This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Nick Whalen
Malcolm Brogdon OVER 34.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists vs. Milwaukee Bucks
DraftKings Sportsbook, 3:00 PM CT
Brogdon has comfortably gone over this number in each of the Pacers' first three games, but most importantly he's playing a 2011-Luol-Deng-esque 41.7 minutes per game in those contests. Granted, the last two went into overtime, but Brogdon is still on pace to see minutes in the high-30s as the Pacers continue to be without Caris LeVert and T.J. Warren. Facing off against a Milwaukee team likely down two starters (Brook Lopez is OUT; Jrue Holiday is DOUBTFUL), it should be another close game in which Brogdon functions as the primary playmaker. Through three games, Brogdon's usage rate sits at a career-high 26.4 percent.
Ken Crites
Charlotte Hornets (-105) to win vs. Boston Celtics
FanDuel Sportsbook, 1:00 PM CT
Both teams are playing in the second of back-to-backs, with Charlotte enjoying home court. Boston has both Jaylen Brown and Al Horford listed as questionable. The Celtics' offense has surprisingly been going through Horford quite a bit to start the season, so his absence would be more important than most might think. The Hornets list P.J. Washington as questionable, but the way Miles Bridges has been playing, that doesn't seem like much of an issue. With Boston potentially down two key starters, I like Charlotte to improve to 4-0.
Michael Spero
Boston Celtics -1.0 at Charlotte Hornets (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook, 1:00 PM CT
The Hornets have gotten off to an amazing 3-0 start and are coming off a convincing win against the Nets on Sunday night. The Celtics started their season 0-2 before picking up their first win Sunday against the Rockets. Jayson Tatum performed like the player we saw for most of last season, finishing with 31 points and nine rebounds in the win. Boston is the better team here and I am picking them to be the first team that the Hornets lose to this season.
