The 2025 NBA playoffs continue Monday with two games. First, the Detroit Pistons look to even up the series against the New York Knicks (-6.5, 221.5). Then, the Denver Nuggets aim to preserve homecourt against the LA Clippers (-1.5, 218.5).
Here are some of the bets that stand out for Monday's games.
Odds are as of publication time. For the most up-to-date odds, visit ESPN BET
Bets for Monday
Cade Cunningham over 36.5 points and assists (-115). Cunningham didn't shoot well in Game 1 -- just 38% from the field on 21 attempts -- but he still looked comfortable out there. The Knicks weren't doubling him, and their defensive approach was pretty much what we saw during the regular season. This is still a matchup Cunningham can take advantage of, especially working out of the pick-and-roll. I expect Cunningham to be more assertive and shoot the ball better. He's gone over this line in 59% of the games this season when he's played 36 minutes or more.
Nikola Jokic over 27.5 points (-115). Jokic scored 29 in Game 1 on 12-of-24 shooting, but he had to work for every bucket. The Clippers threw constant double teams at him, and it came at a cost. Early on, when Ivica Zubac guarded Jokic one-on-one, the defense held up and L.A. led. But once the double teams came, Denver's role players got into a rhythm. Jokic dished out 12 assists. The one guy who didn't show up? Michael Porter Jr., who faded into the background and was even called out by Jokic postgame. That should spark a bounce-back from MPJ, which could make the Clippers think twice about sending doubles. Jokic's hit this line in 69% of games where he's played 36+ minutes.
Clippers Money Line (-115). The Clippers haven't lost back-to-back games since early March and have looked like the league's best team with a healthy Kawhi Leonard and elite play from James Harden. While Leonard had some costly turnovers in Game 1, the Nuggets had no answer for Harden in the pick-and-roll and needed another huge game from Jokic just to win in overtime. This is a very important game for the Clippers, and with their solid depth, I see them bouncing back, especially with the Nuggets' bench issues potentially playing a factor on Monday night.
Kawhi Leonard Over 24.5 points (-110). Leonard scored 22 points in Game 1 but faded in the second half as Denver's defense tightened up. Head coach Ty Lue will likely push his superstar to be more aggressive as the Clippers look to even the series. Los Angeles needs more than 15 field goal attempts from Leonard and I believe they'll get much more. Leonard has cleared this line in six of his last 10 games.
Projections and injury reports
Basketball Power Index by ESPN Analytics. Injury aggregation by Rotowire.com. Odds by ESPN BET
All times ET.
Detroit Pistons at New York Knicks
7:30 p.m.
Line: Pistons +6.5 (EVEN) | Knicks -6.5 (-115)
Money line: Pistons +225 | Knicks -275
Total: 221.5 (-107 O, -107 U)
BPI Projection: Knicks by 6, straight up 69%, 222.1 total points.
Injury Report:
Pistons: Isaiah Stewart, (GTD - Knee); Jaden Ivey, (OUT - Lower Leg)
Knicks: None reported
LA Clippers at Denver Nuggets
10 p.m.
Line: Clippers -1.5 (EVEN) | Nuggets +1.5 (-115)
Money line: Clippers -115 | Nuggets -105
Total: 218.5 (-107 O, -107 U)
BPI Projection: Nuggets by 2.5, straight up 58%, 223.3 total points.
Injury Report:
Clippers: Seth Lundy, (OFS - Ankle)
Nuggets: Aaron Gordon, (GTD - Calf); DaRon Holmes II, (OFS - Achilles)