Handicapper Bryan Bash posted a solid 5-2-1 record on March 29, 2026, navigating an eight-game card with five winning selections, two losses, and one push. The day featured a mix of spread and underdog plays across both conferences, with Bash finding success on several large spreads while stumbling on a pair of home favorites.
Celtics at Hornets
Bash’s card opened with a loss on the Charlotte Hornets -1.0 as Boston cruised to a 114-99 victory. Result: Lost. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 32 points while Payton Pritchard added 28, helping Boston secure their third consecutive win despite playing without Jaylen Brown. The Hornets, who entered the game leading the NBA in made 3-pointers, shot a dismal 27.9% from beyond the arc compared to Boston’s 41.2%. Charlotte’s cold shooting doomed this pick from the start, as the Celtics built a 63-49 halftime lead and never looked back. LaMelo Ball’s 19 points weren’t nearly enough to keep the Hornets competitive.
Knicks at Thunder
Bash bounced back with Oklahoma City Thunder -8.5, which cashed comfortably in a 111-100 Thunder victory. Result: Won. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled through three quarters, shooting just 5-of-15, but came alive in the fourth with 10 points on perfect 3-for-3 shooting. His 30 points overall extended his NBA record streak of consecutive games with at least 20 points to 135. Jalen Williams added 22 points on efficient 7-of-11 shooting. The Thunder’s 81.6% free throw shooting and 11-point margin of victory gave Bash a comfortable winner despite Jalen Brunson’s 32 points for New York.
Warriors at Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets -12.0 proved to be another winner, covering easily in a 116-93 blowout of the short-handed Warriors. Result: Won. Nikola Jokic posted 25 points and 15 rebounds, falling just two assists shy of his fifth consecutive triple-double, while Jamal Murray contributed 20 points. Denver’s dominance was most evident in the second half, where they outscored Golden State 70-40. The Nuggets shot 50% from the field and an impressive 47.5% from three-point range, extending their winning streak to six games. The 23-point final margin gave Bash an easy cover on the large spread.
Magic at Raptors
Toronto Raptors -2.0 turned into one of the day’s most lopsided results, with the Raptors demolishing Orlando 139-87. Result: Won. RJ Barrett scored 24 points and Scottie Barnes added 23 points with a career-high 15 assists as Toronto used a 31-point run to blow the game open. The Raptors shot an exceptional 57.4% from the field and 44.8% from three-point range, while Orlando managed just 37.8% shooting and 23.7% from deep. Toronto’s 41 assists highlighted their offensive efficiency in their largest victory of the season, giving Bash a laugher that covered the small spread by 50 points.
Rockets at Pelicans
Bash’s second loss came on New Orleans Pelicans +6.0, as Houston dominated 134-102. Result: Lost. Alperen Sengun exploded for 36 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists while making 5-of-7 from three-point range. The game turned in the second quarter when Houston outscored New Orleans 39-18, building a commanding lead they never relinquished. The Rockets’ massive 59-36 rebounding advantage and 33 assists compared to the Pelicans’ 19 told the story of their dominance. The 32-point final margin left the underdog pick well short.
Clippers at Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks +14.0 resulted in a push as the Clippers won 127-113, exactly 14 points. Result: Push. Bennedict Mathurin led Los Angeles with 28 points as the Clippers shot an impressive 58.4% from the field. Gary Trent Jr. paced the short-handed Bucks with a season-high 36 points, but Milwaukee had only eight players available. The Clippers’ third quarter surge, where they outscored Milwaukee 39-28, built enough cushion to secure their fifth straight win while landing precisely on the spread number.
Heat at Pacers
Indiana Pacers +10.0 cashed easily in a 135-118 victory over Miami. Result: Won. Pascal Siakam posted 30 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while Micah Potter added 21 points and tied a career high with five three-pointers. The Pacers shot 57.6% from the field and 46.2% from three-point range, making 13 first-half threes to build their lead. The 17-point final margin gave Bash a comfortable winner on the underdog.
Wizards at Trail Blazers
Bash closed the day with Portland Trail Blazers -15.5, which covered in a 123-88 rout. Result: Won. Toumani Camara led Portland with 23 points as the Blazers led by as many as 39 points in the second half. Washington shot just 36.8% from the field and 22.7% from three-point range, losing their 18th game in the last 19. The 35-point final margin gave Bash his fifth winner of the day on another large spread.
Bryan Bash’s 5-2-1 performance on March 29 showcased his ability to identify favorable large spreads, with four of his five winners coming on lines of 8.5 points or more. His two losses came on smaller home favorites, while the push landed exactly on the number. Overall, it was a profitable day that demonstrated strong handicapping across a diverse slate of matchups.
