This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Zion Williamson OVER 29.5 points (-105) vs. BKN -- BetMGM (2:20 PM CT)
I don't believe the Nets have anyone capable of slowing down Williamson, who has been on a tear lately. Over the past 13 games, he's averaged 30.5 points on 60.5 percent shooting. This game is also expected to be a track meet, with an over/under of 234.5. Combine that with a lack of rim protection for Brooklyn, and Williamson could have a monster game.
Nick Whalen
Clippers at Trail Blazers UNDER 223.5 points (-109) -- DraftKings (12:38 PM CT)
The Blazers are once again without their offensive hub in Damian Lillard, so there's a good chance they'll struggle to score against this Clippers defense. Los Angeles has played slowly all season, while the Blazers are playing at the league's second-slowest pace (95.0) in the two games Lillard has missed. This number has already fallen a bit since earlier this morning, but I'll still take the under in a matchup I see finishing as something like 115-105 in favor of the Clips.
Zion Williamson OVER 28.5 points (-152) vs. BKN -- DraftKings
The Nets are completely decimated, from a depth perspective, so Williamson should be able to feast against DeAndre Jordan, Blake Griffin and Jeff Green. He's hovered around 30 points on most nights, and the matchup pushes this one over the edge for me.
Cole Anthony OVER 15.5 points (-117) at ATL -- DraftKings
This is another play that's almost entirely based on the matchup. For obvious reasons, the Hawks are among the league's worst teams defending opposing point guards. Anthony is back in the starting lineup for Orlando, and he played 34 minutes -- easily his most since returning from injury -- in Sunday's game against Houston. Anthony is playing with more confidence than earlier in the season, and while he's struggling from three, he's still shooting north of 45 percent from the field over his last five games.
Joe Bartel
Ricky Rubio UNDER 9.5 points (-109) at SAC - DraftKings (12:47 PM CT)
I'm a bit torn on this because Rubio did score 17 despite going against the Heat four days ago who are easily the best defense against opposing point guards. But I think a score-first point guard like D'Angelo Russell, now conveniently without a minutes restriction, will have a field day against this putrid Kings defense, making Rubio an afterthought. Russell scored 25 points in his return from a near month-long knee injury while Rubio scored just four, so recent evidence sure seems to confirm this notion as well.
