Best player props for Monday’s NBA slate: Rudy Gobert poised to dominate the Cavs

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert dunking
Photo of Germantas Kneita

Germantas Kneita

NBA

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Like most Lithuanians, I started watching basketball from the age of six. I'm based out in London and played basketball at the University of Lincoln here in the UK. I had always had an interest in the NBA but things really took off in the summer of 2010. That year Linas Kleiza led Lithuania to 3rd place at the World Championships and signed with the Toronto Raptors to replace the departing Chris Bosh. I've been a Raptors fan since that day and I've not missed a game since. I've been handicapping games for more than a decade, specializing in player props.

The NBA had just four games on last night but is back with a huge 11-game slate tonight. There are intriguing matchups all over the place tonight but the highlight will surely be the clash between the Clippers and the Bucks. We hit six of eight against the spread and game totals picks so be sure to check out our picks for all of tonight’s games here.

In the meantime, lets check out some of the best player prop bets for tonight’s NBA action.

Rudy Gobert over 29.5 points + rebounds (-108)

Rudy Gobert will be looking at the announcement that Jarrett Allen will miss his second straight game due to a concussion and will be licking his lips at the prospect of being matched up against Isaiah Hartenstein. The Cavaliers big man is yet to make his debut for the club after being traded from Denver but should be thrown into the deep end here due to their depleted frontline. Moving to a new club can be full of difficulties and look for the Jazz to explore that as they will likely look to test his pick and roll defense here. If Hartenstein is not on the same page as his teammates, Rudy Gobert is very likely to be on of the main beneficiaries of their miscommunications.

Aside from the favourable matchup, Gobert has been putting up strong numbers. He reached the combined 30 point and rebound mark in each of his last two games against Valanciunas, a player with a deeper range than Hartenstein. Overall, he has gone over this line in four of his last five games and tonight should really be no different. Back the over.

Be sure to check out our full game preview for Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Utah Jazz.

Zion Williamson over 28.5 points (-106)

Zion Williamson is playing MVP level basketball right now. He has gone over this line in three of his last four games and is averaging over 34 points per game over the last week. Overall, he has been at least one field goal away from hitting this total in each of his last seven games too. Part of his success has been his ability to get to the line, as he’s averaging double digit attempts in four of his last five matches. The Celtics are 24th in the league in opponent free throw attempts per game so Williamson should have no trouble getting to the line.

Matchup wise there is no one that the Celtics could throw at him that would genuinely challenge him. Grant Williams is strong, but he is not Zion level strong. He also lacks the athleticism and length to challenge him. Robert Williams could have a shot, but he is very foul prone and could struggle staying on the floor. Zion should have his way here, back the over.

Be sure to check out our full game preview for New Orleans Pelicans vs. Boston Celtics.

Karl-Anthony Towns over 5.5 assists (+205)

This is a great value bet. Karl-Anthony Towns averages 4.3 assists on the season but has lately been exceeding this figure, managing six or more assists in five of his last eight games. Tonight’s opponents represent a great chance for him to do so once again here. Over the last 10 games Enes Kanter, Nikola Vucevic, Domantas Sabonis, Julius Randle and Mason Plumlee have all recorded six or more assists against them. There is no reason to suggest that Towns cannot join that list. He is the focal point of this offense and with the game total line set at 239, it looks like he will have plenty of opportunities to put big numbers across the board here.

Be sure to check out our full game preview for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Brooklyn Nets.

Mason Plumlee 12+ rebounds (+182)

Another good value bet here. Mason Plumlee has faced off against the Raptors twice this year and was able to record rebounding totals of 11 and 14. The Raptors are simply not a good rebounding team and they did nothing to address that at the trade deadline. The Raptors are 23rd in the league in opponent rebounds per game allowing them to collect just over 46 in total, and 10 on the offensive end. He has shown his ability in the past to rebound against this club and its worth a shot backing him to get it done once more here. The Raptors on the second night of a back-to-back which could be a factor too.

Be sure to check out our full game preview for Toronto Raptors vs. Detroit Pistons.

Pickswise is the home of free NBA picks and predictions. Make sure to also check out our NBA parlays and ‘NBA prop bets‘ tabs for more expert picks. 

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