Locks

NBA (0.5 Unit) Denver Nuggets/Minnesota Timberwolves Over 219.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 8:30 PM CT on ESPN

From hosting one nemesis to another, the Wolves have their second tough game in a row here. When they’ve faced the Nuggets in the regular season the past couple of years, it’s typically been higher-scoring. I’m counting on that here, as I see a total that might not be based on where these teams are headed.

With Denver that means their offense getting on track, which it has been the past two games with 114 and 125 points in regulation. I think the Wolves will struggle with that rapidly improving Nuggets offense, because I just don’t see the same defense from them so far this season. If both of those factors converge here, then this total is much too low.

NBA (1 Unit) Boston Celtics/Charlotte Hornets Over 231.5 (-110; Odds via Caesars): 6:00 PM CT on NBCS-Boston

Celtics overs until the wheels fall off. Boston is leading the league in scoring and is second in offensive efficiency so far this young season, and I don’t see that slowing down tonight. Boston has been so good collectively on offense that a couple awful shooting nights from Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum haven’t even slowed their scoring.

Charlotte meanwhile has only played two teams with decent offenses and they gave up 125 and 133 points, so I’m seeing the Celtics get whatever they want in this one. But Boston’s defense showed cracks against Indiana’s pace, which Charlotte is capable of replicating, so I think both teams contribute significantly in getting this over the big number.

Degenerates

No degenerates today.

Tiny Nick has gained +84.4 Units on his Locks since joining Zone Coverage.

Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games he’s confident in. Degenerates are entertaining but riskier picks.