The Minnesota Timberwolves will face off with the Detroit Pistons tonight as part of an eight-game slate. Anthony Edwards and company currently sit in eighth place in the Western Conference with a 42-32 record. They are just a half-game back of the Clippers for the sixth seed, which would lift them above the play-in tournament entirely, so the final eight games on their schedule will be important.
Detroit will not be an easy challenge as it has become the first team in NBA history to triple its win total from the previous season. It sits in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a 42-32 overall record. Cade Cunningham is considered doubtful for this game with a calf injury, which will help the Timberwolves. Terrence Shannon Jr. is the only player on the injury report for Minnesota as he is listed as questionable with a groin issue.
Edwards is averaging 27.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. The former No. 1 pick is attempting a career-high 10.1 three-point attempts and connecting at a 39.5% rate.
The Timberwolves are currently 7.5-point favorites and -278 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Pistons hold +225 odds on the moneyline with the game total set at 225.
With the stage set, here are my favorite Edwards prop bets ahead of the Sunday night matchup.
Best Anthony Edwards Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Edwards’ props are listed at over/under 27.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 3.5 made three-pointers and 36.5 combined points, rebounds and assists.
Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 Made Three-Pointers (-105)
Players are launching three-pointers across the NBA at an all-time high rate, and Edwards has been a part of this effort. With his previous career-high being 8.4 per game, Edwards is attempting 10.3 perimeter shots per game this season while shooting a career-best 39.5% from beyond the arc. Edwards has made a name for himself with his highlight reel dunks, but he is a complete player and has punished teams whenever they go under on screens.
Edwards has connected on over 3.5 made three-pointers in 43 of 71 games this season. He also tied a career-high 10 three-pointers made in the first matchup against the Pistons this season. Detroit is a tough, defensive-minded team that has exceeded expectations in a major way this season. However, the Pistons have been vulnerable from beyond the three-point arc, ranking 23rd in opponents’ three-point percentage. The Pistons have far more success protecting the interior, and Edwards made note of this with his approach in the previous matchup.
While he may not replicate the 10 three-pointers he connected with in the previous game, this 3.5 line is too low for Edwards’ three-point shooting. He has maintained impressive efficiency despite the increased volume all year, and this perimeter attack has become a foundation of Minnesota’s offense. Edwards bounced back from an uncharacteristic 1-for-11 three-point shooting against the Pacers on Monday to shoot 4-for-10 on three-pointers on Friday against the Suns. Look for him to carry this into today and connect with over 3.5 made three-pointers for the 44th time this season.
Anthony Edwards Over 4.5 Assists (-125)
After averaging 5.1 assists per game last season, Edwards’ playmaking has taken a statistical step back this season with him currently averaging 4.6 assists per game. The decision to trade away Karl-Anthony Towns marked a drastic change in the team’s offensive approach, and Edwards was handed the full keys to the franchise. He ranks seventh in the NBA in usage rate among players with over 30 games played.
The Georgia product will never be confused for a pass-first player, but he is still plenty capable as a passer. He has recorded as many as 11 assists in a game this season and recorded over 4.5 assists in 35 outings. Edwards was limited to just two assists in the first matchup with the Pistons but this had more to do with him exploding for 53 points and having 10 made three-pointers.
With the past matchup in mind, expect Detroit to be willing to sell out to stop Edwards as a scorer. The Pistons are playing some high-quality basketball of late and have a variety of perimeter defenders who will likely get a chance at Edwards. Expect frequent screen opportunities around the three-point line and for the primary decision to be between shooting the deep shot or hitting the rolling big man, primarily Rudy Gobert.
Edwards has shown some improvement as a passer of late averaging 4.9 assists per game across his past 24 games and recording over 4.5 assists in 11 of his past 16 games. Expect him to continue leading the offensive charge and for the threat of his scoring to open up shots for others. Look for him to tally over 4.5 assists tonight for the 36th time this season with his scoring ability sure to be the first thing on the Pistons’ game plan.
