The NBA season is off and running, and what an exciting first week it was. We’ve now had a chance to see every team play. Many new faces in new places have started off strong, and there are plenty of player props to select from. We’re coming off a sweep last Thursday, and I’m looking to continue that success this week! We have 11 games to select our Underdog, and PrizePicks plays for Monday night to kick off our week!
There are some exciting matchups, including an Eastern Conference playoff rematch between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat. There are plenty of options for Monday night, so let’s get to it.
Giannis Antetokounmpo 26.5 Points (Higher) -Underdog
Riding with Giannis on any night is an easy choice but riding him in the ultimate revenge spot is even better. The Bucks will battle the Heat on Monday night in their third game of the season. Miami was responsible for knocking the Bucks out of the playoffs last season in a massive series upset. Giannis was injured in Game 1 of the series and missed Games 2 and 3. Ultimately, the Bucks lost the series 4-1, and Giannis will be out for blood in this playoff rematch. Including the playoffs, Giannis has gone over this number in 3 of his last 4 healthy games against the Heat. Giannis will get his revenge.
Ben Simmons 16.5 Rebounds + Assists (More) – PrizePicks
I’m going to keep riding this over until the lines adjust. Simmons is in a make-or-break season for his career outlook. Through the Nets first two games, he has had 18 and 19 rebounds and assists. The Nets get to face one of the NBA’s softest defenses Monday night against the Hornets. Charlotte is allowing the third most rebounds per game, and last season they were also bottom three in rebounds allowed per game. Simmons’ usage rate is down again so far this season, but with Center Nicolas Claxton out again for the Nets, Simmons will be their top rebounder on the floor.
Kristaps Porzingis 19.5 Points (More) – PrizePicks
Revenge game narrative? Check. No one on the Wizards to defend him? Check. There is always the risk of a blowout ruining a player prop, but this spread is surprisingly closer than I expected it to be. Porzingis should be able to get his tonight from all over the floor. The Wizards are allowing the second-highest percentage of three-pointers at 43.3%. The “Unicorn” is proving this season why he was given that nickname early in his career.
Cade Cunningham 23.5 Points (Higher) – Underdog
Cunningham has looked like his explosive self through the season’s first three games for the Pistons. He has scored 30 and 25 points in two of three games, and we can expect him to be busy trying to keep up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Monday night. Cade is leading the Pistons in field goal attempts by a wide margin, and the Thunder are once again struggling to slow down opposing guards.
Jalen Duren 13.5 Rebounds (More) – PrizePicks
As a team, the Detroit Pistons have been dominating the boards. They have three players all averaging double-digit rebounds so far. Duren leads the way with 15.3 rebounds per game. He has had an insane 24.3 rebound chances per game and has turned that into games with 15, 17, and 14 rebounds, respectively! I cashed in on his double-double at plus money, but books have adjusted to his output heading into the fourth game of the season. A matchup with the Thunder presents another terrific spot for the second-year man from Memphis to dominate the glass. OKC has allowed the third most rebounds per game to opposing centers so far. The Pistons are a young and exciting team just like the Thunder, just not quite playoff-ready, but they will battle on a nightly basis because of the play of guys like Duren!