NBA picks today: Thursday's best bets include Mavericks vs. Celtics play [3/5/2026]

Today’s NBA picks for March 5, 2026 are here, with Mavericks vs. Celtics and Knicks vs. Nuggets among the top plays identified by our model across Thursday’s NBA play.

Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, going over the latest basketball odds to unearth legitimate betting edges. The result? Data-backed picks that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.

List of NBA picks tonight [3/5, updated 9:33PM ET]

Below, you’ll find today’s best basketball bets, ranked by edge for Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Mavericks +15.5 (-110)

• Edge: 5.5%
• Probability: 57.9%
• Matchup: Mavericks vs. Celtics (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model has identified value on Mavericks +15.5 at -110 odds. A 57.9% probability produces an edge of 5.5%, making this the strongest play for today's NBA slate.

Nuggets ML (-110)

• Edge: 3.9%
• Probability: 56.3%
• Matchup: Knicks vs. Nuggets (9:00PM ET, Friday)

Nuggets ML carries a 3.9% edge and a probability of 56.3% at -110 odds, according to our model.

Heat +5.5 (-105)

• Edge: 3.0%
• Probability: 54.2%
• Matchup: Heat vs. Hornets (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Heat +5.5 vs. Hornets at -105 odds shows a 3.0% edge, supported by a 54.2% probability in simulations.

Nuggets ML (-174)

• Edge: 2.6%
• Probability: 66.1%
• Matchup: Lakers vs. Nuggets (10:00PM ET, Thursday)

A 2.6% edge and 66.1% probability make Nuggets at the moneyline at a value play in the Lakers vs. Nuggets matchup, per our model.

Kings ML (+220)

• Edge: 2.4%
• Probability: 33.6%
• Matchup: Pelicans vs. Kings (10:00PM ET, Thursday)

Kings ML at +220 odds presents a 2.4% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 33.6%.

Knicks -1.5 (+102)

• Edge: 2.3%
• Probability: 51.9%
• Matchup: Knicks vs. Nuggets (9:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model finds value on Knicks -1.5 at +102 odds, supported by an edge of 2.3%.

Lakers vs. Nuggets under 240.5 points (-108)

• Edge: 2.3%
• Probability: 54.2%
• Matchup: Lakers vs. Nuggets (10:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has uncovered value on Lakers vs. Nuggets under 240.5 points at -108 odds. A 54.2% probability produces a 2.3% edge, making this a strong play for today's NBA action.

NBA best bets summary: Thursday, 3/5/2026

As of 9:33PM ET, here are our top NBA bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Mavericks vs. Celtics	Mavericks +15.5	-110 @ FanDuel	5.5%	57.9%
Knicks vs. Nuggets	Nuggets ML	-110 @ DraftKings	3.9%	56.3%
Heat vs. Hornets	Heat +5.5	-105 @ FanDuel	3.0%	54.2%
Lakers vs. Nuggets	Nuggets ML	-174 @ FanDuel	2.6%	66.1%
Pelicans vs. Kings	Kings ML	+220 @ FanDuel	2.4%	33.6%
Knicks vs. Nuggets	Knicks -1.5	+102 @ DraftKings	2.3%	51.9%
Lakers vs. Nuggets	Under 240.5 Points	-108 @ FanDuel	2.3%	54.2%

List of upcoming NBA games to bet on [3/5/2026]

• Lakers vs. Nuggets (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Pelicans vs. Kings (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Mavericks vs. Celtics (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Heat vs. Hornets (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Trail Blazers vs. Rockets (8:00PM ET, Friday)
• Knicks vs. Nuggets (9:00PM ET, Friday)
• Clippers vs. Spurs (9:30PM ET, Friday)

Meet Dimebot, Dimers’ AI assistant

See how you can use Dimebot to ask questions, clarify data, and streamline your betting research.

Conclusion

Our NBA best bets are locked and loaded for March 5, 2026, featuring plays such as Mavericks +15.5 and Nuggets ML. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

This article, enhanced by AI and automation, aims to deliver accurate NBA insights quickly, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are based on current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.

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