This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Grizzlies to cover -8 (-110) vs. Bulls -- PointsBet, 12:35 PM CT
This is a relatively big number, but there's a lot of necessary context. The Grizzlies are at home and continue to play at an elite level. Over the past two weeks, Memphis is 7-1 and have a +7.6 point differential and are +6.8 points ATS. Meanwhile, Chicago is down Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso and others. And while DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic are capable players, Chicago was regressing a bit even before the recent injuries. Over the past two weeks, they have a -6.0 point differential and are -7.2 ATS. I'm banking on the trends continuing here.
Nick Whalen
Utah Jazz -4.5 (-115) at LA Lakers -- DraftKings Sportsbook, 11:45AM CT
This number feels suspiciously low. Utah is on a back-to-back, so maybe there's an expectation that a starter or two doesn't play, but even so it's difficult to find an argument in favor of this Lakers team, which most recently loss by 37 to the Nuggets on Saturday. As long as the Jazz don't employ a mass-rest approach, side with the road team here. The Lakers are a mess.
