NBA Player Props and Best Bets: Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson & More Picks for Monday, Jan. 5

It’s a new week with new opportunities, and I’m starting it off with my best NBA player prop picks for Monday.

Last night belonged to Devin Booker, who drilled a game-winning three-pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder while dropping 24 points, nine assists, and six rebounds for the Phoenix Suns. Desmond Bane also went for 31 points, six rebounds, and six assists to help the Orlando Magic sink the Indiana Pacers.

Today’s schedule includes the Houston Rockets hosting the Suns, as well as the New York Knicks visiting the Detroit Pistons in a matchup between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference.

Here are my best NBA player prop picks and bets for Monday, Jan. 5.

Best NBA Prop Bets for Monday, January 5

Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. Visit FanDuel and claim $300 in bonus bets with your initial winning wager. Read our FanDuel Sportsbook review to learn more.

If you're in a state where FanDuel Sportsbook is not yet legal, we recommend playing at Underdog. Read our Underdog Fantasy review and sign up below with our promo code WSNSPLAY.

Jalen Brunson Over 29.5 Points (-106) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Brunson scored 31 points on Saturday and went over this line in four of his last seven games, part of his averaging 29.3 points per game for the year. He also took a career-high 21.8 field goals per game and posted shooting splits of 48/38/84, giving him the volume and efficiency to cash the over.

The Pistons have a fantastic defense, allowing the fifth-fewest points per game. Ausar Thompson is a phenomenal perimeter defender, but Brunson beat this line in five of six games in his Knicks’ playoff matchup with the Pistons last year, and I view Karl-Anthony Towns as the more likely Knick to be washed away by Detroit’s defense.

Bet $5 at FanDuel, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

Kevin Durant Over 5.5 Assists (+104) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Durant cashed the over in four of his last five games and had seven dimes the last time he was on the court on Saturday. He should also see more of the ball-handling and initiating duties since Alperen Sengun is going to be unavailable for Monday’s matchup with the Suns. 

The visitors allowed the fifth-fewest assists per game, but they’re also on the road on the second night of a back-to-back after expending a ton of energy to knock off the Thunder. The Rockets are rested, in front of their fans, and third in the league in offensive rating, so they shouldn’t have a problem generating clean offense.

Get $300 in Bonus Bets at FanDuel With a $5 Winning Wager

Kon Kneuppel Over 2.5 Assists (-130) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Kneuppel averaged 3.5 assists per game, but he can be very erratic. For example, his assist totals in his last four games were one, three, eight, and one, and although passing the ball isn’t his primary responsibility, it can be hard to track.

I like Kneuppel to ash the over against the Thunder, who allowed the second-fewest assist per game, because of his role on the floor. The Thunder are young and spry, and they do a terrific job of flying out to close out in the corner. That means that Kneuppel’s usual shooting opportunities could turn to kick-outs or dribble-drives that open up more passes to teammates.

Win a $5 Wager at FanDuel, Get $300 in Bonus Bets

Brandon Ingram Over 23.5 Points (-104) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Ingram put up 29 and 30 points in his two most recent games while going over this line in four of his last five contests. He also shot the ball more than ever recently, attempting 19.0 field goals per game during December, his highest for any month this season.

While the Atlanta Hawks have strong defensive pieces, that has not translated to production on the court, as they allowed the sixth-most points per game in the entire league. Ingram went under in both previous matchups with this opponent, but he shot uncharacteristically poorly from the field.

Grab $300 in Bonus Bets With a $5 Correct Bet at FanDuel

Christian Braun Under 10.5 Points (-132) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Braun only played his first game since Nov. 12 on Sunday, scoring three points on 25 percent shooting against the Brooklyn Nets. He’s entering the second night of a back-to-back against a Philadelphia 76ers squad that will force him to fly in transition, due to the speed of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

Having to play under such strenuous conditions is not a great way for a player who just returned from an injury to get their feet back under them. Braun’s conditioning will be heavily tested in this game, and given that he only made one shot yesterday, I’m not bullish on him having a great night.

Bet $5 at FanDuel and Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Wager Hits