This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Timberwolves to win (+215) at Warriors -- FanDuel, 1:13 PM CT
The Warriors sans Draymond Green aren't exactly a juggernaut, so I'm happy to take over 2-to-1 odds that the Timberwolves pull this one out. Karl-Anthony Towns should easily win the frontcourt matchup, while Patrick Beverley will be assigned to bother Stephen Curry. Jarred Vanderbilt should also be able to shadow Klay Thompson. I wouldn't be surprised if this game goes under the 229 total for that reason as well.
Nick Whalen
Philadelphia 76ers -2.5 (-115) vs. LA Lakers -- DraftKings Sportsbook, Noon CT
This line feels suspiciously low, so that does give me some pause, but at the end of the day, I simply can't back this Lakers team against any above-average opponent. For most of the season, the Lakers have beaten the bad teams, played 50/50 games against other mediocre teams and lost to good teams. Even with a few role players missing, the Sixers are decidedly a good team, so I don't see the Lakers keeping this overly close on the road. The return of Anthony Davis will help long-term, but he'll likely be limited again in just his second game back.
Kevon Looney OVER 15.5 Points + Rebounds (-110) -- DraftKings Sportsbook, Noon CT
Admittedly, this is a bit of a niche prop, but Looney has quietly been very effective over the last few weeks. He's gone over this number in five of his last seven games, and the Wolves continue to be one of the league's worst rebounding teams -- especially defensively. Meanwhile, over his last 10 games, Looney is averaging 4.1 offensive rebounds alone.
