This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha: Hornets on the moneyline (+100) @ Magic -- BetMGM 12:30 PM
I had to double-check to make sure nobody was injured for the Hornets to make this line so close against the Magic. Charlotte is unquestionably a more complete and successful team than Orlando this season. The Magic have had the league's easiest schedule and have a -5.4 net rating, while the Hornets have a -1.0 net rating with the ninth-easiest schedule. Orlando got Fournier back recently, but he's not worth essentially a two-possession swing based on what I think the spread should be.
Nick Whalen: Stephen Curry OVER 39.5 PTS+REB+AST (-120) -- DraftKings Sportsbook, noon CT
I'm always looking to target the Timberwolves' defense, which is once again among the league's worst units. Curry has mostly been able to clean up against poor defenses this season, but he's settled into a more consistent groove of late, putting up 28.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.8 assists over his last five contests. Those numbers would put him right around that 39.5 figure, and given the opponent, I love Curry's chances to have an explosive scoring game in what could end up being a shootout. If he's able to cross the 30-point threshold, Curry should cruise to the over.
Jeff Edgerton: Justin Holiday OVER 11.5 POINTS (DK Sportsbook, 9:24 a.m.), Pelicans (-2.5) over Spurs (DK Sportsbook, 9:24 a.m.)
Caris LeVert's medical issue has kept Holiday on the floor, and he logged 39 minutes in his last game. Anyone with that much floor time is an excellent candidate to beat this number. It's a back-to-back for the Pacers, but he's demonstrating his value to the team as his usage rate increases.
The Spurs are on a back-to-back on the road, and the Pelicans are riding a three-game win streak. They've had a few days to relax at home, and they should be ready to take on the Spurs, who looked fine against the Wizards but didn't need to do much to beat a team that hasn't played in two weeks. I expect Zion and Ingram to inflict major damage on Monday, and cover by a wide margin.
