This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Jonas Valanciunas to have a 20-point, 15-rebound game at Thunder (+437) -- FanDuel, 3:31 PM CT
The Thunder may have the worst center rotation in the NBA, emphasized by giving up the most rebounds per game (48.4) to opponents. While Valanciunas "only" has five 20-and-15 games this season, he's scored at least 20 points 13 times and has grabbed at least 15 boards six times. Ultimately, I would expect Valanciunas to achieve the feat at least once if these teams faced off four times, which is what the odds imply. Also, he posted 25-and-15 when the Pels played the Thunder in mid-November.
Nick Whalen
Cleveland Cavaliers -9.5 (-110) vs. Houston Rockets -- DraftKings Sportsbook, 3:14 PM CT
I can't believe I'm wholeheartedly backing the Cavaliers -- the Cleveland Cavaliers -- to cover a 9.5-point spread, but here we are. This is contingent on Evan Mobley playing, but if he does, Cleveland should be in a great position to take advantage of a shorthanded Rockets team that should be without Eric Gordon, Christian Wood, Jalen Green, Kevin Porter and Danuel House. Injuries aside, the Cavs are covering at by far the league's best rate this season, as they enter the night 22-5-2 (81.5%) against the spread.
Joe Bartel
Trae Young double-double (-140) at Magic -- DraftKings Sportsbook, 2:19 PM CT
The Magic just allow a ton of assists to opposing backcourt, and prior to Monday, Young had a streak of five straight games with at least 10 assists. 9.5 is his assist o/u at -150, so this option just gives you better odds. Given the Magic also struggle defending opposing frontcourts, I think Young could take a slight dip in his usual points totals but make up for it in spades with assists.
