With four NBA matchups scheduled for Monday, December 2, there are some solid opportunities to dive into on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are my top betting picks for today’s NBA slate.
Here’s a look at the full schedule for today’s games:
Pelicans at Hawks, 7:30 p.m. EST
Heat at Celtics, 7:30 p.m. EST
Nets at Bulls, 8 p.m. EST
Lakers at Timberwolves, 8 p.m. EST
Celtics -8.5 (-110)
The Celtics aim to return from their loss to Cleveland when facing the visiting Heat. The Celtics were without critical players Jaylen Brown (illness) and Derrick White (foot) in their 115-111 loss on Sunday. Despite a solid 33-point effort from Jayson Tatum, they could not close the game, shooting just 40% from the field.
On the other hand, Miami is coming off a tight 119-116 loss to Toronto, where Tyler Herro led with 31 points. Given Boston’s depth and Jimmy Butler now ruled out with his knee injury, the Celtics should cover the -8.5 spread, even without key players.
Hawks -9.5 (-115)
The Hawks have found some rhythm, winning three straight, and now face the struggling Pelicans, who have lost eight in a row. Dejounte Murray returns to Atlanta after being traded from the Hawks to the Pelicans. Now, New Orleans, who have had some injury woes with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram’s absences, will meet an Atlanta team that has been firing on all cylinders with Jalen Johnson stepping up.
With the Pelicans reeling and missing several key contributors, the Hawks are in a strong position to cover the -9.5 spread.
Nets +7.5 (-108)
The Nets and Bulls are looking to avoid a third consecutive loss when they meet Monday. Brooklyn has struggled in its last two losses to Orlando, but the return of Dennis Schroder has been a bright spot, and the Nets have shown they can compete when healthy. Chicago is also coming off back-to-back losses, including a 138-129 defeat to Boston.
While the Bulls have explosive talent in Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, Brooklyn faces a solid chance to cover the +7.5 spread.
Lakers +8 (-108)
The Lakers will aim for their second straight victory when they visit the Timberwolves. After a hard-fought 105-104 win over Utah on Sunday, the Lakers face a Timberwolves team that has struggled with consistency. Despite the Lakers’ recent injury concerns (Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell and others), LeBron James and Anthony Davis continue to lead the way.
Minnesota is coming off a win against the Clippers, but its overall performance has been inconsistent. The Lakers have been playing well enough to keep the game close, and +8 offers good value.
Jayson Tatum Over 28.5 Points (-120)
Jayson Tatum has been a scoring machine this season, averaging 29.0 points per game. With several key Celtics players—Al Horford, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis—out against the Heat, and others like Derrick White and Jaylen Brown listed as questionable, Tatum will need to shoulder the scoring load again. Tatum’s consistent production and Miami’s defensive struggles make the over 28.5 points an enticing option for Monday’s game.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is grant-afseth) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
