A 2-2 outcome for Monday's NBA slate in the player props market wasn't ideal, further emphasizing just how difficult it can be to nail wagers despite the logic and history for why the bet is being placed being completely justified. Cutting our losses isn't the end game, as building units is obviously the primary goal, which I'll hope to achieve with a series of bets on Tuesday night.
Here are three player prop expert picks to consider for the seven games on the schedule on January 14, 2025, including a points prop for Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (16.5 points, OVER -102) as he continues to come off the bench when facing the Atlanta Hawks.
Bradley Beal OVER 16.5 Points vs. Hawks (-102)
Preview: Phoenix Suns vs. Atlanta Hawks, 7:30 p.m. ET
Shifting Beal to the second unit was one of the few cards Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer had left to play, but so far through five games, it appears to have paid off with Phoenix going 4-1 since the change. Beal's numbers have at least held up during this run, averaging 17.4 points while converting 53 percent of his shot attempts. This includes a pair of games in which he scored exactly 25 points, and despite it being a limited window, the three-time All-Star now finds himself in the mix for Sixth Man of the Year consideration with the fourth-shortest odds at FanDuel Sportsbook at +1500.
One of those 25-point performances came against Atlanta on Jan. 9, with Beal leading the Suns in scoring by making 11-of-16 from the field in 33 minutes of action. He would need only 17 points to reach an OVER on Tuesday at juicy -102 odds, and while he's only pulled that off in less than half of his bench appearances, knowing what he's capable of in this particular matchup as early as last week builds confidence in this connecting.
CJ McCollum OVER 23.5 Points + Rebounds vs. Bulls (-102)
Preview: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Chicago Bulls, 8 p.m. ET
The hot and cold nature of CJ McCollum's offense makes him a sketchy play with scoring props, but as the saying goes, with great risk comes great reward. He's the type of guard who can go off for 50 points like he did against the Washington Wizards on Jan. 3, and then muster up a stinker four days later with just five points on 1-of-14 shooting versus the Minnesota Timberwolves on Jan. 7.
Creating a combination prop is a means to giving his box score some wiggle room for an OVER, and that's almost necessary not fully trusting his output. McCollum has nailed an OVER on 23.5 points and rebounds in seven of his last nine games, at least, and did so against the Chicago Bulls in the season opener (23 points and two rebounds) on Oct. 23, as well. Chicago ranks in the bottom-third of the league in defense by allowing 115.7 points per 100 possessions, so should McCollum struggle with his shot, it likely won't be due to immense defensive pressure.
Malik Monk OVER 9.5 Rebounds + Assists vs. Bucks (+104)
Preview: Sacramento Kings vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 8 p.m. ET
The removal of Mike Brown and promotion of Doug Christie to interim head coach has lit a fire under the Sacramento Kings, who are 7-1 since the change and in the midst of a seven-game winning streak. Malik Monk has excelled during this stretch, averaging 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in just under 36 minutes per contest.
Primarily known for his scoring prowess, Monk's numbers in both rebounds and assists as of late have led to this combination prop versus the Milwaukee Bucks. Monk has reached an OVER on 9.5 boards and dimes in four-straight games and six of his last eight. Even as a reserve last season, the now 26-year-old managed to go OVER in both meetings against Milwaukee at 14 (seven rebounds and seven assists) and 10 (five rebounds and five assists), respectively.
