This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Joel Embiid over 43.5 points+rebounds+assists (-118) at Raptors -- FanDuel, 4:00 PM CT
The Raptors are both shorthanded and have one of the worst center rotations in the NBA, so I expect Embiid to have a big game. Over the past five games, he's averaged 29.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
Nick Whalen
Milwaukee Bucks -14.5 at Orlando Magic -- FanDuel Sportsbook, 4:00 PM CT
This is a monster number for Milwaukee to cover on the road, but we're finally seeing an (almost) full-strength version of the team I see as the class of the Eastern Conference. With Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday all finally healthy -- plus Donte DiVincenzo back -- the Bucks are as deep as they've been at any point during the last few years and should be poised to start ripping off some victories. Meanwhile, the Magic are still without several key players, including Cole Anthony, Mo Bamba, Jalen Suggs, Chuka Okeke, Terrence Ross and Markelle Fultz, so this is a game Milwaukee should be able to turn into a blowout. Again, 14.5 is a big number, but it reflects how much of a mismatch this projects to be.
