This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over 21.5 points at Grizzlies -- WynnBET, 12:55 PM CT
Josh Giddey remains out for the Thunder, and I'm hitting SGA's over on points for a second day in a row. Last night against the Rockets, he took 26 shots and scored 39 points against the Rockets. The Grizzlies are also a bad defensive team, and I'm expecting Gilgeous-Alexander to be the engine of the offense again.
Nick Whalen
San Antonio Spurs +4.5 (-110) at Portland Trail Blazers -- WynnBet Sportsbook, 11:30AM CT
I know the Spurs aren't a good team and this game is in Portland, but I'm surprised San Antonio is getting nearly five points tonight. The Blazers are without Damian Lillard and Nassir Little, while Norman Powell may be in line to miss another game. The absence of Lillard, alone, makes this game a toss-up, and I think it's a great spot for Dejounte Murray to take advantage of one of the league's worst defenses -- particularly in the backcourt. It should be a close game, but I like the Spurs to cover 4.5 points and maybe even win outright.