This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Nets to win (-157) at DAL -- DraftKings (12:56 PM CT)
The Nets are coming off three straight losses. However, the first was without Kevin Durant, and the next two were against the Bucks, one of the best teams in the East. Conversely, the Mavericks have been hot lately, winning seven of the past nine. But it wasn't against especially difficult competition (DET, LAL, LAL, GSW, DET, WAS, MIA). I think both teams are heading into a course correction Thursday. The Nets with Kyrie Irving and Durant are clearly better than the Mavericks without Kristaps Porzingis.
Nick Whalen
Nets -3.5 (-113) at DAL -- DraftKings (1:27 PM CT)
The Nets haven't been as effective since James Harden went down, but this line feels like an overreaction to the back-to-back losses to Milwaukee. The Mavs are a solid opponent, but they're not the Bucks, and they'll be without two regular starters in Maxi Kleber and Kristaps Porzingis. I'm not sure the Nets will be able to stop Luka Doncic, but I think they can slow down the rest of the Mavs' underwhelming supporting cast.
Hawks -6.0 (-110) at IND -- DraftKings
This could go one of two ways for the Pacers: they either rally around their hatred for the coaching staff and play well, or they pack it in and limp to the finish line of the regular season. Last night against the Kings, they chose the latter path, failing to score 100 points and losing handily to a bad team without three of its five best players. The Pacers' offense should have a better night, but they've given up some huge scoring games of late while playing at the fastest pace in the league over the last 15 games. Atlanta should be able to take advantage and pick up a comfortable win on the road.
Jeff Edgerton
Raptors to cover (-3) vs WAS -- DraftKings (11:28 AM CT)
Although the Raptors won't have OG Anunoby and Chris Boucher, the rest of the team is healthy. With a dearth of frontcourt options, Pascal Siakam and the resurgent Khem Birch will go to work inside. All Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet need to do? Outscore and outplay triple-double threat Russell Westbrook.
