Tonight's six-game NBA slate delivers a solid half-dozen quality matchups.
Russell Westbrook should see more run against his former team with Dennis Schroder sidelined, and Darius Garland can be an effective playmaker against the NBA’s worst defense. With Jaylen Brown doubtful to take the court, Payton Pritchard is in a great position to lead the Boston Celtics in scoring.
My favorite NBA picks for Monday, January 12, feature Russ, Garland, and Pritchard as they excel in their respective matchups.
Best NBA player props today
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Darius Garland |
Over 7.5 assists | +115 |
 Payton Pritchard |
Over 22.5 points | -125 |
 Russell Westbrook |
Over 28.5 PRA | -112 |
Prop #1: Darius Garland Over 7.5 assists
Darius Garland is handing out 6.9 assists per game this season, but he’s averaged 7.3 across his last 12. In that span, Garland has dished out at least eight dimes seven times.
The Cleveland Cavaliers' floor general has reached eight assists only 12 times on the season, but he’s done so in four of his last seven tilts at home and seven of 14 matchups at Rocket Arena overall.
The Utah Jazz allow the most points (127.3) and assists (30.2) per game this season, setting Garland up nicely to reach the Over with plus-money odds. I’ll bet on a strong performance at home in a favorable matchup.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: KJZZ, FDSN Ohio
Prop #2: Payton Pritchard Over 22.5 points
Jaylen Brown is averaging a career-high 29.5 points per game, and his looming absence means other Boston Celtics rotation members will have to pick up the slack on offense tonight against the Indiana Pacers.
That’s where Payton Pritchard comes in.
Pritchard is enjoying a career-best year of his own, dropping 16.8 points per game. He’s only scored 23+ points seven times this season, but he’s in a position to get there tonight.
In two games without Brown this season, Pritchard finished with 33 and 20 points.
Indiana has allowed the sixth-most points per game at 119, and Pritchard has the perfect mix of an expanded role, a favorable matchup, and a bounce-back opportunity.
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Peacock
Prop #3: Russell Westbrook Over 28.5 points+rebounds+assists
Russell Westbrook is averaging 27.9 PRA this season, so a slightly above-average performance will get him Over this combo line. He’s reached 29+ PRA in six of his last 11 overall, including five of his last eight at home.
Westbrook posted a 15/6/10 line on Sunday in an upset win over the Houston Rockets, and he finished with an 18/6/6 performance at home against the Lakers on October 26.
Backup point guard Dennis Schroder has been suspended for tonight’s game after an altercation with Luka Doncic in late December, and Westbrook should take on more responsibility as a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator. He should have some extra motivation against his former team, too.
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Spectrum SportsNet
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