Derrick White [1296x729]
Derrick White [1296x729] (Credit: Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jones defends medical care after Talladega wreck

Thursday night's NBA slate features only two games, but the game that bettors should keep an eye on is between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks will be looking to bounce back after losing two consecutive road games and suffering a devastating double-overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. Let's dive into my first betting recommendation.

CJ McCollum over 21.5 points.

The Bucks have struggled to defend against perimeter shooters all season, which plays into McCollum's favor. He has scored over 21.5 points in three consecutive games, averaging 21 field goal attempts per game. With Brandon Ingram ruled out, further boosting McCollum should have a big night against a Bucks team that ranks 28th in points allowed per game to point guards.

Jayson Tatum over 39.5 points, rebounds and assists.

While some bettors might hesitate to take this bet because the Celtics are 16.5-point favorites, don't be deterred. Tatum gone over 39.5 points, rebounds and assists in six of his past 10 games, including against the Hawks on Monday. Also, Tatum has surpassed this line in eight of the 15 road games where Boston has won by double digits this season.

Derrick White over 5.5 assists.

White has dished over 5.5 assists in seven of his past 10 games and averaged 10.6 potential assists per game over that span. He continues to play heavy minutes and faces a Hawks team on Thursday night that ranks 26th in points allowed per 100 possessions and near the bottom of the league in effective field goal percentage. This provides an excellent opportunity for White to shine as a facilitator.

Projections and injury reports

Odds provided by ESPN BET. Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com.

 Boston Celtics at Atlanta Hawks 7:30 p.m. State Farm Arena, Atlanta

Records (Against the Spread)  Celtics: 57-15 (39-30-3) Hawks: 33-39 (26-46-0)

Line: Celtics (-16.5) Total: 225.5 Money Line: Celtics (-1600), Hawks (+800) BPI Projection: Celtics by 14.7, straight up 90%, 244.2 total points.

Injury Report: Celtics: Al Horford, (GTD - Toe); Jaden Springer, (GTD - Knee); Jrue Holiday, (GTD - Shoulder); Xavier Tillman, (GTD - Knee) Hawks: Mouhamed Gueye, (GTD - Elbow); Onyeka Okongwu, (GTD - Toe); AJ Griffin, (OUT - Ankle); Jalen Johnson, (OUT - Ankle); Kobe Bufkin, (OUT - Toe); Trae Young, (OUT - Finger); Saddiq Bey, (OUT - Knee)

 Milwaukee Bucks at New Orleans Pelicans 8 p.m. Smoothie King Center, New Orleans

Records (Against the Spread) Bucks: 46-26 (32-40-0) Pelicans: 44-28 (39-32-1)

Line: Bucks (-1.5) Total: 224.5 Money Line: Bucks (-115), Pelicans (-105) BPI Projection: Pelicans by 3.9, straight up 63%, 238.1 total points.

Injury Report: Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, (GTD - Hamstring); Khris Middleton, (GTD - Ankle); MarJon Beauchamp, (GTD - Back); Patrick Beverley, (GTD - Wrist) Pelicans: Jose Alvarado, (GTD - Hip); Dyson Daniels, (OUT - Knee); Brandon Ingram, (OUT - Knee)