This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
3-Leg Parlay: Miles Bridges, Gordon Hayward and Kelly Oubre to each score 15+ points vs. 76ers (+109) -- FanDuel, 1:18 PM CT
The Hornets are down LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Mason Plumlee and Jalen McDaniels due to COVID-19 protocols. In Sunday's win over the Hawks with that group out, Hayward scored 18 points on 15 shots, Bridges went for 32 on 15, and Oubre popped for 28 on 17. They're the only players I have real confidence in to score -- Cody Martin is intriguing, though -- so I'm anticipating them each going for at least 15 points despite a relatively tough matchup.
Joel Embiid over 43.5 points + rebounds + assists at Hornets -- FanDuel, 1:21 PM CT
In this same game, I'm anticipating Embiid having a huge performance. Charlotte has virtually no frontline. PJ Washington is a decent player, but he's not locking down Embiid. Neither is Nick Richards or any other center available on this roster. This is a high number, but getting 30/10/4 out of Embiid is far from crazy.
Nick Whalen
Reggie Jackson OVER 16.5 points (-120) at Portland Trail Blazers -- DraftKings Sportsbook, 1PM CT
This isn't the most exciting prop, but Jackson and the Clippers should be in a good spot against a banged-up Blazers team that currently owns the worst defense in the NBA. Portland will be down Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, while CJ McCollum is currently questionable. None of those three are major impact players on defense, but the Blazers will be forced to dig deeper into their bench than they'd prefer. The Clips haven't exactly been setting the world on fire of late, but I'd consider taking them to cover the 3.0-point spread on the road. I also like the under on 215.5 total points.
Ken Crites
I'm taking the UNDER on Bradley Beal and 0.5 blocked shots (-333) -- BetMGM,1:00 PM CT
Oh, I know it's boring, but I need to circle the wagons and get a bit conservative. Beal has seven blocks in 21 games and faces a Pacers backcourt of Malcolm Brogdon (6-foot-5) and Chris Duarte (6-foot-6).
