This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha: Anthony Davis to get 19+ points and Lakers to win by 1-10 vs Bucks (+240) -- PointsBet 1:15 PM CT
I've been doing relatively well lately, so why not self-sabotage by picking something unnecessarily complicated. I think both teams will take this game seriously, and we'll see the stars come out in full force. Davis is averaging 21.3 points this season, and he obviously has room to improve there given that he averaged 26.1 points last season. I'm assuming he gives full effort against Milwaukee, and I'd be surprised if this game is decided by more than 10 points, and I have enough confidence to take the Lakers' side here since I think they've been the better team this season. With that in mind, it's hard not to like +240 odds. Maybe this is channeling too much Uncut Gems.
Nick Whalen: Zion Williamson UNDER 32.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-110) -- DraftKings Sportsbook, 2:00 PM CT
Williamson went over this number against Utah earlier in the week, but I think the Jazz will do a better of job of containing him in the lane after he hit 14 of 19 field goals on Tuesday. He had only five rebounds in 35 minutes, and his three assists were somewhat of an anomaly, as he's only reached that total four times thus far. I like Utah's chances to again keep Williamson off the glass, so if the Jazz can keep him relatively in check as a scorer, I'm inclined to go under on 32.5 PRA.
Jeff Edgerton: Brandon Ingram UNDER 5.5 REBOUNDS -- (DK Sportsbook, 12:44 PM ET)
Ingram has logged only three rebounds in three straight games, but he has beaten this number eight times. Ingram's output is inextricably tied to Zion Williamson when it comes to the peripheral categories, and recently the Pelicans have utilized Zion as more of an interior threat. Go with the current trend and take the under here.
Ken Crites: On BetMGM or PointsBet, I'm taking the UNDER for Kelly Oubre to score 15.5 points
For starters, FanDuel has set Oubre's scoring total at 14.5 (as of 1:34pm EST). He's facing the Knicks, traditionally a crummy defense, but this season they are giving up a paltry 102.7 points per game, the lowest mark in the NBA (the Lakers and Jazz are tied for second at 105.1). Clearly coach Tom Thibodeau has instilled his defensive discipline in New York. Oubre is heating up after a terrible start. Still, he's scored 16 or more points only five times in 14 games. I'm putting my money on Thibs.
