NBA Best Bets Today: Predictions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Knicks Upset?
By Peter Dewey
We’ve got a bit of a light slate in the NBA on Monday, with just four games and a ton of injuries to deal with for several teams.
The Chicago Bulls are down several key players, and the Utah Jazz won’t have Donovan Mitchell and potentially Bojan Bogdanovic against the Phoenix Suns.
Injuries are leading me to stay away from the Jazz, Bulls, Indiana Pacers and Suns on Monday, but I’m eyeing one upset and a player prop in today’s best bets.
All odds courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.
NBA Best Bets Record to Date
- NBA Best Bets Record: 99-101-2
NBA Best Bets Today
- New York Knicks Moneyline vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (+230)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OVER 24.5 Points (-120)
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Knicks Moneyline (+230)
This line has moved significantly from Knicks +7.5 earlier in the day on Monday, but I bet this game Sunday night when the Knicks were +230 on the moneyline.
So where do you think I’m going?
New York is 4-2 ATS on back-to-backs this season, which is good for the third best record in the NBA. In addition, the Cavaliers have covered in just four of their last 14 games, and they will be without Lauri Markkanen on Monday.
Both of these teams hang their hat on the defensive end of the floor, and I think that kind of game benefits the Knicks a little more, since they play at the slowest pace in the NBA.
New York needs to start this road trip strong against the Cavs, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat, so I’m backing Tom Thibodeau’s squad to win tonight. Yes, we’re getting bold.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OVER 24.5 Points (-120)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 22.8 points per game this season, but he has scored 29 or more points in five of his last seven games heading into Monday’s game against the Chicago Bulls.
The Bulls are down two of their best guard defenders in Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso, and Javonte Green (questionable) could miss this game too. Gilgeous-Alexander has also taken 18 or more shots in each of his last seven games, so I’m betting on the volume and poor defense to lead to a big scoring game.
I think SGA is able to take advantage of the short-handed Bulls on Monday and put up another big scoring performance.
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.