NBA on TNT picks: Trail Blazers vs. Bucks, Pelicans vs. Suns

The NBA returns to TNT with an intriguing double-header Thursday, which will feature the second stop on Carmelo Anthony's redemption tour and an ol' fashioned shootout between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns. We have odds and picks for both matchups below.

Portland Trail Blazers at Milwaukee Bucks, 8 p.m. ET

Carmelo Anthony made his season debut Tuesday against the Pelicans, and the results weren't pretty. The 35-year-old forward went 4-of-14 from the field and racked up five fouls and five turnovers in a lopsided 115-104 loss. Anthony was playing in his first NBA game in 376 days, but the same defensive issues that plagued him in Houston were apparent with the Blazers. The Pelicans took full advantage of his lack of lateral movement and inability to switch, which resulted in a putrid -20 plus/minus rating.

If Anthony was unable to defend Brandon Ingram and Nicolo Melli, just imagine how he'll fare against Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak is posting career highs in points (30.5), rebounds (13.8) and assists (6.0) and is converting a mind-blowing 78% of his shots in the restricted area. All defenders can do is step aside and get out of the way, unless they end up on a poster.

The Bucks aren't quite the juggernaut they were a year ago, with the offseason departures of Malcolm Brogdon and Nikola Mirotic and the absence of injured forward Khris Middleton, but at 11-3 they're still a force to be reckoned with. Expect Milwaukee to extend its five-game win streak and improve its record at home to 4-1 Thursday night.

Picks: Bucks moneyline and Over 230.5

New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns, 10:30 p.m. ET

Put your hand up if you thought the Suns would be the seventh seed in the West after the first month of the season. Phoenix has remained in the playoff conversation thanks to a high-octane offense that ranks first in assists and sixth in points per game. Much of the credit goes to new arrival Ricky Rubio, who has increased the team's pace by 2.7 points per 100 possessions while miraculously cutting its turnovers. The veteran point guard has developed instant chemistry with Devin Booker, who is averaging 25.6 points per game and is getting more clean looks than at any other point in his career.

Phoenix has also received a huge contribution from journeyman Aron Baynes, who has filled Phoenix's gaping hole at center following Deandre Ayton's drug suspension. The super-sized Aussie has increased his scoring average by 8.9 points per game and has helped improve the Suns spacing on offense by hitting a career-high 44% of his three-point attempts. He's presently day-to-day with a hip injury but is a major difference maker when he is in the lineup.

Speaking of injuries, the Suns will be facing one of the most banged-up teams in the league. The Pelicans have been without Zion Williamson and Darius Miller all season, and could be without Lonzo Ball (hip), Josh Hart (knee), Derrick Favors (back) and Jhalil Okafor (ankle) on Thursday night. Their collective absence has resulted in a 5-9 record and a string of highly unpredictable performances from one night to the next.

Given the fact that the Pelicans resemble a MASH unit more than an NBA team, the Suns should win this one handily.

Picks: Suns -3.5 and moneyline 

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