Handicapper Bryan Bash finished with an even 4-4 record on Monday, March 16, 2026, splitting his eight-pick card in a day that featured narrow misses and comfortable winners. The veteran handicapper saw his selections go both ways, with some spreads decided by single possessions and others never in doubt.
Lakers at Rockets
Bash’s pick of the Houston Rockets -2.5 resulted in a loss as the Lakers secured a 100-92 road victory. Luka Doncic, now playing for Los Angeles, poured in 36 points to lead the Lakers to their sixth consecutive win in a game with significant Western Conference playoff implications. The Rockets struggled mightily from beyond the arc, shooting just 19.2% from three-point range, which proved costly in a game featuring 13 lead changes. Despite Amen Thompson’s 19-point, 12-rebound effort and a superior rebounding performance (44-32), Houston couldn’t overcome their perimeter shooting woes. The Lakers’ 81.8% free throw shooting compared to Houston’s 73.3% also contributed to the final margin.
Spurs at Clippers
The Clippers +9.5 selection delivered a win for Bash as San Antonio prevailed 119-115 in a wild contest at Inglewood. Victor Wembanyama posted 21 points and 13 rebounds as the Spurs reached 50 wins for the first time since 2016-17, but not before enduring significant swings. San Antonio overcame an early 14-point deficit, then built a commanding 24-point lead before nearly surrendering it entirely. The second quarter proved pivotal, with the Spurs outscoring the Clippers 37-15 to seize control. Despite the Clippers’ strong shooting performance (48.3% FG, 37.9% from three), they couldn’t complete the comeback, falling just short but easily covering the 9.5-point spread.
Magic at Hawks
Bash’s Atlanta Hawks -2.5 pick cashed comfortably as a winner in a 124-112 victory that extended Atlanta’s winning streak to 10 games. Nickeil Alexander-Walker exploded for a career-high 41 points, while Jalen Johnson recorded his 13th triple-double of the season with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists. The Hawks dominated the glass with a 54-40 rebounding advantage and distributed the ball exceptionally well with 33 assists. Atlanta jumped out to a 34-21 first-quarter lead and never looked back, covering the modest spread with ease as they reclaimed eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Suns at Celtics
The Boston Celtics -9.0 selection resulted in a loss despite Boston’s 120-112 victory. Jaylen Brown scored 41 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter, and Jayson Tatum added 21 in his fifth game back from an Achilles injury. However, Devin Booker’s 40-point performance for Phoenix kept the game closer than the spread required. The Celtics shot an impressive 48.8% from the field and 42.5% from three-point range, while also dominating at the free-throw line with a 92.6% conversion rate. Despite the strong performance, the eight-point margin fell one point short of covering the nine-point spread.
Grizzlies at Bulls
Chicago Bulls -6.0 proved to be a winner as the Bulls demolished Memphis 132-107. Josh Giddey recorded his fourth triple-double in five games with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists, continuing his stellar season that ranks him third in the NBA with 12 triple-doubles. The Bulls shot an efficient 51.6% from the field and pulled away decisively in the second half, outscoring Memphis 71-50 over the final two quarters. The Grizzlies, depleted and riding an eight-game losing streak, had no answer for Chicago’s balanced attack that featured 30 assists on strong ball movement.
Mavericks at Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans -8.5 delivered a win for Bash as the Pelicans cruised to a 129-111 victory over the injury-depleted Mavericks. Zion Williamson led the way with 27 points on an efficient 11-of-13 shooting in just 28 minutes, while Saddiq Bey contributed 23 points. The Pelicans dominated the boards with a 57-51 rebounding advantage and shot 50.5% from the field. New Orleans built leads of 32-26, 67-54, and 103-86 after three quarters, maintaining control throughout and covering the 8.5-point spread comfortably with an 18-point final margin.
Trail Blazers at Nets
Brooklyn Nets +10.0 resulted in a loss as Portland dominated from start to finish in a 114-95 victory. The Trail Blazers never trailed and led by as many as 31 points, overwhelming a short-handed Brooklyn squad that has now lost 14 of 16 games. Portland’s first-half onslaught was particularly devastating, as they outscored the Nets 65-41 through two quarters. The Nets shot just 38.4% from the field and 26.5% from three-point range, while Portland connected on 51.2% of their attempts and 42.3% from beyond the arc. The 19-point defeat exceeded the 10-point spread by a significant margin.
Warriors at Wizards
The final pick of Washington Wizards +7.5 ended in a loss as Golden State secured a 125-117 victory to snap a five-game losing streak and earn Steve Kerr his 600th career win. Kristaps Porzingis led the Warriors with 30 points, while De’Anthony Melton added 27 despite Golden State missing several key players including Stephen Curry. The Warriors built a commanding 34-23 first-quarter lead and maintained control throughout despite Washington’s solid shooting performance (51.3% FG, 38.2% from three). The eight-point final margin fell just inside the 7.5-point spread.
Bash’s 4-4 performance on Monday reflected the unpredictable nature of NBA betting, with several spreads decided by a single point or possession. While the handicapper found success with his underdog plays on the Clippers and saw comfortable winners with the Hawks, Bulls, and Pelicans, narrow losses on the Celtics and Wizards prevented what could have been a profitable evening.
