The NBA tips off the week with a modest six-game slate. We’re picking on some of the game’s top stars with our Monday NBA player props, including new NBA MVP betting favorite Joel Embiid.
[cta id=445 type=cta]
Monday NBA Player Props & Picks
Joel Embiid Over 33.5 Points
The Sixers are rolling right now. They’ve won eight straight and inserted themselves back into the mix for the Eastern Conference’s top seed. The recent surge has been on the back of their big man.
Embiid is averaging 35.2 points over his last 10, delivering on good volume and a staggering efficiency. We wouldn’t categorize Embiid as a “me first” player, but it’s no secret he feels deserving of NBA MVP honors. Now that he’s favored to win, it’s difficult to imagine him not finishing the season in sixth gear.
Domantas Sabonis Under 13.5 Rebounds
We recognize and appreciate Sabonis’ rebounding prowess. He averages 12.5 per game on the season – 13.3 over his last 10 – and has recorded 14-plus boards 26 times. Furthermore, if Lauri Markkanen misses tonight’s game for the Jazz, more errant shots will be available to clean up – in theory.
We’re staying Under here nonetheless. As strong as Sabonis is in the rebounding department, 14 is still a robust number. And in terms of the Jazz potentially being without their best player, it’s not unusual for supporting players to perform well when pressed into extended duty, particularly at home. Look for Sabonis to continue playing very well, but fall short of 14 rebounds.
Julius Randle Over 9.5 Rebounds
We’re picking on the Timberwolves in this spot more than we’re picking the Randle. The Wolves could be without a host of key players, including star guard Anthony Edwards. We recognize that backups often perform well soon after being thrust into extended duty, but Minnesota is digging deep into its well.
Randle’s work on the glass has been relatively light of late, but we’re banking on an undermanned Wolves team continuing to struggle – they’ve lost two straight on the road and three consecutive overall. Mitchell Robinson is also available with a 9.5-rebound O/U. Even though he’s a more efficient rebounder, we’re siding with Randle thanks to a higher minutes projection.
Steph Curry Over 4.5 Threes
Five made threes is no walk in the park, even for a player of Curry’s caliber. There are a few factors working in favor of an Over, though. For starters, Curry’s form is top-notch right now. He’s averaging 5.5 made threes over his last 10 on 11.6 attempts (47.3%).
Secondly, the Rockets couldn’t be a better team to face in terms of three-point resistance (or lack thereof). The Rockets surrender the most three-point shots per game and allow the third highest percentage of makes. The Warriors’ road struggles are well-documented, and the Rockets have won three of four, including an upset over the Boston Celtics. Just because the Dubs are 10-point favorites, it doesn’t mean they’ll cruise. Curry’s three-point heroics may be needed throughout the entire contest.
Note: Odds and lines for Monday’s NBA player props will shift leading up to and throughout tonight’s games. Be sure to check the best NBA betting sites for the most updated numbers.
