The NBA regular season is back in action with a excellent 11-game slate on Monday night. So, we've got you covered with player prop predictions for four of tonight's contests.
Our NBA player props for Monday are targeting Giannis Antetokounmpo, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Smith, and more.
Continue below for our NBA player prop picks for Monday, December 29.
NBA Player Prop Picks for Monday, December 29
| Time (ET) | Player Prop |
|---|---|
| 7 p.m. | |
| 8 p.m. | |
| 8 p.m. | |
| 8 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | |
Bucks vs. Hornets
Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 6.5 Assists (-145)
Milwaukee’s passing distribution has changed with Kevin Porter Jr. back in the mix. He’s emerged as the clear leader in assists, potential assists, and passes per game.
Ryan Rollins is picking up the backup distributor role, with Antetokounmpo also handling some secondary playmaking.
In a small 80-minute sample this season, Antetokounmpo‘s assist rate has fallen by 12.9% with Porter on the floor. That’s probably a bit noisy, but it makes sense that he takes a backseat in the passing department with Porter out there.
Antetokounmpo had just four potential assists in his first game back. He only played 25 minutes. I’d be surprised if he got to 30 minutes tonight.
Pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo Under 6.5 Assists (-145)
Timberwolves vs. Bulls
Jalen Smith Over 5.5 Rebounds (-135)
By Nick Galaida
According to the RotoGrinders CourtIQ tool, Smith is averaging 5.9 rebounds per 17 minutes this season with Zach Collins off of the floor.
In Smith’s last 10 games with Collins inactive, he’s played fewer than 17 minutes in only two games, but he’s played 20+ minutes in three games.
Minnesota has allowed the 2nd-most rebounds per game to the center position across their last eight games.
During that span, the Wolves have allowed 17+ rebound chances to Nikola Jokic, Ivica Zubac, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, Mark Williams, Myles Turner, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Smith should have a good chance to cash this wager if he plays 17+ minutes — and if he sees 20+ minutes, the math clearly favors the over.
Pick: Jalen Smith Over 5.5 Rebounds (-135)
Pacers vs. Rockets
Tari Eason Over 16.5 Points + Rebounds (-110)
By Joe Dellera
The Rockets face off against the Pacers in a matchup they should control from start to finish tonight.
The Rockets have listed Alperen Sengun on the injury report as questionable with a calf injury that held him out of the Rockets’ last game on Saturday.
Considering their next few games are today against the Pacers, Thursday against the Nets, and then Saturday against the Mavericks — now would be a solid time to give Sengun a couple of maintenance days given the matchups.
If Sengun sits, it’s a great boost for Tari Eason; however, even if he plays, this matchup is still solid for him.
Eason is averaging 16.3 PR on the season, and he’s seen his minutes climb since his return from injury.
The Pacers allow the ninth-most points in the paint, and Eason is excellent in the paint and as a spot-up shooter.
Eason has also had immense success against the Pacers — recording 30, 24, and 20 PR in his three career games against them.
Pick: Tari Eason Over 16.5 Points + Rebounds (-110)
Knicks vs. Pelicans
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 12.5 Rebounds (+105)
The Knicks will be without Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson. Towns has seen a 4% bump in his REB% with both players off of the floor this season. Towns is averaging over 15 rebounds per 36 minutes in those situations.
It's a strong matchup against a New Orleans squad that struggles on the glass and relies on the 6'9" Derik Queen at center.
