This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Kevin Durant over 28.5 points (-110) at IND -- FanDuel (1:04 PM CT)
Durant is averaging 27.1 points per game this season, and both Kyrie Irving and James Harden are out Thursday. As a result, I think Durant will shoulder more of the scoring load than usual. With Irving and Harden off the court, KD averages 35.1 points per 36 minutes.
Nick Whalen
Bucks -13.0 (-114) at HOU -- DraftKings (12:32 PM CT)
Obviously, this is a big number, but there's a good reason for it. The Rockets are still dealing with several injuries and recently shut down John Wall for the rest of the season. Outside of Christian Wood, Houston has very few dependable options on either end of the floor. Meanwhile, Milwaukee is expected to have both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Donte DiVincenzo (both are probable) in uniform. If that's the case, the Bucks should jump out to a big first-half lead and roll through the final two quarters.
Darius Bazley OVER 16.5 points (-113) vs. NOP -- DraftKings
Bazley has gone over this number in seven of 10 games since returning from injury, and he continues to be one of the few players locked into a high-minute role every night for the tanking Thunder. The Pelicans are a favorable defensive matchup -- especially with Steven Adams out on the second half of a back-to-back.
