Germantas Kneita
Last night I was able to hit the first basket prop as Jalen Brunson opened the scoring for the New York Knicks against the Indiana Pacers at +500. Let’s try and make it 2 in a row as the Minnesota Timberwolves host the Oklahoma City Thunder. After a win in Game 3, Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves were able to revive the series after dropping the first 2 games. You can see if they can keep it going live on ESPN tonight.
You can read our NBA Playoff previews here. But before then take a look at my Thunder vs Timberwolves first basket best bet.
Thunder vs Timberwolves first basket best bet: Rudy Gobert (+900)
In Game 3 Chet Holmgren was able to win the tip for the first time in the series against Rudy Gobert. However, the Thunder big still gives up a size advantage to the Frenchman. As a result, the Timberwolves center should be favored to win the opening tip just like he did in the first 2 games of the season. The hosts have been far more efficient at home during this postseason, seeing a 7.3% jump in field goal percentage as opposed to their road games. They are better positioned to make the first basket than ever before.
The hosts caught fire in Game 3 from beyond the arc, knocking down 20 3-pointers. As a result, expect the Thunder to be more aggressively close down on the perimeter, especially jumping out on pick and rolls. That should create opportunities for a big like Gobert to dive to the rim and open the scoring tonight. The Frenchman made 66.9% of his field goal attempts this season and if given the chance, look for him to make it at the rim.
