The Knicks and Hawks continue their first round playoff series with Game 2 in New York on Tuesday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, New York is favored by 6.5 points and this game carries a total of 218.5 points.
Let’s dive into three of my favorite player prop bets for Monday’s contest.
Best Knicks vs. Hawks Player Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Jalen Brunson U 3.5 Rebounds (-125)
Brunson finished with five rebounds in Saturday’s Game 1 over the Hawks, but this was a rare performance for the guard. Brunson is only averaging 3.3 rebounds per game this season and he has stayed under 3.5 rebounds in seven of his last 10 starts. Furthermore, Game 1 was the first time in four matchups with the Hawks this season that Brunson has exceeded 3.5 rebounds.
Playing alongside some great rebounders like Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart, the 6’2″ Brunson doesn’t see many rebound opportunities and the guard should come back down to earth as a rebounder in Game 2. This season, Brunson is only averaging 6.8 rebound chances per game.
CJ McCollum 2+ Points in the first three minutes (+101)
McCollum knocked down a three-pointer about 2.5 minutes into Saturday’s Game 1 vs. the Knicks and he is a great bet to get on the board quickly again in Game 2. McCollum has scored at least two points in the first three minutes of seven of his last 10 starts, including twice vs. New York.
Since joining the Hawks in early February, McCollum is averaging 1.6 PPG in the first three minutes of contests. In this situation, the guard is shooting a terrific 63% from the field and he is seeing a 24.3% usage rate, which ranks second to only Jalen Johnson for Atlanta.
Landry Shamet U 5.5 Points (-103)
Shamet has had some decent games in the second half of the season, but they were mostly attributed to Miles McBride being out. The guard is healthy again and Shamet’s role has suffered with McBride back in the mix. In the four these two have played together since the All-Star break, Shamet is only averaging 3.8 points in 17.5 minutes per game with a 13.8% usage rate.
Shamet only scored three points in 17 minutes while shooting 1-of-5 from the field in Game 1 vs. the Hawks on Saturday. Atlanta’s defense ranks second in defensive rating since the All-Star break and Shamet should have trouble scoring again in Game 2.
