3 Best NBA Prop Bets Today for Knicks vs. Cavaliers (Expect RJ Barrett, Darius Garland to Shine)
By Peter Dewey
The New York Knicks will play the second game of a back-to-back on Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
New York snapped a three-game skid on Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers, but the oddsmakers at WynnBET have them as a six-point underdog in this matchup.
While I picked the Knicks to pull off the upset in my NBA Best Bets column, here are three prop bets to consider for Monday’s game:
Best Prop Bets for Knicks vs. Cavaliers
- Jarrett Allen OVER 13.5 Points (-125)
- Darius Garland OVER 20.5 Points (-135)
- RJ Barrett to Record Double-Double (+600)
Jarrett Allen OVER 13.5 Points (-125)
Jarrett Allen is averaging 16.3 points per game this season, and he’s cleared this number in seven of 12 games since returning from the NBA’s health and safety protocols.
The Knicks are banged up down low after Mitchell Robinson suffered a sprained ankle on Sunday, and Taj Gibson struggled in relief against the Clippers, picking up four fouls in less than six minutes of action.
I think Allen can take advantage of a Knicks team that may have to go small more than it would like tonight.
Darius Garland OVER 20.5 Points (-135)
Darius Garland has been one of the most improved players in the NBA this season, and he’s cleared 20.5 points in four of his last five, missing it with a 20-point performance against the Chicago Bulls.
The Knicks have been much better defensively as of late, but with Lauri Markkanen out on Monday, I think Garland will help pick up the slack for Cleveland offensively. He’s averaging 19.8 points and 16.0 shots per game, so you won’t have to worry about volume in this game for the young guard.
RJ Barrett to Record Double-Double (+600)
RJ Barrett is taking a major step as of late for the Knicks, becoming the team’s top offensive threat over the past month.
RJ Barrett is one of six players averaging more than 22 points, more than six rebounds and more two made three-pointers per game in 2022.
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) January 24, 2022
The other five are James Harden, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Khris Middleton and LeBron James
Barrett double-doubled on Sunday with 28 points, 14 rebounds and six dimes against the Clippers, and he’s picked up two double-doubles in his last four games.
Tom Thibodeau wasn’t playing any games on Sunday, riding Barrett for the entire second half as the Knicks try to get back in the playoff conversation in the East.
Barrett is going to see the minutes and opportunities, so getting him at +600 is a crazy value given his play lately.
Peter Dewey’s betting record is 99-101-2 (-11.05 units) in the NBA this season. You can find all of his picks here.