Timberwolves vs Suns Prediction & Same Game Parlay picks: Durant is up to the task at +334 odds

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Germantas Kneita

NBA

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Like most Lithuanians, I started watching basketball from the age of six. I'm based out in London and played basketball at the University of Lincoln here in the UK. I had always had an interest in the NBA but things really took off in the summer of 2010. That year Linas Kleiza led Lithuania to 3rd place at the World Championships and signed with the Toronto Raptors to replace the departing Chris Bosh. I've been a Raptors fan since that day and I've not missed a game since. I've been handicapping games for more than a decade, specializing in player props. For Germantas Kneita media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
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The Phoenix Suns head into tonight’s game knowing a loss all but eliminates them from the playoffs, considering no NBA team has ever come back from 3-0 down to win a series. It would be an embarrassment for Kevin Durant, with the star likely coming under the most criticism after his previous failed stint in Brooklyn, too. A win tonight, however, and the pressure would be put back on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
You can check out all of our NBA picks for today’s games, but for now, let’s jump into my Game 3 Timberwolves vs Suns Same Game Parlay picks.

Suns ML (-210)

Kevin Durant Over 25.5 points (-128)

Jusuf Nurkic Over 11.5 rebounds (+100)

Parlay odds: +334

Phoenix Suns ML over Minnesota Timberwolves (-210)

During the regular season the Suns were able to take care of business at home against the Timberwolves, winning both match ups by double-digit margins. Returning to their home floor here could have a major boost for their performance. We saw just what affect that can have last night as the Orlando Magic picked up a 38-point win despite going into the game having lost the opening 2. The Timberwolves struggle to be as efficient defensively on their travels. During the regular season they allowed to teams to make 3% more of their field goal attempts than they do when playing in Minnesota. That translates to 5.6 points per game. Considering the Suns have not surpassed the 100-point mark yet this postseason, this would be a timely drop off for them. While the injury to Grayson Allen will be a loss to the Suns, they can now be flexible with their starting lineup by either staying small or going big to match up with Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. This unpredictability should make it tougher for the visitors to prepare ahead of the game. It should help them come out on top.

Kevin Durant Over 25.5 points (-128)

Of the so called Suns’ Big 3, Kevin Durant is the only player who sees his scoring numbers go up when playing at home as opposed to on the road. He will be under the most pressure tonight, too, so it would not be a shock to see him take matters into his own hands, especially after a disappointing 18-point outing in Game 2. The Suns looked their best in that game when Towns was not on the floor. Considering Durant will spend time matched up against him, look for him to be very aggressive going to the rim. With his speed advantage and effective handle, he should have no getting to his spots on the floor. Eric Gordon is also more than capable of stepping in for Grayson Allen and making sure the floor stays spread out. Durant averages 28 points per game when playing in Phoenix this season. With so much on the line, he should be getting to similar numbers.

Jusuf Nurkic Over 11.5 rebounds (+100)

Of players who played at least 20 minutes per game this season, no one has a better rebounding percentage than Jusuf Nurkic. That was on full display in Game 2, as he pulled down 14 boards. With the Timberwolves having such a big front line, there seems no threat that Nurkic will see his role diminished. Being matched up against Gobert should help, too. While he can be a handful on the glass, he is not someone that spaces the floor, forcing his opponents to vacate the paint. It should allow Nurkic to stay in great rebounding position throughout the night. As mentioned, the Timberwolves struggle for efficiency on the road compared to at home. It should lead to more defensive rebounds for the Bosnian to chase down. I’m backing him to have another big night.
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