3 Best NBA Prop Bets Today for Suns vs. Spurs (Back Chris Paul, Jakob Poeltl on MLK Day)
By Peter Dewey
The Phoenix Suns are in the second night of a back-to-back when they take on the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.
Phoenix has moved from a 4.5-point favorite to a 3.5-point favorite at WynnBET in this game with Deandre Ayton out of the lineup.
I already took the Suns in my NBA Best Bets column, but let’s look at some player props that I’d also consider in this matchup.
Best Prop Bets for Suns vs. Spurs
- Keldon Johnson UNDER 1.5 Assists (-125)
- Chris Paul OVER 9.5 Assists (+100)
- Jakob Poeltl to Record Double-Double (+175)
Keldon Johnson UNDER 1.5 Assists (-125)
Keldon Johnson has been a key player for the Spurs all season, but he isn’t much of a playmaker, averaging just 1.7 assists per game.
With Derrick White and Dejounte Murray both healthy, there is no reason for an increased amount of playmaking from Johnson, and he’s only cleared this line in three of his last 12 games.
The Suns allow the fourth fewest assists per game this season, and they are No. 2 in the NBA in defensive rating. This is a spot to fade Johnson’s assist prop.
Chris Paul OVER 9.5 Assists (+100)
I’m getting back on the Chris Paul assist train on Monday after he was held to just six dimes against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.
CP3 is averaging 9.9 assists per game this season, and he did put up 10 dimes in the last matchup against the Spurs. The Spurs like to play fast (fourth in pace) and that should play right into Paul’s favor, as Phoenix is also a fast-paced team (sixth in pace this season).
I like the value at +100 for CP3 to record his 24th double-digit assist game this season.
Jakob Poeltl to Record Double-Double (+175)
Deandre Ayton is out with a sprained ankle, and Spurs center Jakob Poeltl may be able to build on his double-double from the last time these teams met in this matchup.
Poeltl is averaging 12.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game this season, but he has four double-doubles in his last eight games and is averaging 11.9 points and 10.5 rebounds per game over that stretch.
I think he can take advantage of Jalen Smith and JaVale McGee tonight, especially after the duo played heavy minutes against the Pistons with Ayton leaving due to injury.