This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Heat to win (-230) vs. CHI -- FanDuel (1:16 PM CT)
Miami still isn't performing up to the standard they set last season in the bubble, but I'm not worried about them against Chicago. The Bulls only have three wins since April 9, and two of them were against Charlotte and Cleveland. Even without Zach LaVine (COVID-19 protocols), they can still put up a fight with Nikola Vucevic around, but I think the center will struggle going up against Bam Adebayo. And if Vucevic has a rough game, I don't see the Bulls winning.
Nick Whalen
Ivica Zubac OVER 11.5 points (+100) at NOP -- DraftKings (12:09 PM CT)
Filling in for Serge Ibaka, Zubac is averaging 12.4 points per game over his last nine appearances, and he goes up against a Pelicans team Monday that may be without Steven Adams (toe). The drawback with Zubac is that he's prone to foul trouble. While that could be particularly problematic against Zion Williamson, I still like his chances to take advantage of a team that's struggled to find consistency on the defensive end.
Atlanta Hawks -4.5 (-112) at DET -- DraftKings
The Hawks are without Trae Young, but that wasn't a problem during Sunday's impressive win over Milwaukee. Even on a back-to-back, this number strikes me as too low -- especially considering the Pistons may be in position to rest several regulars after most were available for Saturday's game against Indiana.
Ken Crites
Spurs (-3.0) at WAS; Keldon Johnson OVER 12.5 points -- FanDuel (11:04 AM CT)
At first blush, Washington seems slighted with this line. They have won eight in a row. The Wizards are 11-0 in the last 11 games in which Bradley Beal has played. I'm not saying they are the 60's Celtics, but Washington is playing well. Oddly, the Spurs play better on the road (17-10) than at home (13-19). And Washington is playing in the second of a back-to-back, while San Antonio last played Saturday night at New Orleans. I get the spread. Washington is woefully thin in the frontcourt, and Rui Hachimura likely won't play (as of noon ET). San Antonio is smart enough to exploit this weakness. Look for Keldon Johnson to have a long-overdue good game.
