This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
LaMarcus Aldridge under 5.5 rebounds (-110) vs. NOP -- BetMGM (2:20 PM CT)
On Tuesday, I targeted the under for Clint Capela's rebounds against Steven Adams, as the Pelicans allow the fewest boards in the NBA. That wager hit, so I'm going back to the well and banking on Aldridge failing to reach six boards against Adams.
Nick Whalen
Karl-Anthony Towns over 28.5 points (-113) at IND -- DraftKings (12:51 PM CT)
This number is essentially right on Towns' average since the All-Star break, but he'll get an above-average matchup against a Pacers team whose three best players are all very questionable to play. Most importantly, Myles Turner (sprained ankle) is probably the most questionable of all, as his injury occurred less than 24 hours ago in Tuesday's loss to Chicago. If Turner doesn't play, the Pacers will quickly be out of options to throw at one of the most versatile big men in the league.
Joe Bartel
Wendell Carter over 14.5 points (-107) vs. WAS -- DraftKings (1:24 PM CT)
I'm a bit worried about what sort of influence Khem Birch will have after missing the last two games with a non-COVID illness, but the Magic should be hyper-focused on developing Carter considering he was arguably the only "valuable" piece from March's dramatic trade deadline teardown. With Birch gone, Carter posted back-to-back games with at least 34 minutes, and while I suspect that number goes down slightly, the ex-Bull should be guaranteed the majority of the minutes after three straight games of excellent play. Should Carter see a relatively similar amount of minutes, I'm anticipating he'll take advantage of a susceptible Wizards defense which allows the second-most points to opposing centers.
Ken "K-Train" Crites
Knicks to cover +3.0 (-110) at BOS -- BetMGM (2:25 PM CT)
This is looking more and more like a lost season by Celtic standards. Just as everyone finally appeared to be back and healthy, newly-acquired Evan Fournier faces a week-plus absence due to health and safety protocols. Boston leads the league in player games lost to COVID. They are 20 games ahead of the second-ranked team. Boston has no continuity and are bound to get out-hustled on the second of a back-to-back by New York, who hasn't played since facing Brooklyn on Monday. Look for more bad Celtic turnovers and probably a Knicks win.
