Best Bets Today - Betting Picks for March 20, 2026

By: Kim Smith Published 03/20/2026, 02:00 AM ET
Best Bets Today from Expert Handicappers at Stat Salt - May 26, 2026
Use Code SSWC

If you're searching for the best bets today, you've come to the right place. The Stat Salt handicapping team has broken down several key matchups across the NBA, NHL, and College Basketball landscape to uncover where the betting value stands. Below you'll find a selection of strong plays supported by matchup analysis, injury news, and recent trends.

Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just looking for a few sharp angles before placing a wager, these insights can help you make more informed decisions. Letโ€™s dive into todayโ€™s top betting opportunities.

๐Ÿ€ NBA Best Bets Today

Boston Celtics vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Pick: Celtics Win & Over the Total

Boston enters this matchup with a clear advantage, especially considering Memphis continues to deal with the absence of Ja Morant, whose status remains uncertain. Without their star guard, the Grizzlies lose a significant portion of their offensive creation and ability to control tempo late in games.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers

Subscribe Now

I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. I have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I consent that StatSalt may use third-party services to process my data.

Memphis still plays at one of the faster paces in the league, which can create more possessions โ€” but that style could work against them here. Bostonโ€™s elite three-point shooting attack is built to exploit teams that struggle to defend in transition or rotate quickly on the perimeter.

With the Grizzlies unlikely to slow things down and Boston capable of capitalizing from beyond the arc, this game sets up for both scoring volume and efficiency from the Celtics. Expect Boston to take control offensively and push this game past the total.

Final Score Prediction: Celtics 124, Grizzlies 111

๐Ÿ€ College Basketball Best Bets Today

Missouri vs. Miami

Pick: Miami -2.5

Miami enters this matchup with a slight but meaningful edge thanks to its efficiency on both ends of the floor. The Hurricanes have shown the ability to execute in half-court sets while also maintaining defensive discipline, which becomes especially important in competitive matchups.

Missouri has had stretches this season where defensive lapses have cost them, particularly against teams that can move the ball effectively and create high-percentage scoring opportunities. Miamiโ€™s balanced approach should allow them to exploit those weaknesses.

In what projects to be a competitive game, Miamiโ€™s consistency and ability to control possessions give them the edge to secure the win and cover the spread.

Prairie View A&M vs. Florida

Pick: Over 155.5

This matchup has the potential to turn into a high-scoring affair, largely due to Floridaโ€™s offensive capabilities. The Gators have shown they can score in bunches, especially when they establish rhythm early in games.

Prairie View A&Mโ€™s pace also contributes to this angle, as they are willing to play in a faster tempo that increases total possessions. More possessions generally translate to more scoring opportunities, particularly when facing a team with Floridaโ€™s offensive efficiency.

If Florida approaches its typical scoring output and Prairie View A&M contributes offensively, this game has a strong chance to push beyond the 155.5 total.

Santa Clara vs. Kentucky

Pick: Santa Clara +3.5

Santa Clara presents intriguing value as an underdog in this matchup. The Broncos have demonstrated the ability to score quickly and efficiently, particularly from the perimeter, which makes them dangerous in a tournament setting.

While Kentucky may have advantages in size and interior play, Santa Claraโ€™s tempo and offensive versatility should allow them to stay within striking distance. Games like this often come down to shot-making, and Santa Clara has proven capable of putting points on the board in bunches.

Getting points with a team that can score at a high level makes Santa Clara +3.5 a strong value play in what should be a competitive contest.

๐Ÿ’ NHL Best Bets Today

Anaheim Ducks vs. Utah Mammoth

Pick: Under 6.5 Goals

This matchup sets up well for a slower-paced, defensive game. Utah typically prefers a controlled style of play, especially on home ice, where they focus on limiting shots and reducing high-danger scoring chances.

By dictating tempo and forcing opponents into structured offensive sets, Utah often keeps games from turning into wide-open contests. While Anaheim has been involved in higher-scoring games at times, they may struggle to impose that style against a team that emphasizes defensive discipline.

If Utah successfully controls possession and limits transition opportunities, scoring chances could be at a premium for both teams. That approach points toward a lower-scoring game that stays under the 6.5 total.

Where to Find More Free Betting Picks Today

The plays above highlight several strong opportunities across todayโ€™s betting board, but they represent only a portion of the available analysis.

Stat Salt provides daily betting predictions, matchup breakdowns, and expert insights across NHL, NBA, College Basketball, and more. If you're looking for additional plays before locking in your bets, the Stat Salt picks hub has you covered.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Explore the complete lineup of free picks and expert betting insights at Stat Salt.

BetMGM Sport

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Recommended BetMGM Sport Review
Min. Deposit $5
Cashable No
FanDuel Sportsbook

New Users โ€“ Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer FanDuel Sportsbook Review
Requirement New Users โ€“ Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)
Cashable No
Fanatics

10 x $100 bet match in FanCash

Show Bonus Code
Claim Bonus
Signup Promo Hot Offer Fanatics Review
Cashable No
>

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN). 21+ (18+ WY). AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/MI/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. T&C's Apply. Void where prohibited. If you click on a link on this site which takes you to a bookmaker or casino and you subsequently open an account, Pick and Parlays may receive a commission. Bets placed are the responsibility of the bettor.

Copyright ยฉ 2026 Picks and Parlays. All rights reserved.

The sports news and information contained at this site is for entertainment purposes only. Any use of this information in violation of laws whether they are federal, state and/or local is prohibited. Picks and Parlays is the nation's premier resource for sports betting and handicapping information.

Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Special Offer
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Play now Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.