Pick against the spread, best player prop for Knicks vs. Hornets on Monday

The New York Knicks will visit the Spectrum Center on Monday to take on the Charlotte Hornets in an Eastern Conference matchup. New York is looking to snap a two-game losing streak while Charlotte is looking for a fourth straight victory and this game could go either way. Let’s go over the ideal way to go about things and an ideal prop bet on DraftKings Sportsbook.

New York Knicks at Charlotte Hornets, 7:00 p.m. ET

ATS Pick: Hornets -5

The Knicks have been the better team so far this year but the Hornets have all the momentum and favorable matchups. Julius Randle is having a career year and will likely dominate PJ Washington but Charlotte has the edge in the backcourt and on the wing. The Hornets’ three-guard rotation is better than ever now that LaMelo Ball is hitting his stride. Gordon Hayward has also been far more consistent than second-year swingman RJ Barrett. The Knicks average the second-fewest points per game in the NBA and I don't think they have enough firepower to cover the spread with Alec Burks out and Reggie Bullock ruled out with a hip injury.

Player Prop: LaMelo Ball O6.5 assists (+125)

Ball became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double in his last outing and it’ll be hard for Charlotte to keep him off the court now that he’s warming up to the pro game. Ball was one assist short of a triple-double two games ago and has tallied at least 9 dimes in three of his last five games. He’ll likely be the first player off the bench and has been used in garbage time when Charlotte trails late. Ball matched a season-high with 31 minutes in his last game and should have a great chance to hit the over if he continues to get a bump in playing time.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/MI/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA) or Call or Text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IA/IN/CO/IL/TN/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.