This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Cavaliers to win (+205) vs. BOS -- DraftKings (1:46 PM CT)
The Celtics are down Jaylen Brown, Kemba Walker and Robert Williams. With those three off the court, Boston is -6.6 points per 100 possessions. That's bad enough for me to feel some confidence in the Cavaliers being able to pull the upset, even without Darius Garland.
Nick Whalen
Nets -4.0 (-130) at SAS -- DraftKings (11:00 AM CT)
I know Kyrie Irving is questionable, and the Nets are on the second half of a tough back-to-back, but with playoff seeding still up for grabs -- not to mention James Harden returning -- it's hard to imagine Brooklyn not putting its foot on the gas. Even if Harden has some rust to shake off and Irving ends up sitting out, the presence of Kevin Durant alone is more than enough to keep the Nets in the game. This line feels like a bit of an overreaction to San Antonio catching fire from three and blowing out Milwaukee on Monday.
Trae Young OVER 1.5 made threes (-143) vs. WAS -- DraftKings
I'm essentially betting on Young busting out of his recent slump, as he's just 3-of-22 from beyond the arc over the last four games. Encouragingly, though, the volume has still been there, and that should remain the case against the run-and-gun, Brad Beal-less Wizards tonight.
Celtics -7.0 (-120) at CLE -- DraftKings
Everyone is down on Boston right now, but this is a great opportunity for the Celtics to build at least some semblance of momentum heading into the playoffs. Back-to-back losses to Miami -- plus the loss of Jaylen Brown for the season -- has cast a pall over the team, but the Celtics should have enough to get a win against a team that has a ton of interest in not winning this game.
Jacob Lebowitz
Russell Westbrook OVER 14.5 Assists (-113) vs. ATL -- DraftKings (11:22 AM CT)
Over the past 5 games, Westbrook has been assisting the ball like no other player in the league averaging 18.8 assists each game, while also getting at least 15 assists in each of those games. In what should be another high-scoring game, Westbrook will have the ball in his hands a lot as Beal is out again with a hamstring injury. It is very likely that Westbrook dishes out at least 15 assists again, like Monday, when he managed 21 assists versus the Hawks.
