This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OVER 20.5 points (-118) vs Bulls (FanDuel Sportsbook 2:04 PM CT)
The Bulls play matador defense, allowing the third-most points per game (121.1) in the NBA. Gilgeous-Alexander hasn't had an issue reaching 20 points regularly this season. In games that the Thunder have scored at least 100 points, SGA is averaging 22.9 points. The Bulls also give up plenty of threes, allowing the fourth-most makes in the NBA, so an over wager on SGA's made threes (1.5, -136) makes sense as well since he's launching 4.9 longballs per game.
Ken Crites: I'm taking the under on BetMGM for the ATL @ UTA game
BetMGM has the OU for the Hawks at Jazz game at 228.5, which would make it tonight's highest OU tied with LAC at SAC. I'm taking the under. We all know about the methodical approach Utah has taken over the past few years with Rudy Gobert at center. But the Hawks have been surprisingly good at defense this year, ranking 11th in Defensive Rating. Clint Capela will be manning center and guarding the paint for the Hawks tonight, and Joe Ingles is OUT, both of which points to a lower score. The spread has a 117 total for Utah, a score they have topped five out of 11 times this season. Sure, it could happen again, but I'm banking on the Hawks' defense to step up.
Jeff Edgerton: Julius Randle OVER 22.5 points (DK Sportsbook, 2:34 PM)
Randle is coming off a masterful 30-point game against the Nets and put up 28 points against the Cavaliers earlier in the year. Andre Drummond is also a game-time call, so this is a prime opportunity for Randle to dominate.
