Monday's NBA slate features 10 games with playoff implications, tanking implications, and plenty of betting implications. Let's break down the key matchups.

The Quick Hit

• Games today: 10 NBA matchups on December 29
• The headline: Knicks -9.5 in New Orleans against the struggling Pelicans
• The value hunt: Bucks -3.5 at Charlotte feels too cheap
• The sweat: Warriors trying to snap a three-game road skid in Brooklyn

Pelicans vs Knicks (-9.5) | 8:00 PM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans (8-25) are one of the worst teams in basketball, and it's not particularly close. Zion Williamson is dealing with injury issues again, the roster is thin, and they've lost three straight.

The Knicks (22-9) are rolling. Jalen Brunson has the offense humming, the defense is physical, and New York has covered in six of their last eight games.

Nine and a half points is a lot, but the Pelicans struggle to score and struggle to stop anyone from scoring. This could get ugly early.

Lean: Knicks -9.5 if you can stomach a blowout cover

Hornets vs Bucks (-3.5) | 7:00 PM ET

Charlotte (11-20) hosting Milwaukee (13-19) is a battle of disappointing teams, but the Bucks have more talent and more to play for.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a monster lately, and the Bucks are starting to figure things out. They've won three of their last five, while the Hornets have dropped four straight.

The 3.5-point spread feels light for a team with Giannis against a Hornets squad that can't defend anyone. If Milwaukee shows up focused, this could be an 8-10 point win.

Lean: Bucks -3.5

Nets vs Warriors (-4) | 7:30 PM ET

Golden State (16-16) needs a bounce-back. The Warriors have dropped three straight road games and look nothing like the team that started the season hot.

The Nets (10-19) are in tank mode, but they've actually been competitive at home. Brooklyn has covered in four of their last six at Barclays Center.

Steph Curry games are always must-watch television, but the Warriors have been inconsistent away from Chase Center. Four points might be too many against a Nets team with nothing to lose.

Lean: Nets +4

Other Games to Watch

Magic at Raptors: Orlando (55.33% projected win probability) is the road favorite in Toronto. The Magic's defense travels.

Heat at Nuggets: Miami in Denver is always a tough ask. Altitude matters, and the Nuggets are desperate to get back to .500.

Bulls at Timberwolves: Minnesota should roll at home. Anthony Edwards has been on a heater.

Rockets at Pacers: Two fast-paced teams could make the over interesting.

The Bottom Line

Monday's slate has some clear favorites and a few traps waiting to eat your bankroll. The Knicks and Bucks feel like the safest bets on the board, but nothing in the NBA is guaranteed.

If you're looking for a parlay, Knicks ML + Bucks -3.5 + Timberwolves ML gives you three games with win probabilities above 60% each. It's not sexy, but it's smart.

Good luck, degenerates. Let's start the week off right.