This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Hornets to win (+105) at Wizards -- DraftKings, 4:25 PM CT
The Wizards are down, notably, Spencer Dinwiddie and Montrezl Harrell, while the Hornets are down PJ Washington. Washington's injuries are more significant, and the teams have played to about the same level this season. Despite the game being played in Washington, I don't think this version of their team is nearly as good as Charlotte.
Nick Whalen
Philadelphia 76ers - 13.5 (-110) vs. Houston Rockets -- DraftKings Sportsbook, 2:30 PM CT
I've been hammering some of these big numbers of late, and for the most part, it's worked out, as COVID absences have led to some exceedingly lopsided matchups. This certainly qualifies as one of those, as the Rockets will be without several key pieces -- some due to COVID, some due to injury and others due to suspension. With the Sixers' COVID issues mostly behind them, look for Joel Embiid and Co. to cruise to an easy home win.
Ken Crites
I'm taking the OVER on Miles Bridges scoring 17.5 (+100) -- DraftKings as of 3:15pm ET
Washington was the early season touchy-feely story, but they've crashed back to reality. They are 3-7 over their last 10 games and now rank 11th in the East in Opponent Points per Game (108.8). Prior to his first game back from COVID, Bridges averaged 18.9 points per game over his last 14 games. Yes, he looked rusty last night versus the Suns, but Phoenix plays much better D than Washington. I'm expecting a nice bounce-back game tonight from Bridges, especially with PJ Washington still out.
