The general public is embracing the new year, and NBA fans and bettors are currently embracing the 10-game slate scheduled for this evening. In one of the night’s earlier matchups, Mason Plumlee will look to keep up his solid role play as the Charlotte Hornets take on the Los Angeles Lakers. Shortly after, Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets will play host to the San Antonio Spurs in a cross-conference matchup. Below bettors can check out some of the best NBA player props and bets to make for Monday, Jan. 2.
PrizePicks NBA Player Props | Jan. 2
Mason Plumlee Over 11.5 First Half Points/Rebounds/Assists
When it comes to the Charlotte Hornets, everyone talks about the usual suspects: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Gordon Hayward. One guy on this squad that doesn’t get talked about much (yet performs on a nightly basis) is starting center Mason Plumlee. Plumlee averaged 25.4 points/rebounds/assists over the month of December and is averaging 26 over his last five games. Whenever Oubre hasn’t been available to play this season, Plumlee has seen an increase in usage, minutes, points, rebounds and field goal attempts. He averages 29.5 points/rebounds/assists per game with Oubre off the floor, which will be the case tonight.
The Hornets are set to face the Lakers, who have been very bad against opposing centers this year, as they’re allowing 43 combined points/rebounds/assists per game to that position group. Plumlee faced this Lakers team just five games ago, and he recorded 14 points/rebounds/assists in the first half. He cleared this line without closing that first half, as he missed the final two and a half minutes because of foul trouble. Look for Plumlee to play well in what should be a competitive game.
Kyrie Irving Over 4.5 Rebounds
Kyrie Irving had a fantastic month of December in all aspects of the game. The most impressive feat, however, has to be how he rebounded the basketball. Last month, Irving averaged 6.2 rebounds on 9.4 rebound chances and 36.7 minutes per game. He played in 11 December games and recorded five or more rebounds in nine of those 11. Over his last five outings, he averaged six rebounds per game and had six or more in three of those five. He’s simply been on the floor a lot, and he’s been very active near the glass when he’s gotten the opportunities.
Tonight the Nets will face the Spurs, who are bottom 10 in rebounds allowed to opposing point guards this season. Expect Irving to play 32-plus minutes tonight and to excel at home, where he’s averaging five rebounds per game on the year. OddsShopper lists this play at 127 on Caesars.
