The NBA is back for another week with an eight-game slate on tap for Monday. Focus your attention on the Suns-Mavericks and Celtics-Raptors. Two games primed to go under their game total tonight. Let’s dive into the best NBA bets for Monday, Dec. 5. For more NBA best bets, NBA props and player props, be sure to visit the OddsShopper tool.
Best NBA Bets Today: Game Tips & Betting Predictions
Suns-Mavericks Bets
The Phoenix Suns are set to face off with the Mavericks on Monday at American Airlines Center. The Suns are coming off a 133-95 blowout victory against the San Antonio Spurs last night. Phoenix is rolling winning 8 of its last 10 games despite not having Chris Paul available. The Mavericks secured a 121-100 win in their game on Saturday over the Knicks on the road. These two teams have faced off once this season with the Suns squeezing out a 107-105 victory at home back in October. The Suns have owned the Mavericks winning 10 straight regular season games. Look to take the UNDER-game total in tonight’s matchup.
The Suns continue to play without Cameron Johnson (knee), while Paul (heel) and Torrey Craig (groin) are doubtful to play. On the other side, the Mavs listed Christian Wood (non-COVID illness) as questionable. Dallas is coming off a blistering hot night from beyond the arc. They went 24-61 from deep against the Knicks on Saturday. Do not expect anywhere near the same production from beyond the arc versus the Suns. Phoenix only allows 10.6 three-pointers made per game – 4th lowest in the league. The Mavericks live and die by the three-ball averaging 40.6 attempts per game from beyond the arc. Dallas is taking great care of the ball with the fewest turnovers per game, which will be important in a matchup against the Suns, who are 7th in the league in opponent turnovers per game.
The Suns have gone under by an average of 19.3 points on no rest in two opportunities this year. While the Phoenix starters were able to rest in the fourth quarter last night due to the blow out, this is still a notable trend. Neither team pushes the tempo with the Suns ranking 20th in pace while the Mavericks are 29th. Both teams rank in the Top 8 in defensive rating. The Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings between these squads and is 19-7 in the last 26 meetings between them in Dallas. Roll with the trends and take the UNDER on the game total in Monday’s contest.
Best NBA Bet for Suns-Mavericks: Game Total UNDER 222 Points
Celtics-Raptors Bets
The Boston Celtics will play in the second game of a back-to-back against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. This is the first meeting between the two teams this season. Boston is coming off a 103-92 win at Brooklyn last night. Jaylen Brown finished with a game-high 34 points. The Raptors took care of business at home with a 121-108 versus the Magic on Saturday. The Celtics have been red-hot shooting going over the game total in four of their last five games, but 0-5-1 in their last six road games. Expect some regression out of the Celtics in a tough spot playing in Toronto against a Raptors defense that ranks 7th in defensive efficiency. All four matchups last season stayed under the current line of 228 points. Look to take the UNDER in Monday’s contest.
The Raptors have been a completely different team at home this season than they have on the road. Toronto is 3-9 away from home with some ugly losses while they are 9-2 at home. Toronto ranks 12th in the NBA in defending the three ball which will be critical against a Celtics’ team that thrives on ball movement and volume from beyond the arc. In addition, Boston will be without Al Horford in this one which will weaken an already suspect rebounding team. Malcolm Brogdon is questionable due to an illness. Toronto excels at crashing the glass, with the third-highest offensive rebound percentage of any team, which should limit the second chance opportunities for Boston.
Boston has been one of the most successful teams at hitting the Over, but when you dive into the splits, they are just 3-7-1 over/under on the road. Toronto is 5-6 over/under record at home. The Raptors and Celtics have played close games in recent years with the Under going 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Toronto. This is a perfect letdown spot for Boston after an intense win on the road in Brooklyn. Expect a physical, low-scoring affair as Toronto is holding opponents to the 4th lowest points per game at home (105.5). Have confidence in taking the UNDER in tonight’s Eastern Conference showdown.
Best NBA Bet for Celtics-Raptors: Game Total UNDER 228 Points
