Handicapper Bryan Bash posted a 4-3 record on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, navigating a mixed slate that featured both comfortable winners and decisive losses. The day’s action saw Bash find success with favorites and underdogs alike, though several picks fell short by wide margins.
Lakers at Rockets
Bash opened with a loss on Houston -2.5, as the Rockets fell 124-116 to the visiting Lakers. Luka Doncic erupted for 40 points and LeBron James added 30 as Los Angeles extended their winning streak to seven games. The Lakers shot an impressive 60.5% from the field and 46.9% from three-point range, overwhelming Houston’s offense despite Alperen Sengun’s 27-point, 10-assist effort. The Rockets briefly rallied with a 37-22 third quarter, but Los Angeles dominated the first half and closed strong in the fourth to secure the eight-point victory, well beyond the 2.5-point spread.
Warriors at Celtics
Bash bounced back with a win on Boston -12.0, as the Celtics cruised to a 120-99 victory over Golden State. Jaylen Brown scored 23 of his 32 points in the first half, setting the tone early as Boston built a commanding 36-23 first-quarter lead. The Celtics shot 47.8% from the field while holding the Warriors to just 40.0% shooting and a dismal 23.3% from three-point range. Golden State cut a 21-point third-quarter deficit to 11 at one point, but the Celtics’ 21-point final margin easily covered the double-digit spread.
Nuggets at Grizzlies
The Memphis +13.0 play resulted in a win for Bash, though not in the way expected. The injury-depleted Grizzlies actually won outright 125-118, snapping an eight-game losing streak. Ty Jerome led Memphis with 21 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, while the Grizzlies dominated the third quarter 39-31 to seize control. Despite Nikola Jokic’s near triple-double (29 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists), Denver couldn’t overcome Memphis’s momentum, making the 13-point cushion more than sufficient.
Raptors at Bulls
Bash suffered a decisive loss on Chicago +7.5, as Toronto demolished the Bulls 139-109. The Raptors shot a blistering 57.1% from the field and 42.4% from three-point range, putting seven players in double figures. Toronto’s dominance was evident from the opening tip, as they outscored Chicago 32-17 in the first quarter and 40-28 in the second to build an insurmountable lead. The Raptors led by as many as 38 points, turning the 7.5-point spread into a non-factor in a 30-point blowout.
Hawks at Mavericks
The Dallas +8.0 selection resulted in a loss as Atlanta rolled to a 135-120 victory, extending their winning streak to 11 games. CJ McCollum led the Hawks with 24 points and the visitors shot 53.9% from the field with 36 assists. Atlanta controlled the game throughout, building a 67-56 halftime lead and never allowing Dallas to threaten despite Daniel Gafford’s 24 points. The 15-point final margin exceeded the 8-point spread by a comfortable distance.
Jazz at Timberwolves
Bash secured a win on Minnesota -12.5, as the Timberwolves demolished Utah 147-111. Playing without injured All-Star Anthony Edwards, Minnesota got 23 points from fill-in starter Ayo Dosunmu while shooting 54.2% from the field and 46.2% from three-point range. The Timberwolves took charge in the second quarter and never looked back, with Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle each contributing 21 points. The 36-point victory easily surpassed the 12.5-point spread.
Trail Blazers at Pacers
Bash closed the night with a win on Indiana +10.5, as Portland prevailed 127-119. Deni Avdija scored 32 points and Donovan Clingan posted a career-high 28 points with 13 rebounds for the Trail Blazers. Despite the loss, Indiana covered comfortably as the eight-point margin stayed well within the 10.5-point spread. The Pacers shot 50.5% from the field and 44.4% from three-point range, keeping the game competitive throughout.
Bash’s 4-3 performance reflected a day of sharp contrasts, with four covers coming by comfortable margins while three losses featured double-digit defeats. The successful underdog plays on Memphis and Indiana, combined with dominant favorite performances from Boston and Minnesota, offset the losses on Houston, Chicago, and Dallas to produce a slightly profitable day.
