This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha: Seth Curry over 24.5 points+rebounds+assists (-102) vs. Knicks -- FanDuel, 1:16 PM CT
The 76ers are missing, namely, Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Matisse Thybulle. That opens a ton of usage up. The primary beneficiary should be Curry. He sees a 6.3 percent usage bump with that trio off the court to the tune of 19.8 shots, 4.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists per 36 minutes.
Knicks moneyline at 76ers + Heat moneyline at Denver parlay (+221) -- FanDuel, 1:24 PM CT
As much as I think Seth Curry will thrive, I don't expect the 76ers to emerge victorious. They just aren't a good team without Embiid, Harris and Thybulle. Lineups with those three off the court are -5.3 points per 100 possessions. Meanwhile, Denver is missing Michael Porter Jr., which hurts their cause, though I'd still take the Heat to win if he was available. Miami is an excellent defensive team with a center capable of giving Nikola Jokic some headaches. Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry should also be able to shut down Will Barton.
Nick Whalen: Charlotte Hornets +1.5 (-105) at LA Lakers -- DraftKings Sportsbook, 1:00 PM CT
While the Lakers should have Anthony Davis for this game, I have next to no faith in this team to beat a respectable opponent without LeBron James. As has been the case throughout LeBron's career, his teams struggle to function without his playmaking, and that's again been the case this season. Spearheaded by a comedy of errors from Russell Westbrook, the Lakers have dropped two games to OKC, in addition to being blown out by Portland on Saturday, without James' services. While some of the luster has worn off of Charlotte's hot start, I think they're in a great spot to exploit this version of the Lakers.
