The projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is set to face the nation’s No. 1 team this Monday in a highly anticipated matchup enhanced by cutting-edge technology. New users at DraftKings can take advantage of a promo where a winning initial $5 bet earns a $300 bonus bet. Freshman standout AJ DiVanza, who exploded for 43 points on Saturday, is leading BYU, currently ranked 13th nationally. On Monday, DiVanza and the Cougars will challenge the undefeated No. 1 Arizona Wildcats. Despite Arizona’s perfect record, the SportsLine prediction model favors BYU to win more than half the time, positioning the Cougars as +110 underdogs and a strong bet on DraftKings Sportsbook for Monday’s 9 p.m. ET game at BYU’s home court.
The model also favors the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are 5.5-point favorites over the Orlando Magic in Monday’s NBA lineup, while one of SportsLine’s expert analysts shares picks for the Warriors vs. Timberwolves game. Again, DraftKings offers a promotion where new users can earn $300 in bonus bets if their first $5 wager wins. For more details, visit the DraftKings promo page.
Using simulations of 10,000 runs per NBA game, the SportsLine model has gained over $10,000 on $100 bets across eight seasons. Entering Week 15 of the 2025-26 NBA season, it holds an impressive 37-16 record on top-rated NBA spread picks dating back to last season, helping bettors turn profits consistently on sportsbooks and apps.
Top recommended bets for Monday at DraftKings Sportsbook:
- Cavaliers (-5.5) vs. Magic (-112)
- BYU (+114) to beat Arizona
- Timberwolves (-7.5) vs. Warriors (-105)
A parlay combining these three picks offers a +676 payout — risking $100 to win $676 (odds subject to change).
Cavaliers (-5.5) vs. Magic (-112)
After a slow start compared to last season’s 64-18 record, the Cavaliers are rebounding, winning five of their last six games, their only defeat being against the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. Cleveland beat Orlando 119-105 on Saturday in Orlando, giving them home advantage Monday. Donovan Mitchell, averaging 29.1 points per game (6th in the NBA), had 36 points and 9 assists in the last meeting. Meanwhile, the Magic have lost three consecutive games, failed to cover the spread in each, and hold a 7-13 record against the spread on the road this season.
BYU (+114) vs. Arizona
Arizona remains the dominant No. 1 team with a flawless 20-0 record and five wins against ranked opponents, though just one of those was on the road. Monday’s game at BYU is their toughest challenge yet, especially as they haven’t faced a ranked team since December 13. AJ DiVanza, arguably college basketball’s top player and 2026 NBA draft prospect, averages 23.6 points per game and scored 43 points Saturday. Senior Richie Saunders and sophomore Robert White III also contribute significantly to BYU’s offense. The Cougars are undefeated at home this season (9-0), and despite Arizona’s strength, the simulation model predicts BYU will cover the spread in 55% of runs, highlighting good betting value.
Timberwolves (-7.5) vs. Warriors (-105)
Saturday’s game between these two teams was postponed. SportsLine expert Bruce Marshall noted that the Timberwolves looked off in their recent blowout loss, possibly due to distractions reminiscent of the 2020 bubble challenges. Minnesota lost the previous game, and with the Warriors missing key players like Jimmy Butler and likely Jonathan Kuminga, Monday’s matchup at Target Center might favor the Timberwolves. This setup often benefits the team playing the second game in a back-to-back scenario, making Minnesota a solid bet to cover the spread.
Looking for more NBA and college basketball picks this Monday?
SportsLine’s model, which simulates each game 10,000 times, offers comprehensive picks on spreads, totals, and moneylines across multiple sports, including NFL, NBA, college basketball, and NHL.
Fan Take:
This upcoming clash between the 2026 draft’s potential top pick and the nation’s best team is more than just a game—it’s a preview of future NBA talent taking on established dominance. For basketball fans, these matchups, powered by sophisticated predictive analytics, not only increase excitement but also enhance the strategic approach to betting and viewing, marking a new era of engagement with the sport.
