RotoWire experts offer free picks and player props for Monday's NBA slate, highlighting opportunities in games involving the Nuggets, Hawks, Magic, Bucks, Suns, Lakers, Pacers and Cavaliers. Key bets include overs on Jamal Murray's points and a high-scoring Suns-Lakers matchup.
NBA bettors have several intriguing options on December 1, according to RotoWire's Nick Whalen and Alex Barutha. Their analysis focuses on player performances, team trends and injury impacts across the slate.
Jamal Murray Points Prop
Alex Barutha recommends Jamal Murray over 23.5 points at -125 odds against the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks' drop coverage has allowed the fourth-most points per game to pick-and-roll ballhandlers. Murray has averaged 31.7 points per game in three matchups against similar defenses from the Grizzlies and Timberwolves.
De'Andre Hunter Points Prop
Barutha also picks De'Andre Hunter over 17.5 points at -126 odds versus the Indiana Pacers. The Cleveland Cavaliers will miss Jarrett Allen, Lonzo Ball, Darius Garland, Sam Merrill and Larry Nance, boosting Hunter's usage by 7.1%. In 29 minutes without those players, Hunter scored 27 points on 8-of-16 field goals, including 4-of-8 from three.
Wendell Carter Points + Rebounds Prop
For Wendell Carter over 20.5 points plus rebounds at -110 odds against the Chicago Bulls, Barutha notes the Bulls' struggles defending frontcourt players, allowing 123.1 points per game. Carter posted 8 points and 13 rebounds against them on October 25. Recent examples include Donovan Clingan with 17 points and 21 rebounds, Myles Turner with 23 points and 8 rebounds, and Kel'el Ware with 20 points and 14 rebounds versus Chicago.
Bucks vs. Wizards Spread
Nick Whalen backs the Milwaukee Bucks -9.5 at -115 odds at the Washington Wizards. The Bucks expect Giannis Antetokounmpo to play and Kevin Porter Jr. to return, nearing full strength. The Wizards lack Alex Sarr, performing 13.2 points per 100 possessions worse without him, especially against Antetokounmpo. Washington is 1-6 against the spread at home, failing to cover by nearly 10 points per game.
Suns vs. Lakers Total
Whalen picks the Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers over 233.5 at -110 odds. The Lakers are 9-0 to the over at home this season, while the Suns are 6-3 to the over on the road. Since LeBron James' debut, the Lakers boast the NBA's best offense, and both teams rank in the bottom half defensively over the last five games. The Lakers lead the league in free-throw rate, and the Suns excel in three-point volume.
Pacers vs. Cavaliers Spread
Finally, Whalen selects the Indiana Pacers +4.5 at -110 odds versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers, missing multiple starters on the second night of a back-to-back, are 0-3 against the spread in such spots, failing by 10.5 points per game when the opponent is rested. The Pacers, now healthier, rank third in defensive rating and top-10 in NET rating over their last six games.