point spread, demolishing Milwaukee 122-99 to extend their winning streak to nine games—the longest current streak in the NBA. CJ McCollum poured in 30 points and made seven three-pointers, moving past Paul Pierce into 16th place on the all-time career list with 2,147. Jalen Johnson recorded his 12th triple-double of the season with 23 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. The Hawks’ balanced attack and superior rebounding (47-37) allowed them to build a 60-52 halftime lead and pull away steadily in the second half. Won
Kings @ Clippers
Los Angeles failed to cover the hefty 13.5-point spread, falling outright 118-109 to Sacramento in a game that saw Kawhi Leonard leave with a sprained left ankle after scoring 31 points. Russell Westbrook notched his 209th career triple-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, while DeMar DeRozan added 27 points for the Kings. Sacramento’s scorching 58.5% shooting from the field and 44.4% from three-point range overwhelmed the Clippers, who also surrendered a significant rebounding disadvantage (48-35). The Kings’ 68-54 halftime lead effectively ended any cover hopes. Lost
Nets @ 76ers
Philadelphia won 104-97 but failed to cover the 8.5-point spread despite playing shorthanded without Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Kelly Oubre Jr. Quentin Grimes scored a season-high 28 points for the 76ers, who built a commanding 28-point lead before Brooklyn’s fourth-quarter surge (41-27) brought the final margin within single digits. The Nets’ late rally, combined with Philadelphia’s abysmal 12.0% three-point shooting, prevented the cover despite the 76ers’ strong rebounding effort (47-42). Lost
Wizards @ Celtics
Boston won 111-100 but fell short of the massive 20-point spread, marking Bash’s fourth loss of the day. The Celtics led by 30 points in the third quarter before Washington mounted a late charge that made the final margin respectable. Neemias Queta led Boston with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum added 20 points and 14 rebounds in 32 minutes. The Wizards’ 31-29 third quarter and 28-18 fourth quarter advantage cut into what had been a dominant 64-41 Boston halftime lead, costing the cover. Lost
Bash’s 3-4 showing on March 14 illustrated the challenges of large spreads, with three of his four losses coming on favorites laying 8.5 points or more. While his three winners included solid performances on both favorites and underdogs, the day ultimately reflected the difficulty of predicting blowout margins in competitive NBA action.
