For this SGP, there is nothing like a Dame

Welcome to March! Spring training is underway, March Madness is right around the corner and the NFL Draft is getting closer each day, but that doesn't mean you should blow off the NBA. The playoffs might not be for a while; however, it's starting to become clearer who's playing well, and who's not. And that's why you need to jump on this Same-Game Parlay (SGP) to start off the month. 

The Pelicans are a mess right now without Zion Williamson, and until he returns, you should strongly consider betting against New Orleans every game. OK, maybe not every game, but close to it. 

New Orleans is 13-20 without Zion in the lineup this year and has lost four straight. Its opponent, the Portland Trail Blazers, aren't exactly playing their best basketball right now, but they're not on New Orleans' level either. Three losses in their last four games is a bit concerning, and so is playing again on Wednesday after losing to Golden State on Tuesday, but taking Portland on the moneyline is still worth it. 

Portland beat New Orleans in the only matchup between these two teams back in November, and that's when the Pelicans were playing much better and were much healthier. This is definitely the least confident leg of our SGP, but until New Orleans gets Williamson back, betting against the Pelicans is the right play. 

Damian Lillard might be the most dangerous player in the NBA right now, and that's why we decided to focus on him to round out our SGP. Lillard scored a career-high 71 points on Sunday against Houston and dropped 25 against the Warriors on Tuesday. 

But we're not going to focus on his point total. Instead, we're focusing on his assists and three-point total. Lillard has made at least two three-pointers in six straight games and 22 of his last 23, so the All-Star should have no problem hitting at least two from downtown on Wednesday. This is the most confident leg of our SGP, and don't be shocked if it hits in the first half, heck, maybe even the first quarter. Outside of Stephen Curry, Lillard is arguably the best three-point shooter in the game. 

And for his assist total, we like him to pick up at least four of those on Wednesday. Lillard is averaging over seven assists a night, so getting to four should be no problem for him. Lillard has recorded at least four assists in 12 straight games, and don't be shocked if this leg hits midway through the third quarter. Lillard's high-scoring totals have never hindered his ability to get his teammates involved, and we don't see that changing on Wednesday.

The SGP: Portland Trail Blazers (moneyline), Damian Lillard (over 1.5 three-pointers and over 3.5 assists) (-125 odds via FanDuel)

Bet $125 to win $100

In the news ...

Blackhawks deal veteran Patrick Kane to New York Rangers for picks — With Friday's NHL trade deadline looming, the Blackhawks avoided any last-minute drama after trading veteran winger Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers on Tuesday for two draft picks — a 2023 second-round pick, which carries conditions to improve to a first-round selection, and a 2025 fourth-round draft choice. Kane won three Stanley Cup titles with the Blackhawks, and prior to getting dealt on Tuesday, had played his entire 16-year career year with Chicago. The Rangers are 6/1 favorites to win the Eastern Conference and 11/1 favorites to win the Stanley Cup following the acquisition of Kane. 

Lux to miss entire season; Glasnow out 6-8 weeks — Spring training just started, and already two preseason World Series favorites — the Tampa Bay Rays (+2000) and Los Angeles Dodgers (+850) — have sustained serious injuries to key players. Rays starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow is expected to be out six to eight weeks after sustaining a left oblique strain on Monday while shortstop Gavin Lux will miss the entire season after tearing his ACL in Monday's spring training game against the San Diego Padres. Despite Lux's season-ending injury, the Dodgers (-120) are still favored to win the NL West while the Rays (+380) are projected to finish in third in the AL East behind the New York Yankees (+110) and Toronto Blue Jays (+215).

Bucs set to release RB Leonard Fournette — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to release veteran running back Leonard Fournette, per multiple sources. Fournette reportedly asked for his release and admitted Tom Brady's retirement was a factor in him wanting his release. Fournette won a Super Bowl in his first season with Tampa Bay in 2020 and has rushed for nearly 5,000 yards in his six-year career. The Bucs are currently 60/1 favorites to win the Super Bowl after losing to the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs last year. 

Today's Bark Bets is written by Jared Shlensky