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NBA 2021: Best bets for all the biggest games on Monday

Jayson Tatum, pictured here in action for the Boston Celtics.

It’s time for Week 2 in the NBA, and time to look at where we might make some nice picks.

Let’s take a look at Monday's games (AEDT).

Boston Celtics @ Houston Rockets

I know Boston is without Jaylen Brown, but seeing the Celtics only favoured by 5.5 points (and for $1.99 at Sportsbet) seems low.

It’s been a shaky start to the season for Brown’s teammate Jayson Tatum, but I think he can get it going against a poor opponent today.

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Without Brown, Tatum is going to be relied upon to score a lot, and I think he passes the 27.5 points line set ($1.80 at Sportsbet).

I might even put those two into a same game multi which you can get for $3.25.

Best Bet: Handicap betting - Celtics -5.5 ($1.99)

Best Bet: Player points - Tatum Over 27.5 Points ($1.80)

Bets Bet: Same Game Multi - Tatum/Celtics -5.5) ($3.25)

Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Lakers

We know it’s been a rough start for the Lakers.

Winless in the preseason and now 0-2 to start the regular season, while Memphis is flying, starting 2-0, knocking off the LA Clippers yesterday.

Winning the notorious Los Angeles back-to-back is tough, but Memphis is looking very solid at the moment, while the Lakers are in disarray.

I was surprised to see the Lakers listed as five-point favourites. I think this is close to a 50/50 game, so I will take Memphis +5 every day.

Best Bet: Handicap betting - Grizzlies +5

LeBron James, pictured here in action for the Los Angeles Lakers.
LeBron James in action for the Los Angeles Lakers. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Philadelphia 76ers @ Oklahoma City Thunder

The Sixers don’t have Ben Simmons.

They may not have Joel Embiid, who is questionable, and his backup Andre Drummond is doubtful.

But it doesn’t matter. OKC is terrible. And the Sixers are only 8.5 point favourites.

If Embiid plays, this is closer to a 20 point win, but Tobias Harris, Seth Curry, and Danny Green can carry the Sixers over OKC without hassle if Embiid sits.

You also get plus odds at Sportsbet ($1.93) for the Sixers to cover.

It’s been rough for Josh Giddey, but his assist line is at 3.5 and I think he finally hits over that here.

Best Bet: Handicap betting - Sixers -8.5 ($1.93)

Best Bet: Player assists - Giddey over 3.5 assists ($1.77)

Season to date

8-6 (57%)

+1.17 units

ROI 8.4%

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