We've made it to week 2 of the NBA season. While players are still trying to find their groove, we got you covered with our best prop bets for Monday's slate of games.
Continue below for my NBA player props and my NBA picks for Monday, October 28.
NBA Player Props for Monday, October 28
- Ja Morant Over 18.5 points
- Stephon Castle Over 6.5 points
- Bilal Coulibaly Over 1.5 assists
Since winning Most Improved Player for his efforts in the 2021-22 NBA season, Ja Morant has not been the same player. This is not due to a regression in his ability but between a 25 game suspension and a shoulder injury, Morant only played 9 games. He is back on the floor to start the season as the Grizzlies hope they can make a playoff push if their roster stays healthy. In his first two games back, Morant has scored 24 and 16 points. While in that last game against Orlando he shot an ugly 0/6 from three, I like the confidence he has shown in taking those. The high-flying guard has gotten to the line an average of 8.5 times and he has made his free throws at an 84% accuracy.
Morant remains questionable for the game, and the Grizzlies expect to make a game-time decision. Morant has been experiencing right thigh soreness and has already been questionable for Saturday's game against the Magic in which he played 24 minutes. Keep an eye on Morant's status and if he is indeed starting, his over on points at 18.5 looks very promising.
The Bulls have already faced off against some All-Star guards to begin the season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 23 points against them, going 2/9 from three, while Damian Lillard had 28 shooting 3/12 from beyond the arc in a surprise loss. It seems Morant will be given license to shoot and considering he went 2/4 in his first game this season, I can see him knock down a few triples along with his usual load of free-throws, which will only help getting him over 18.5 points.
Pick: Ja Morant Over 18.5 points (-120, BetMGM)
The rookie from UConn has been finding his feet in the NBA. The Spurs are in a good spot to grow Castle and slowly let him adapt to the pros, but he has already shown that he can contribute. Castle has scored 8 points in his first two games in the league, making his over at 6.5 points very attractive. The guard is yet to make a three, going 0-2 in the games against Houston and Dallas but we can expect him to make his first three at any point now.
The 4th overall pick in this year's draft has played an impressive 26 minutes against the Rockets and in that game, he showed his aggressiveness attacking the rim along with some crafty layups. Castle was apart of the closing lineup and getting some crunch times minutes in only his second game shows how much Coach Pop already trusts him. I expect Castle to have a similar output against a team the Spurs just played which will likely give him some more confidence.
Pick: Stephon Castle Over 6.5 Points (-120, BetMGM)
Bilal Coulibaly, now in his second year in the NBA just had a career night against the Cavaliers, scoring 23 points including going 4/9 from three. While the Wizards lost, as can be expected basically every game they play, Coulibaly has shown he is ready to take his game to the next level after spending the summer with France's Olympic squad and working on his jumper which looks much smoother.
In this game against the Atlanta Hawks, I expect Coulibaly to get the ball a lot considering how well he played in that last game, which could result in creating some open looks for his teammates. The Hawks will be aware that Coulibaly can shoot the three ball well and might prioritize covering him at the expense of leaving other Wizards open.
Coulibaly had an impressive six assists in the Wizards' opening loss to the Celtics, while only having one assist against Cleveland. The Hawks are not known for their defensive prowess, having allowed 121 points on average tin their first three games. Coulibaly will be likely to build upon on his last game, and I our projections confirm he will have over 1.5 assists.
Pick: Bilal Coulibaly Over 1.5 Assists (-185, BetMGM)
