March is here which signifies the stretch run. With roughly a month and change left in the regular season, the NBA and NHL boards start to reward bettors who track motivation as closely as statistics. Back-to-backs hit harder, defensive intensity ramps up and teams chasing playoff spots do what it takes to win. March basketball and hockey gives bettors a chance to capitalize as the postseason nears. Here are tonight’s best bets brought to you by BetOnline.ag. Click here to join. All new players get a 50% welcome bonus and up to $250 in free bets.
First Pick: Over 5.5 Goals
Rundown: The Colorado Avalanche travel to the City of Angels for a Western Conference clash with the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena.
Colorado enters the matchup looking to build on a league-leading 39 wins in 58 games this season. Nathan MacKinnon continues to prove why he is one of the most dominant offensive playmakers, owning the top spot in the NHL in goals scored and plus/minus. Colorado has seen three of the last four games exceed the projected goal total behind strong offensive performances against Utah and San Jose.
As for Los Angeles, tonight's contest marks the first since head coach Jim Hiller got dismissed by the organization. The firing came after back-to-back embarrassing losses to the Vegas Golden Knights and shocking 8-1 beatdown at the hands of the Pacific Division rival Edmonton Oilers. Los Angeles enters Monday three points back for the last wild card spot in the Western Conference. Los Angeles has struggled mightily at home this season, posting a 9-13-7 record in 29 games this season.
With Colorado's offense looking to maintain its effectiveness and Los Angeles' recent defensive struggles, expect this matchup to soar over the projected goal total.
Second Pick: Los Angeles Clippers Moneyline
Rundown: The Golden State Warriors (31-29) host the Los Angeles Clippers (28-31) in a Monday night matchup between two teams fighting for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles heads to Chase Center chasing Golden State in the standings, sitting 2.5 games back of the eighth seed. After the Clippers started the season 6-21, they have rattled off 22 wins in their last 32 games to put them in a play-in spot with 23 games remaining in the regular season. Kawhi Leonard has delivered offensively since James Harden was dealt to Cleveland, averaging 29.1 points per game in the last 10 contests.
On Golden State's side, the Warriors have defended homeport this season (19-12) but will be without leading-scorer Steph Curry, who remains out of the lineup with a knee injury. With Curry sidelined and Jimmy Butler out for the season with a torn ACL, it could prove difficult for Golden State to generate consistent offense.
With Curry's presence missing and Leonard streaking on the offensive end, look for Los Angeles to take advantage and grab an important road victory.
