Handicapper Bryan Bash posted a solid 4-2 record on March 20, 2026, navigating a challenging slate that included two spread losses and four covers. The day featured a mix of favorites and underdogs, with Bash finding success on both sides of the ledger while falling short on a pair of home favorites.
Raptors @ Nuggets
Bash opened the day with a loss on Denver -7.0, as the Nuggets defeated Toronto 121-115 but failed to cover the spread. Jamal Murray led Denver with 31 points while Nikola Jokic added 22 and hit the go-ahead jumper with 45 seconds remaining. The game’s flow worked against the spread, with Toronto dominating the third quarter 41-28 to erase what had been a comfortable Denver lead. The Raptors shot 51.2% from the field and controlled the glass with 40 rebounds, keeping the margin close enough to secure the cover despite Denver’s superior three-point shooting at 46.7% compared to Toronto’s 32.3%. Jakob Poeltl’s 23 points and 11 rebounds helped the Raptors stay within striking distance throughout.
Hawks @ Rockets
Bash bounced back with a win on Houston -3.5, as the Rockets dominated Atlanta 117-95 to snap the Hawks’ 11-game winning streak. Kevin Durant scored 25 points while Jabari Smith Jr. added 23 in a comprehensive victory that was never in doubt. The Rockets built their cushion with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Atlanta 39-22 to turn a close game into a rout. Houston’s balanced attack featured Alperen Sengun nearly recording a triple-double with 15 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. Atlanta’s shooting woes proved decisive, as the Hawks managed just 42.4% from the field and a dismal 25.7% from three-point range on 9-for-35 shooting. The Rockets also dominated the boards with a 51-37 rebounding advantage.
Warriors @ Pistons
Detroit covered the -6.0 spread comfortably with a 115-101 victory over Golden State, giving Bash another win. Jalen Duren led the Pistons with 23 points in a game played without stars Steph Curry and Cade Cunningham. The Pistons seized control with a 36-24 second quarter that gave them a cushion they never relinquished. Detroit shot an efficient 52.3% from the field, though they struggled from three-point range at just 23.8%. Daniss Jenkins contributed 22 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists as the Pistons distributed the ball effectively with 29 assists. Golden State’s injury situation worsened when Kristaps Porzingis went down in the first half, further hampering their chances.
Trail Blazers @ Timberwolves
Bash suffered his second loss on Minnesota -3.0, as Portland escaped Minneapolis with a 108-104 victory. Jerami Grant hit a clutch three-pointer with 22.2 seconds remaining and finished with 26 points to secure Portland’s third straight win. Minnesota’s offensive struggles proved costly, as the Timberwolves shot just 39.6% from the field and 32.1% from three-point range. Donovan Clingan dominated inside with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, while Portland controlled the boards 51-43. The Trail Blazers built their advantage with strong first-half play, outscoring Minnesota 68-59 through two quarters, then held on despite a late Minnesota push.
Celtics @ Grizzlies
Bash cashed on Memphis +15.0 as the Grizzlies fell 117-112, securing a win on the generous spread. Jaylen Brown’s 30 points led Boston’s fourth-quarter rally, as the Celtics outscored Memphis 33-24 in the final period to pull away. Tyler Burton, playing on a 10-day contract, led the Grizzlies with 23 points in a competitive effort. Boston’s 57-35 rebounding advantage proved significant, though Memphis stayed within range thanks to 82.4% free throw shooting and a strong third quarter where they led 34-29.
Knicks @ Nets
Bash closed the day with a win on Brooklyn +18.0, as the Nets fell just short 93-92 in a defensive battle. Karl-Anthony Towns posted 26 points and 15 rebounds for New York, which extended its winning streak over Brooklyn to 14 games. Ben Saraf had a chance to win it for the Nets at the buzzer but missed a 45-footer. The Knicks blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead, allowing Brooklyn to cover easily despite the loss. Both teams struggled offensively, with Brooklyn shooting 39.5% and New York at 40.8%, making the large spread more than enough cushion.
Bash’s 4-2 performance demonstrated solid handicapping across different bet types, with particular success on underdog spreads where both Memphis and Brooklyn covered comfortably. The two losses came on home favorites that won but failed to cover, a common pitfall in NBA betting. Overall, it was a profitable day that showcased the importance of line value, particularly on the underdog plays.
