This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Domantas Sabonis OVER 43.5 points+rebounds+assists (-113) -- FanDuel (1:21 PM CT)
Sabonis is playing at an MVP level over the past seven games. In 38.9 minutes per game, he's averaged 24.6 points, 15.0 rebounds and 11.0 assists. I can understand FanDuel's hesitancy to put out a prop upwards of 50 P+R+A, but I'm not anticipating Sabonis slowing down against the Bucks. Brook Lopez has somehow become an overrated defender, and Milwaukee doesn't need this game as badly as Indiana. Also, Caris LeVert (knee) could end up being sidelined, which would only add to Sabonis' usage.
Nick Whalen
Knicks -5.5 (-110) vs. SAS -- DraftKings (1:22 PM CT)
I was on the fence about this game earlier, as several Knicks players were listed as questionable, but Derrick Rose, Reggie Bullock and Alec Burks are now all expected to play. This is a meaningful game for both teams, but it's extra important for the Knicks if they hope to avoid the Bucks in Round 1. After a tight loss to the Lakers on Tuesday, I expect the Knicks to take care of business at home against the NBA's 29th-ranked defense over the last 10 games.
Joe Bartel
MIL (at IND) + LAC (at CHA) + MEM (vs. SAC) + ATL (vs. ORL) all to win (+137) - DraftKings (1:49 PM CT)
From a parlay-building perspective, I'm all in on Clippers and Bucks to win outright Thursday. Just betting the two combined would be in the -165 range, which feels like solid value. Yes, both of their respective opponents also have playoff ramifications on the line, but the Clippers and Bucks are simply the better teams and certainly have something to play for in their own right. If Jonas Valanciunas is unable to play, I'm removing the Grizzlies from the parlay entirely, but with the Grizzlies favored by eight in that contest, it certainly feels like Vegas knows something we don't. Not really much to mention with the Hawks. They should cruise through the Magic and have understandably the worst odds of the bunch.
