Handicapper Bryan Bash posted a 3-2 record on March 22, 2026, navigating a mixed slate that included a pair of upset losses alongside three successful selections. The day featured both a blown favorite and a failed spread cover, but Bash ultimately finished in the black thanks to three winning plays.
Timberwolves @ Celtics
Bash’s selection of the Boston Celtics -9.5 resulted in a loss as Minnesota pulled off a stunning 102-92 upset victory in Boston, snapping an 18-game losing streak at TD Garden dating back to 2005. The Celtics never came close to covering, losing outright behind a dismal offensive performance. Boston shot just 35.8% from the field and a frigid 27.3% from three-point range, while the Timberwolves controlled the game with superior ball movement, recording 24 assists compared to Boston’s 17. Bones Hyland led Minnesota with 23 points, while Jaden McDaniels added 19 in the upset. Despite Jaylen Brown’s 29 points for Boston, the Celtics couldn’t overcome their shooting woes. The Timberwolves seized control in the second quarter, outscoring Boston 33-21 to build momentum, then closed strong with a 26-15 fourth-quarter advantage to seal the outright win.
Raptors @ Suns
The Phoenix Suns +2.5 selection proved to be a comfortable winner as Phoenix dominated Toronto 120-98, snapping a five-game losing streak. The Suns never trailed and built an 18-point halftime lead, rendering the spread irrelevant early. Phoenix shot an impressive 51.7% from the field and 45.0% from beyond the arc, while also converting all their free throw attempts at a perfect 100% clip. Devin Booker led the way with 25 points and six assists, while Jalen Green contributed 20 points. The Suns’ offensive efficiency was on full display as they extended their advantage to 92-62 late in the third quarter, cruising to their 40th win of the season.
Trail Blazers @ Nuggets
Denver -8.5 cashed comfortably as a winner with the Nuggets defeating Portland 128-112. Nikola Jokic recorded his 35th triple-double of the season with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists, while Jamal Murray also scored 22 points. The Nuggets’ offensive execution was exceptional, shooting 54.4% from the field while dishing out 37 assists as a team. Denver maintained control throughout, never trailing in the final three quarters and stopping Portland’s three-game road winning streak. The Nuggets’ 16-point victory margin exceeded the 8.5-point spread with room to spare, making this a stress-free cover for Bash.
Nets @ Kings
Sacramento -5.0 resulted in a loss despite the Kings winning 126-122. Malik Monk scored 32 points including 10 in the final five minutes, and Sacramento shot lights-out at 51.9% from three-point range, but the Kings only won by four points, falling short of the five-point spread. The game came down to the wire, with Devin Carter’s two free throws with 6.6 seconds remaining providing the final margin. Brooklyn kept it close throughout, and the fourth quarter turned into a shootout with the Nets scoring 40 points. The narrow margin denied Bash the cover despite Sacramento’s offensive efficiency.
Wizards @ Knicks
The New York Knicks -20.0 delivered a dominant winner as the Knicks crushed Washington 145-113, covering the large spread by 12 points. Karl-Anthony Towns posted 26 points and 16 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson added 23 points in New York’s sixth consecutive victory. The Knicks shot an exceptional 58.5% from the field and 53.1% from three-point range, building a commanding 77-point halftime lead. Mitchell Robinson made all five shots off the bench, exemplifying New York’s offensive efficiency. The 32-point victory margin made the 20-point spread look modest as the Knicks handed Washington its 16th straight loss.
Bash finished the day 3-2, with the three winning selections overcoming two spread-related setbacks. While the Celtics’ upset loss and the Kings’ narrow victory cost him two units, the comfortable covers from Phoenix, Denver, and New York secured a profitable day overall.
