With March Madness in full swing, we’ve got a light NBA slate tonight, but there’s still a spotlight on the race for Eastern Conference playoff seeding.
Look no further than the New York Knicks’ visit to the Charlotte Hornets, with LaMelo Ball and Co. still eyeing the Top 6, while the Orlando Magic catch a break against the tank-tastic Sacramento Kings.
My top NBA picks for March 26 target all three matchups, including a wager on an in-form Karl-Anthony Towns.
Best NBA player props today
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Karl-Anthony Towns |
Over 19.5 points | -120 |
 Dejounte Murray |
Over 6.5 assists | +102 |
 Paolo Banchero |
Over 25.5 points | -110 |
Prop #1: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 19.5 points
The New York Knicks will need the best version of Karl-Anthony Towns to win the East, and his March numbers suggest he’s in rhythm as the postseason approaches. KAT is averaging 21.7 ppg this month on 57% shooting, and he’s nailed this Over in four straight outings.
Towns scored 35 points against the Charlotte Hornets in December, and he’s getting good looks in a New York offense that’s passed the 120-point mark in three of the past four contests.
His three-point numbers are still down this year, but he drilled a pair of triples against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday as part of a 21-point effort. Look for KAT to give the Charlotte frontcourt a long night.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NBA TV
Prop #2: Dejounte Murray Over 6.5 assists
The New Orleans Pelicans are an interesting team to watch down the stretch – the rare sub .500 squad that’s still chasing wins. Dejounte Murray’s return has given New Orleans some extra spice, and I see him setting the table for his teammates again here.
Murray has racked up 32 assists across his last three outings, and there’s no reason for him to slow down with Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III (questionable) flanking him.
Facing a fiery Detroit Pistons defense is no joke, but Jalen Duren and Co. gave up 130 points in last night’s OT loss to the Atlanta Hawks. That should leave some tired legs for Murray to exploit in this one.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: GCSEN, FanDuel Sports Network-Detroit
Prop #3: Paolo Banchero Over 25.5 points
The Orlando Magic have somehow followed up a seven-game win streak with six straight losses, so good luck figuring out this Orlando team. But I can’t pass up a chance to wager against the Sacramento Kings.
That leads me to Paolo Banchero, who’s done his best to put the Magic on his back in the last two contests, with 36 points in Cleveland on the heels of 39 points against the Indiana Pacers – all on efficient shooting.
It should be more of the same here against the Kings, with Orlando missing Franz Wagner and Anthony Black. Count on Banchero to deliver, just as he did while dropping 30 points in the February meeting in Sacramento.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: NBCSCA, FanDuel Sports Network-Florida
These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.
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