This article is part of our NBA Picks series.
Alex Barutha
Suns to win (-167) @ TOR -- BetMGM (2:30 PM CT)
This line is confusing. Both teams are essentially at full health, and the Suns are 29-14 while the Raptors are 18-26. There's just too much of a difference in both talent and success this season to justify a number like -167.
Joe Bartel
Steven Adams under 8.5 points (-113) vs. DEN -- DraftKings Sportsbook (1:02 PM CT)
Jokic is rightfully garnering MVP consideration for his massive role offensively, but I don't think enough is mentioned defensively when it comes to the Serbian. The Nuggets allow the third-fewest points to opposing centers and are also tied for the fewest rebounds allowed to the aforementioned position. All of this adds up to a bad day for Adams, who already has been on a downward scoring trend in March (averaging 7.8 points across 10 games). The Pelicans center also just faced the Nuggets five days ago. While he surprisingly grabbed seven offensive boards en route to 13 total, he scored just four points and attempted four shots from the field, numbers I highly doubt take a dramatic jump up Friday.
