Although this may be an oxymoron, happy Monday nonetheless.
We went a perfect 4-for-4 in last Monday’s NBA PrizePicks entry and will look to do the same this evening.
There are six games on the schedule and plenty of injuries that could change the available markets.
Keep in mind that numbers change throughout the day.
After a thorough scan of the PrizePicks lobby, I’ve selected my four favorite picks for Monday night’s slate.
NBA PrizePicks Predictions and Picks Monday
Damian Lillard has more than 35.5 points
In case you haven’t noticed, Lillard is the hottest player in the NBA right now.
Instead of games being ‘dam time’ in the fourth quarter, it’s been ‘dam time’ for weeks.
In his last eight games, he has averaged 41.4 points per contest.
With Jusuf Nurkic (out), Anferni Simmons (out), and Josh Hart (trade) this season, Lillard has averaged 43.9 points per 36 minutes.
Given the tight spread of tonight’s game, he should see 36-to-38 minutes against the Pistons, who rank 28th in defensive efficiency against point guards this season.
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Bam Adebayo over 8.5 rebounds
This pick is based more on matchup than anything else, but even at face value, it stands out the most when you compare his prop to his season-long average.
Adebayo averaged 9.7 rebounds per game this season, well above the 8.5 mark we’re looking for tonight.
The Centers have had a lot of success against the Hawks this season, especially on the glass.
Atlanta is an average rebounding team (18th) and their two centers (Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu) rarely leave the paint.
In three meetings against the Hawks so far this season, Adebayo has averaged 10.7 rebounds per game.
Domantas Sabonis averages less than 7.5 assists
Let’s keep it simple – Sabonis has averaged 6.9 assists per game on the season and has drawn a below-average matchup against the Pelicans, who rank 15th in rushing and ninth in defensive rating.
Sabonis has recorded fewer than 7.5 assists in 13 of his last 17 games.
There’s a chance De’Aaron Fox (questionable) sits tonight, but Sabonis averages just 0.54 more assists per 36 minutes Fox is off the floor.
At least on this particular prop it’s hit at a very high clip, so there’s no need to rock the boat with it.
Betting on the NBA?
CJ McCollum over 26.5 points + rebounds
On the season, McCollum has averaged 21.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
That’s slightly less than the total we’re looking for tonight, but it doesn’t tell the whole story.
The Pelicans are currently without Zion Williamson, Josh Richardson, Jose Alvarado and Larry Nance.
There is also a good chance Jonas Valanciones (doubtful) will be forced to miss another game.
With all the injuries, McCollum is playing big minutes and getting a ton of use.
He might need a little more help on the glass tonight.
The icing on the cake is a matchup against the Kings, who are ninth in rushing and 25th in defensive rating this season.
You can follow Justin Carlucci on Twitter @ThejCarlucci
