Most of the NBA will be getting the night off, as there is only one contest on tap this evening. While the amount of games may be limited, the Knicks and Raptors should be a matchup filled with non-stop action.
Let’s not waste any more time and jump right into some of our favorite picks for Monday, December 9.
Monday’s Best NBA Picks
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Toronto Raptors +6 (-110)
The Raptors will be ending their five-game home stand this evening against the New York Knicks. As of this morning, Karl-Anthony Towns is officially listed as questionable. There is a good chance he plays tonight. That’s what these suggestions will reflect.
Even with Towns on the floor, the Raptors look to be in a solid spot against a traveling Knicks squad who recently lost to Detroit on Saturday after winning four straight games.
Toronto has seven wins on the season, six of those victories were on their home floor. New York is 5-7 against the spread (ATS) when on the road, while the Raptors are 9-3 against the spread at home this season. Toronto should be able to keep this contest competitive enough for it to stay within six points.
Knicks @ Raptors Over 231.5 Points (-110)
While neither team ranks especially high in regards to pace, both rely on efficiency to rack up on scoring. The Raptors are 16th in points scored per game with 112.5, while New York is scoring 118 each contest.
We are partial to the over in this contest, not only due to the offense but also due to the recent defensive performances of both teams. Toronto has allowed 120 points or more in three of their last five games. The Knicks have allowed 118 or more in four straight games.
The 231.5 total looks a bit daunting at first glance. However, we feel these teams should be able to clear this number this evening.
Toronto Raptors Team Total Total Over 112.5 Points (-110)
This best selection is a correlated bet off of the total for the contest. It just makes sense to pounce on the lower total of the two considering we feel this game not only stays close but will also exceed the combined amount of points for the two teams.
Toronto has surpassed 112.5 points in four of their last six games – those four contests were at home. Although New York is a tough defensive matchup on most nights, they just allowed 120 points to the Pistons on Saturday.
Usually, this would be more of an under play due to the hounding New York defense. If Toronto is to keep this one close, they will have to get as many buckets as possible against an extremely efficient Knicks offense.
Scottie Barnes 20+ Points (-120)
Scottie Barnes is averaging over 21 points over his last 10 contests on 46% shooting from the field, including knocking down 2.2 threes per game. The Toronto forward has scored at least 20 points in five of his last eight contests, with two of those games resulting in 30+ points.
The Raptors will need one of their best scoring options to put up as many points as possible in a contest against a very tough New York team coming off a loss on Saturday. Barnes is averaging a 28.4% usage percentage over his last 10 games. He figures to be featured heavily on offense for the Raptors tonight.
Mikal Bridges Under 2.5 Three-Pointers Made (-142)
We close out the night with a juicy selection that could go overlooked by most considering there are tons of overs to explore in this contest. Mikal Bridges is averaging 2.3 three-pointers made per game on the season, knocking them down at a 32.9% clip.
When on the road, this number drops to 2.0 three-pointers made at only 29%. Toronto is allowing only 13 baskets from deep in each contest on 35% shooting.
Bridges has only connected on three or more baskets from deep in three of his last 10 games. Considering the Raptors defend the three-pointer so well, we are favoring the lower end of this total.
Enjoy the games tonight and best of luck with your picks.
