The New York Knicks take on the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight, which means star guard Jalen Brunson will be under the bright lights of the Big Apple once again.
Brunson, fresh off a career-best season in which he earned All-NBA Second Team honors, posted 22 points on opening night and followed it up with 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a blowout win over the Indiana Pacers.
Here’s a few prop bets for Brunson as he faces the Cavaliers.
Best Jalen Brunson prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
For Monday’s contest between the Knicks and Cavaliers, Brunson’s lines currently read 27.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 2.5 three-pointers made on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Knicks enter as 2.5-point favorites and the game total sits at 223.5.
Brunson appeared in three games against the Cavaliers last season, but was injured on the first possession of one contest. This sinks his average stat lines versus Cleveland, but he did have two healthy games to form a baseline from — Brunson posted an average of 21.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists in those two matchups.
It’s uncharacteristically low production from the star guard, so it’s possible he struggled with Cleveland’s defense and rim protection which includes Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. However, Brunson was carrying most of the load for New York last season, and that’s no longer the case this time around. With Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges now in blue and orange, Brunson has much more support than in the past.
There’s a couple of routes to take with Brunson tonight. If you’re concerned with his relatively poor numbers against the Cavs from last season, consider taking under his under 27.5 points line at -110 odds. Cleveland’s team is very similar to last year’s roster, with plenty of great defenders to go around. An alt line of under 26.5 points is also available at +100 odds.
On the flip side, we’ve seen just how talented the 28-year-old is. Brunson can pop off for a big night in a hurry and the surplus of talent he’s now surrounded by means opposing defenses can’t guard him like they used to. He’s +100 to lead the game in scoring, and also +130 to make over 2.5 three-pointers. With Mobley and Allen deterring rim pressure, perhaps Brunson and the Knicks will take a more perimeter-oriented scoring approach tonight.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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