NBA Prop Bets for Monday, December 15 | Betting News

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Monday night basketball awaits! Get ready for the action with our expert's NBA prop bets for Monday, December 15.

What’s going on, everyone? Hope your Monday is treating you well so far, and let’s look to make it even better with some winners on the hardwood.

I’ve got a few plays on tonight’s slate, so let’s dive into my NBA prop bets for Monday, December 15.

For additional information on picks, props, moneylines, and more on today’s slate, take a look at our NBA Picks Page or our NBA Odds Page.

You can also browse our recommendations for the best online sportsbooks available in the U.S.

NBA Prop Bets for Monday, December 15

Take a deep dive into into tonight's NBA slate, with our expert's favorite NBA Prop bets for Wednesday, November 5.

Celtics vs Pistons Under 230 (-112)

The third of four meetings between the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons takes place Monday night at TD Garden. Detroit claimed the first matchup at home, 119–113, before Boston responded with a 117–114 win on their own home floor.

In tonight’s contest, the Celtics are listed as a slight 1.5-point favorite. I have no interest in a side, but I will be investing in the total. I’m taking this game to stay under 230 points.

Each of the first two meetings eclipsed the 230-point mark, but I’m expecting a bit of a course correction here. Both teams are coming off multiple days of rest, so energy shouldn’t be an issue. Given how competitive the first two games were, this matchup should carry a playoff-like intensity, with plenty of pride on the line as each team looks to assert itself in the Eastern Conference.

This is also the third time these teams have seen each other in less than two months, which typically leads to greater familiarity with offensive tendencies and tougher scoring opportunities. That familiarity, paired with increased defensive focus, should slow the pace.

The numbers support that outlook. Detroit ranks second in points per 100 possessions allowed and third in effective field goal percentage allowed. On the other side, Boston sits ninth in eFG% and 18th in Pts/Poss – though the Celtics’ defense should be positioned to take a step forward this evening.

A majority of Detroit’s offense comes at the rim, where 38.1% of their shots originate – the third-highest rate in the league. Boston is well-equipped to counter that approach, ranking 12th in opponent field goal percentage at the rim and third in limiting shot attempts in that area (27.6%).

Offensively, Boston prefers to attack from beyond the arc, shooting threes at the second-highest rate in the NBA (44.7%). Detroit has held opponents to just 35.5% from three, which ranks 11th. The Pistons are also 10th in opponent field goal percentage from mid-range (42%), an area where Boston takes 32.3% of its shots.

All signs point toward a more defensive, grind-it-out game than what we saw in the first two meetings – making the under a strong look.

Payton Pritchard Player Prop

Payton Pritchard Under 3.5 3-Pointers (-140)

Let’s stick with this matchup for our next play, which revolves around Celtics guard Payton Pritchard.

Despite averaging just 2.7 made threes per game, his prop is listed at 3.5, albeit with heavy juice to the under. Even so, I still believe it’s worth laying the price. Pritchard has stayed below this number in 18 of 25 games this season, including each of his last five.

As noted earlier, I’m projecting this game to be lower scoring, largely due to Detroit’s defensive efficiency – particularly against the three. The Pistons rank 11th in opponent three-point field goal percentage (35.5%).

In his most recent meeting with the Pistons, Pritchard knocked down four of seven attempts from downtown. However, in the first matchup he went just two of eight from beyond the arc – a result that’s more in line with what I’m expecting tonight.

Tim Hardaway Jr Under 2.5 3-Pointers (-137)

Our third and final play also targets an under on a player’s three-pointers made. This time, we’ll take Tim Hardaway Jr. to stay under 2.5 made threes as the Nuggets host the Rockets.

Houston’s defense has been one of the best in the league, ranking third in points per possession allowed and sixth in effective field goal percentage. They’re also sixth in opponent three-point field goal percentage, which happens to be where 63% of Hardaway’s shot attempts come from. 

While Hardaway has been efficient from deep, knocking down 40% of his attempts, he’s still averaging just 2.4 made threes on 5.8 attempts per game this season. His usage rate remains low, and he’s now facing a well-rested, formidable Houston defense.

As a result, I’m expecting Hardaway to stay below 2.5 made threes tonight – something he’s done in 16 of 24 games this season.

Best Bets:

NBA Record: 64-44 (+13.95) 

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