NBA Best Bets - Today's NBA Picks for Monday, January 2

Donovan Mitchell O5.5 assists vs. Chicago

Overall, Mitchell's assists numbers are down this season playing alongside Darius Garland, but with Garland unlikely to play Monday, Mitchell should assume lead playmaking duties on top of being the Cavs' best scoring threat. He's gone over this number in four of six games without Garland in the lineup this season, including Saturday night against the Bulls in Chicago. Per 100 possessions, the Bulls' surrender the sixth-most assists in the NBA, and they rank 29th in opponents' three-point percentage (37.5% 3PT), ahead of only San Antonio.

Donte DiVincenzo over 16.5 points + assists (-125) vs. Hawks

I think the Hawks will focus on stopping Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson, assigning Dejounte Murray and De'Andre Hunter (if available) to them. That means Trae Young, one of the league's worst defenders, should primarily be on DiVincenzo. I expect him to take advantage. Since joining the starting five with Stephen Curry out, DiVincenzo is averaging 12.0 points and 4.4 assists.