NBA Tuesday best bets: A pair of Knicks, 1 Clipper set for big nights
A 3-2 Monday night brings our season record to 11-8. With just three games on Tuesday night, we only have three plays - all of which are player props. Let's dive in.
Mitchell Robinson over 9.5 rebounds
We took Mitchell Robinson III's over rebounds last week, and it cashed. A matchup against the Cavaliers is the perfect time to do the same.
The Knicks dominated the Cavs on the boards in the first round of last year's playoffs. Robinson spearheaded that effort as the Knicks' leading rebounder.
He averaged 9.8 rebounds while playing 28 minutes per game in that five-game series and physically dominating the Cavs' frontcourt. And Cleveland's rebounding woes haven't gone away: They have the ninth-worst rebounding percentage this season, while the Knicks have the fourth-best.
Robinson's averaging 11.3 boards through three games this season. Cavs center Jarrett Allen remains out, too, making it even easier for Robinson to clean up the glass.
Odds: -105 (playable to -130)
Russell Westbrook over 13.5 points
The James Harden trade sent Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, Marcus Morris Sr., and Kenyon Martin Jr. to Philadelphia, so Russell Westbrook has no choice but to play an elevated role for the Clippers on Tuesday night. Harden won't be ready to suit up, Terance Mann remains out with an ankle injury, and Norman Powell's status is questionable, so the Clippers' rotation will be thin.
Westbrook, who's averaging 30 minutes and 11.3 points this season, will be tasked with helping Kawhi Leonard and Paul George carry the scoring load. The addition of Harden will force Westbrook off the bench, which will eventually reduce his minutes.
He'll want to make the most of his time on Tuesday night against a tired Magic team playing for the second straight night.
Odds: -130 (playable to -150)
RJ Barrett over 18.5 points
RJ Barrett began to figure out the Cavs' defense in the final few games of the conference quarterfinals last season. He scored 19, 26, and 21 points in the final three games of the series - all wins. He also played well with lead guard Jalen Brunson, setting guard-to-guard screens that created scoring opportunities for each of them.
Averaging 22.7 points on 47% shooting from the field, Barrett's off to an impressive start this season. His 3-point efficiency hasn't been great but, if that improves, the Knicks will be in great shape offensively.
Barrett is poised for a big outing against a Cavs squad that's missing Allen and Darius Garland.
Odds: -115 (playable to -130)
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @soshtry for more betting coverage.