This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
2-Leg Parlay: Jaren Jackson over 16.5 points + De'Anthony Melton over 9.5 points (+268) at Raptors -- FanDuel, 2:33 PM CT
With Ja Morant sidelined, the Grizzlies will need a myriad of players to step up. I think Jackson and Melton are in great positions. With Morant off the court, Jackson takes 23.7 shots per 36 minutes, while Melton takes 19.8 shots per 36 minutes. Even if they only see minutes closer to the upper-20s, I think this is a solid bet.
Nick Whalen
New York Knicks +7.0 at Brooklyn Nets -- FanDuel Sportsbook, 1:15PM CT
A Nets team with Kevin Durant and James Harden is almost always going to have the upper hand, but Brooklyn's depth is being tested this season. Joe Harris, Nicolas Claxton and, of course, Kyrie Irving are sidelined, while Blake Griffin is completely out of the rotation. The Knicks may not have the same level of star power, but they're among the deepest teams in the league and should be able to win stretches when one of Durant and Harden is off the floor. With Kemba Walker booted from the rotation, the Knicks are (finally) leaning into their stronger lineups. I don't think they win in Brooklyn, but I like the new-look Knicks lineup, with Alec Burks at point guard, to hang tough and cover the seven points.
