This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Wendell Carter Jr. under 19.5 points + rebounds (-104) vs. NOP -- FanDuel, 1:08 PM CT
Carter is in a tough matchup, going up against Steven Adams. The Pelicans allow the fewest rebounds in the NBA (40.6), which makes me at least feel good about the rebounding portion of this prop. And, in general, I don't have a ton of faith in Carter as a scorer. Over the past eight games, he's averaging just 12.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. However, those numbers are buoyed by two big performances against the Rockets, who don't have a center, and the Timberwolves, the worst team in the league.
Joe Bartel
Wendell Carter under 7.5 rebounds (-120) vs. NO - DraftKings Sportsbook 11:23 AM CT
I imagine Carter will play more than he has over the previous two games given the matchup, but considering Steven Adams and the Pelicans allow the fourth-fewest rebounds to opposing centers, it's just hard to believe the 21-year-old will get close to this figure. Since returning from his multi-week absence due to a bruised quad, Carter is averaging just 6.5 rebounds across his last eight games while playing close to 27 minutes per night, both numbers that reinforce the under.
Nick Whalen
Lonzo Ball OVER 26.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-115) vs. Chicago -- DraftKings Sportsbook
The hype around the other Ball brother has partially detracted from the fact that Lonzo is in the midst of the best and most consistent stretch of his NBA career. Over his last 15 games, Ball is averaging 17.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.1 steals, while maintaining a 47-47-85 shooting line. His free throw volume (1.7 FTA/G) could still use some work, but other than that he's been lightyears better than he was over the first month of the season. Ball has notched at least 27 points/rebounds/assists in four of his last seven games, while recording exactly 26 points/rebounds/assists in two others. Most importantly, he's averaging 36.6 minutes per game during that seven-game stretch. When he faced off against the Bulls in Chicago on Feb. 10, Ball went for 21 points (with a season-high five made free throws), seven assists and five boards in 34 minutes.
Jeff Edgerton
KINGS (-3.5) vs. Lakers (FD Sportsbook, 8:30 a.m. ET)
Without LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers will revert back to a version of their 2018 selves. It will be an uphill battle against the Kings, who will be able to match LA at every position.
Kyle Lowry OVER 21.5 POINTS (MGM Sportsbook, 8:30 a.m. ET)
If this game goes off as expected, Lowry will need to carry a heavy load in the backcourt. He's averaging 21.6 points per game over his last six, and 22 points over the two contests after his three-game absence last week.
