Monday`s NBA schedule is packed with eight exciting games, featuring several teams vying for playoff spots. Key matchups include the Lakers facing the Magic (+3.5), and the Timberwolves against the Pacers (-2.5). These cross-conference games, both tipping off at 7 p.m. ET, are crucial for seeding within their respective conferences. Later, at 10 p.m. ET, Kevin Durant`s Suns, favored by 2.5 points at home, will clash with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, as Milwaukee aims to secure a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. Remarkably, seven of the eight games have tight spreads of four points or less. SportsLine expert Mike Barner has analyzed these matchups and identified his top NBA picks and prop bets for the day.
Mike Barner, a highly respected analyst in the industry, is currently on an impressive 114-77 run in his last 191 NBA player prop picks, yielding a profit of +2303. Following his advice could lead to significant returns for bettors.
Lakers (-3.5) Expected to Cover Against Magic
The Lakers have a strong recent history against the Magic, winning 7 of their last 9 games, including 4 of the last 5 in Orlando. LeBron James recently returned after a two-week injury absence. Notably, the Lakers are 7-2 against the spread in games James has completed in this nine-game stretch. Barner points out a significant trend for the Magic: they have underperformed as home underdogs, holding the third-worst record in the league in this role this season. “The Magic`s recent form is concerning, going 4-8 in their last 12 games and 4-7 against the spread as a home underdog this season. Therefore, the pick is to take the Lakers to cover,” Barner advises.
Kevin Huerter: Over 13.5 Total Points in Bulls vs. Nuggets
Since joining the Bulls in the Zach LaVine trade, Huerter`s role and production have increased significantly. With the Kings, he averaged just 7.9 points in 20.9 minutes, but with Chicago, he`s averaging 12.9 points in 28.9 minutes. Starting in the last six games for the Bulls, Huerter has averaged 16.3 points and is expected to play heavy minutes tonight due to injuries to Lonzo Ball, Ayo Dosunmu, and Tre Jones. Barner stated to SportsLine, “The Bulls and Nuggets are both among the top six fastest-paced teams in the league, which should provide Huerter with more opportunities to exceed this points total.”
Josh Giddey: Over 8.5 Total Assists in Bulls vs. Nuggets
The Bulls` injury situation also benefits Josh Giddey, especially as the injured players are all primary ball-handlers. Giddey achieved a career-high of 17 assists in his previous game and his playmaking has improved since the All-Star break, averaging 9.1 assists compared to 6.4 before. He faces an ideal matchup against the Denver defense, which is struggling and ranks 24th in points allowed per game.
Barner added, “This is an excellent matchup for Giddey against the Nuggets, who allow the most assists per game in the NBA. In their last meeting, Giddey had 10 assists in just 27 minutes. He is projected to play over 30 minutes in this game.”
Jasper Hawthorne