This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha: Rockets at Wizards, under 230.5 -- PointsBet (2:09 PM CT)
Without Christian Wood or Victor Oladipo, the Rockets have to be more defensive-focused than usual. They're already one of the better defensive teams in the NBA, allowing the eighth-fewest points per game (110.3). And with Wood and Oladipo out, Houston could also struggle to hit their already-low scoring average of 108.8 PPG (24th in the NBA). The Wizards are healthy, but they're an impossible team to trust, even offensively. This could end up being a low-scoring affair.
Nick Whalen: Nerlens Noel OVER 6.5 points (-152) vs. Atlanta -- DraftKings Sportsbook
Noel made his first start in place of Mitchell Robinson over the weekend, finishing with 10 points, six rebounds and two blocks in 32 minutes. It was by no means a monster line, but Noel's 32 minutes are indicative of the workload he'll likely see going forward. He's not the type of player who creates his own offense, but I like Noel's chances to convert a few easy looks inside. Noel scored eight and 10 points, respectively, in the two games in which he's played more than 25 minutes this season.
Jeff Edgerton: JAZZ (-7.5) vs. Sixers (FD Sportsbook, 10:31 a.m. ET)
Although the Jazz will be playing without Mike Conley, Joel Embiid will be a game-time decision as well. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are playing top-notch ball of late, and Utah's defense has helped the Jazz rip off seven straight victories.
CAVALIERS (+9) @ Warriors (FD Sportsbook, 10:31 a.m. ET)
The spread has widened over the past couple of hours, making the Cavs side a lot more appealing. The Warriors may be without Draymond Green, which bootstraps an already-depleted frontcourt. Andre Drummond should be able to dominate inside, and the tandem of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland will have plenty of scoring opportunities in this high-paced affair.
