Best Bets Today - Betting Picks for March 13, 2026
If you're searching for the best bets today, you're in the right place. The Stat Salt team of experienced handicappers has broken down several of the most intriguing matchups across NHL, NBA, and College Basketball to highlight where the value may lie. Below you'll find a collection of strong wagering opportunities for today’s slate, all supported by matchup analysis, recent trends, and key situational angles.
Whether you're a seasoned bettor or simply looking to add a little insight before placing a wager, these expert opinions can help guide your decisions. Let’s dive into today’s best bets.
🏒 NHL Best Bets Today
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Edmonton Oilers vs. St. Louis Blues
Pick: Over 6.5 Goals
One of the more attractive totals on the NHL board today comes from the matchup between Edmonton and St. Louis. The Oilers have consistently been involved in high-scoring games throughout the season thanks to their explosive offense and fast-paced style of play.
Edmonton is capable of generating multiple goals in a short span, and their aggressive approach often leads to open ice opportunities for both teams. At the same time, the Oilers have allowed more than three goals per game defensively, which creates additional scoring chances for their opponents.
When you combine Edmonton’s offensive firepower with a Blues team that can capitalize on scoring opportunities at home, the ingredients are there for a back-and-forth contest. With both teams capable of contributing on the scoreboard, this matchup has strong potential to clear the seven-goal mark, making the over 6.5 an appealing play.
🏀 NBA Best Bets Today
Phoenix Suns vs. Toronto Raptors
Pick: Toronto Raptors to Cover
The Raptors appear to have a favorable situation at home when they host Phoenix. Injury news could play an important role in this matchup, as Phoenix forward Dillon Brooks (hand) has not yet been cleared for contact heading into the contest. Toronto also has a key player on the injury report, with Scottie Barnes listed as questionable due to illness, though the Raptors still maintain strong depth across the roster.
Both teams rank among the league’s better defensive units, which suggests this game could feature extended half-court possessions and lower scoring stretches. While the under could draw attention because of the defensive profiles on both sides, the stronger angle points toward Toronto.
Playing on their home floor with a defensive identity that forces opponents into difficult shots, the Raptors have a strong opportunity to control the rhythm of this matchup and do enough offensively to secure a cover.
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
Pick: Over the Total
This matchup between New York and Indiana presents a compelling opportunity on the total. The Knicks enter the game closing out a demanding five-game road swing, and the travel schedule could lead to tired legs defensively.
Complicating matters for New York is the uncertainty surrounding Josh Hart (knee) and Karl-Anthony Towns (knee), both of whom are currently listed as questionable. If either player is limited or unavailable, it could create defensive gaps against an Indiana team that prefers to push the pace.
The Pacers currently operate at one of the fastest tempos in the NBA, ranking among the league leaders in pace of play. Their up-tempo style tends to create extra possessions and quick scoring runs, and if New York struggles to slow things down late in a road trip, the total could climb quickly. With Indiana dictating pace, this matchup has the ingredients for a high-scoring game that climbs past the posted total.
🏀 College Basketball Best Bets Today
Clemson vs. Duke
Pick: Under 133.5
Defense is the defining theme when Clemson and Duke meet, making the under 133.5 an intriguing tournament total. Clemson has quietly been one of the more disciplined defensive teams in the country, limiting opponents to just 66.5 points per game this season. Duke has been even stingier on that end of the floor, allowing only 63 points per contest.
Tournament basketball often produces slower, more methodical games as teams emphasize half-court execution and limit mistakes. Both of these programs are comfortable playing at a controlled tempo, using defensive pressure to dictate pace.
With two strong defensive teams meeting in a high-stakes environment, possessions are likely to become more deliberate and scoring opportunities more difficult to come by. That style points toward a defensive battle that stays below the total.
South Carolina State vs. Howard
Pick: Howard -14.5
Howard enters this matchup with several advantages that could prove decisive. The Bison have been one of the more balanced teams in their conference, showing efficiency on offense while maintaining consistency on the defensive end.
Another important factor is scheduling. Howard benefits from extra rest after receiving a tournament bye, while South Carolina State comes into this game following a physically demanding quarterfinal performance.
Fresh legs combined with Howard’s ability to pressure defensively could allow the Bison to control the tempo early. If Howard establishes momentum and forces turnovers, the lead could steadily grow throughout the game, giving them a strong opportunity to cover the double-digit spread.
Where to Find More Free Betting Picks Today
The selections above highlight just a portion of the betting opportunities available today across multiple sports. Stat Salt’s handicappers release daily analysis, betting trends, and expert predictions covering NHL, NBA, College Basketball, and more.
For the full list of plays and expert analysis, visit the Stat Salt picks page to view all of today’s top selections.
👉 Explore today’s complete lineup of free picks and expert betting insights at Stat Salt.
