This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha: Lakers (-195) vs DEN -- DraftKings, 1:00 PM CT
The Nuggets' defense is slowly improving, and they aren't a complete disaster on that end of the floor anymore. Still, I like the Lakers here. We know LA can get hot offensively, but more importantly, they have the defensive talent to make life difficult for Denver. I'm banking on the Lakers doing everything possible to force the ball out of Jokic's hands, forcing Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to beat them. I think, in general, that's a winning strategy and something the Lakers can pull off with the talent they have.
Nick Whalen: Anthony Davis OVER 8.5 rebounds (+100) vs. DEN -- DraftKings Sportsbook
Looking back to the 2020 postseason, Davis had at least nine rebounds in two of five games against the Nuggets. He's coming off of his worst rebounding game of the season (2 REB vs. ATL on Monday), but the numbers suggest Davis can bounce back. Prior to Monday, Davis had grabbed six or fewer rebounds three times this season. Each time, he followed up with double-digit rebounds in the next game. I like that trend to continue Thursday, as I expect Davis -- and the Lakers coaching staff -- to make it a point of emphasis that he doesn't spend all night hanging out on the perimeter.
Joe Bartel: Kyle Kuzma under 10.5 points (+100) - (DraftKings Sportsbook 11:14 AM CT)
If Anthony Davis (quad) is out for whatever reason I'd run away from this bet entirely, but there doesn't seem to be any indication that will be the case. As it stands, I'm pretty surprised to see Kuzma's O/U point total so high. The 25-year-old is averaging just 9.9 points and 24.0 minutes per game, both career lows, and those numbers are buoyed somewhat by games in which Davis and other starters have missed. It's not just that though -- the forward has crossed the over just twice in the last seven games and one of those came when Davis was out entirely. There really wasn't a lot of value on this slate altogether so I wanted to target a bet with the best odds-to-hit ratio, but regardless taking the under feels like a smart play.
Ken Crites: I'm taking the OVER on Donovan Mitchell scoring 23.5 points at Atlanta
Mitchell is hot, averaging 24.7 points per game in his last 13 contests while shooting 46.2% from the field. The Hawks rank 13th in points allowed per game (110.6), but are missing defensive wing stopper De'Andre Hunter. I think Mitchell will light up Kevin Huerter, Trae Young and Cam Reddish. Clint Capela is definitely helping Atlanta's interior D, but the Hawks are ugly on the perimeter without Hunter.
