NBA odds, best bets and props and predictions

A new week means a new slate of NBA betting action. Monday treats us with a crowded 12-game slate, with all tip times scheduled for within two hours of each other. Monday Night Football will have some competition tonight, with several intriguing NBA games.

With so many games to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide how and on what to place your bets. Feel free to check out our review of the top sportsbooks in Pennsylvania

The James Harden Show has arrived in Los Angeles, but he will make his debut at the “World’s Most Famous Arena” against the Knicks. Harden has had success at Madison Square Garden in his career, with two games of more than 50 points scored. There will be questions of how quickly Harden can gel with his new teammates such as fellow stars Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook.

It is quite surprising that this line is so close at BetMGM. True, the Clippers are 0-2 on the road (3-0 at home) and the Knicks (2-4) have played a difficult schedule. But there is a clear talent disparity between these two teams. The Knicks top players have struggled to find consistency. Jalen Brunson is coming off a 45-point game but is still shooting under 43% from the field. Julius Randle is at 27% field goal percentage. And R.J. Barrett has missed New York’s past two games and is a game-time decision for Monday’s contest.

Additionally, recent trends favor Los Angeles. The Clippers, who have not played since last Wednesday, have won eight of their past nine games with a rest advantage. The Clippers have also covered the spread in eight of their past 10 games against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Add it all up and you have a line that seems way off, making the Clippers a great pick at BetMGM.

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Indiana may be the better team, at least according to most power rankings, but this spread at Caesars feels too big for a matchup between a pair of 3-3 teams. The Pacers have lost three of their past four, while the Spurs are 2-0 away from home. Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama is living up to the hype thus far, averaging north of 20 points, eight rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game.

Assuming Wembanyama is available (and there is no indication as of this writing that he is not), The Spurs should be able to at least keep things close in Indianapolis.

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Another curious line, as Melton has reached the over on this DraftKings line in each of the 76ers first five games. The Philadelphia guard averages 2.8 assists over his NBA career, but that’s up to an even five per game early in this NBA season. With the Sixers as big favorites against the Wizards, Melton shouldn’t have much trouble reaching the over on this prop.

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