This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha: Bulls to win (-165) vs. Timberwolves -- DraftKings, 1:35 PM CT
This number feels way too short to me. Chicago is 7-5 this month with a +5.5 net rating, while Minnesota is 2-11 with a -4.4 net rating. I think Karl-Anthony Towns still gets some big-name recognition, but he's not the type of player to carry a team to wins, which has clearly been evidenced lately. Meanwhile, the Bulls are getting wins by playing as a cohesive unit, although Zach LaVine individually playing at a high level has helped too.
Nick Whalen: LeBron James UNDER 47.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-118) -- DraftKings Sportsbook
Having dropped four out of five and coming off of a horrific loss to Washington on Monday, this is basically a worst-case-scenario matchup for the Lakers, who will again be without both Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroder. Since Davis went down, the Lakers have been among the league's most dreadful offenses, and that's only been exacerbated in the absence of Schroder. While the Lakers continue to tumble, James' counting stats have mostly sustained. But I don't see him getting to 47.5 P+R+A against this Jazz defense in a game that will likely be a lopsided blowout. James' three-point shot has completely abandoned him in February, and without Davis and Schroder, the Lakers don't have a single secondary option that scares you, if you're Utah.
Ken Crites: I'm taking the UNDER on BOS at ATL on PointsBet (227.5, -105 at 9:30am ET)
This will be an ugly, sloppy game. The game is the second of a back-to-back for both squads. The starters will be exhausted and both teams have bad/thin benches right now. Boston has averaged only 108 points scored in their last 10 games. And they'll be missing (probably) Kemba Walker (knee), who Boston has been resting on the second of back-to-backs. Yes, their defense is also poor with Marcus Smart out, but the offense misses his hockey assists. The Cavs just held Atlanta to 111 points in Cleveland's win Tuesday night.
