This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Jrue Holiday over 18.5 points (-115) at Pelicans -- FanDuel, 2:02 PM CT
Most notably, the Bucks will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis due to protocols, while Khris Middleton is probable but still dealing with a knee injury. With Giannis and Portis off the court this season, Holiday is averaging 35.7 points on 22.4 shots. Being in New Orleans, this is also practically a home game for Holiday, who spent seven years playing for the Pelicans.
LeBron James to record a 30-10-10 triple-double (+670) at Timberwolves -- FanDuel, 2:07 PM CT
The Lakers are down THT, Westbrook, Dwight Howard and Avery Bradley. With that group off the floor, LeBron is averaging 30.8 points, 11.2 assists and 10.3 rebounds per 36 minutes. It's a small sample, but he'll need to run the show. If you're feeling lucky, you can tack on a Lakers win to the 30-10-10 line for +1027 odds.
2-Leg Parlay: Karl-Anthony Towns over 27.5 points + D'Angelo Russell over 6.5 assists (+256) -- FanDuel, 2:15 PM CT
Anthony Edwards and Taurean Prince are out. With those two off the court, Towns averages 37.1 points per 36 minutes while D'Angelo Russell averages 10.4 assists per 36 minutes.
Nick Whalen
Memphis Grizzlies -6.5 (-110) at Sacramento Kings -- DraftKings Sportsbook, 12:15 PM CT
This was already going to be an advantageous matchup for the Grizzlies, and that was before we learned that De'Aaron Fox had entered COVID-19 protocols. Richaun Holmes is also doubtful for this game, while a back injury may keep Tyrese Haliburton off the floor, as well. Memphis is, of course, still without Ja Morant, but they've played well in his absence and should have no problem handling what could very well be a Kings team missing three of its four best players.