With a six-game NBA slate on tap for Monday night, we have an exciting opportunity to find value in player prop selections. Focusing on matchups, trends, and projected roles, we’ve identified three plays that stand out as excellent +EV opportunities for tonight’s action.
Let’s dive into the analysis.
NBA Betting Today Preview & Plays: Monday, Dec. 16
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With an action-packed Monday night slate, the stage is set for standout performances across the league.
1. James Harden MORE THAN 4.5 Rebounds
James Harden is positioned to surpass 4.5 rebounds in tonight’s matchup against the Utah Jazz. The Jazz are one of the quickest pace-of-play teams in the league, creating additional opportunities for rebounds. Utah also ranks 12th in rebounds allowed to Harden’s position, making this an appealing setup for the guard.
Harden has consistently been a force on the boards, averaging around 6 defensive rebounds per game. With his expected playing time exceeding 30 minutes in tonight’s contest, the volume should be there for him to comfortably clear this number. The -135 odds for the more than further emphasize the value of this pick, especially in a game where Utah’s up-tempo style could lead to an increase in missed shots and rebounding opportunities for Harden.
2. Andre Drummond MORE THAN 11.5 Rebounds + Assists
Andre Drummond is in a prime position to surpass 11.5 Rebounds + Assists tonight with Joel Embiid sidelined. Without Embiid in the lineup, Drummond sees a significant boost in minutes and usage, typically logging at least 20 minutes in similar situations. The matchup against the Charlotte Hornets is favorable, as they rank in the middle of the pack for both rebounds and assists allowed to opposing centers.
Drummond is known for his dominance on the boards, and his ability to facilitate the offense in limited minutes only adds to his upside. With odds of -137 favoring the more than, this line is a great value play. Expect Drummond to take full advantage of his increased role and the Hornets’ interior defense, making this a strong pick for tonight’s slate.
3. Nikola Vucevic MORE THAN 21.5 Points + Assists
Nikola Vucevic has been a key contributor for the Bulls this season, and tonight’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors presents an excellent opportunity for him to shine. The Raptors rank 12th in points allowed to opposing centers and dead last in assists allowed to the position, creating an ideal environment for Vucevic to surpass this line.
On PrizePicks, the number is set at 21.5, but other sportsbooks and DFS apps have it listed at 22.5, providing a clear +EV advantage. The Bulls’ fast-paced offensive approach should ensure plenty of opportunities for Vucevic, who is expected to log 30+ minutes tonight. With his scoring touch and ability to distribute effectively from the post, Vucevic is well-positioned to exceed 21.5 Points + Assists.
Tip of the Day: Leverage Pace-of-Play Metrics
One often-overlooked factor in evaluating player props is the pace of play. Faster-paced teams generate more possessions, leading to increased opportunities for points, rebounds, and assists. For instance, tonight’s matchups feature the Jazz and Bulls—both of whom rank among the top teams in pace. By targeting players involved in these games, you can capitalize on the extra volume and boost your chances of hitting your selections.
Final Thoughts
Here’s a recap of our top plays for Monday night:
- James Harden MORE THAN 4.5 Rebounds – A high pace-of-play matchup against the Jazz creates plenty of rebound opportunities.
- Andre Drummond MORE THAN 11.5 Rebounds + Assists – With Embiid out, Drummond is poised for a productive night against Charlotte.
- Nikola Vucevic MORE THAN 21.5 Points + Assists – A fast-paced game and favorable matchup against Toronto make this an excellent value play.
Each of these plays is supported by matchup analysis, player trends, and statistical insights, offering a well-rounded approach.
Good luck, and enjoy the Monday night NBA action!