Only one NBA playoff game is on tap for Thursday, Warriors vs. Timberwolves. In Game 1, Golden State dominated en route to a 99-88 victory. However, star point guard Stephen Curry is out for at least a week due to a hamstring injury. Can Anthony Edwards and Minnesota take advantage tonight in Game 2? Will any Warriors step up in Curry’s absence?
There’s several ways to get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball selections before tonight’s games!
Anthony Edwards more than 2.5 three-pointers made
After a phenomenal series against the Lakers, Anthony Edwards came out cold on Tuesday. In Game 1, the guard went 9-of-22 from the field, recording 23 points and 14 rebounds. While those numbers sound decent, it took Ant-Man until the second half to get anything going on offense. The 23-year-old was unimpressive from long distance, connecting on one of five three-point attempts.
Despite Edwards’ misfires, there’s no reason to assume he won’t resume his shot-chucking ways in Game 2. After all, the All-Star trailed only Steph Curry in three-pointers made (4.1) and attempted (10.3) per game. In four of his last five meetings with the Warriors, Edwards has hit at least four three-pointers. Given his massive shooting volume, Minnesota’s face of the franchise should find more success from deep tonight.
Draymond Green more than 21.5 points + rebounds + assists
Even without Curry, the Warriors will still have a pair of future Hall of Famers available in Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. The latter of the two had a productive Game 1, posting 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists. That included terrific 4-of-10 shooting from three-point range. It’s not the kind of offensive output fans have come to expect from the defensively-minded veteran. Still, it’s clear that Green is capable of delivering an impressive stat line.
Butler alone won’t be able to carry Golden State’s offense to a second straight win. The Warriors will have to live with more touches for Green, despite his offensive limitations. Fortunately for the Dubs, the power forward has a great track record in this spot. In seven of his previous ten full games against Minnesota, Draymond has notched at least 22 points + rebounds + assists. Whether he prioritizes shooting, playmaking or rebounding, the do-it-all Green is poised for another all-around showing on Thursday.
Rudy Gobert more than 10.5 rebounds
We’ll stay down low, where Green’s arch nemesis Rudy Gobert will look to make an impact. The Frenchman was decent, albeit not great, in Game 1, logging nine points and 11 rebounds over 26 minutes. At this point, it’s difficult to pin down the center’s point totals on any given night. However, the big man’s dominance on the glass is something the Timberwolves can always count on. This season, Gobert hauled in 10.9 rebounds per game, seventh-most in the NBA.
It’s no secret that the Warriors are a bit small in their front court. Other than Green (6’6″), Golden State’s remaining big men are rotational pieces such as Quinten Post (7’0″) and Kevon Looney (6’9″). Gobert has snagged 11 rebounds in five of his previous seven meetings with the Warriors. In what could be another physical, low-scoring game, there should be plenty of offensive rebounds as well. Look for Gobert to flirt with another double-double during tonight’s matchup.
Brandin Podziemski more than 3.5 assists
One of the biggest flaws with the Warriors is their lack of secondary ball-handlers. That hasn’t hurt them for most of the season with Stephen Curry active. Now that the superstar is injured, Golden State will need its depth to step up on Thursday. If anyone is going to emerge as a distributor tonight, it’s Brandin Podziemski. The second-year pro has been mediocre during the postseason, averaging 10.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
Despite his lackluster playoff numbers, Podz is in line for a much bigger role on Thursday. Over ten appearances this season without Curry, the 22-year-old has posted 14.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Minnesota’s perimeter defense is nothing to sneeze at, but that means we should see plenty of ball movement from the Warriors. Head coach Steve Kerr should feel comfortable letting Podziemski control Golden State’s offense for most of this game. Assuming that happens, it won’t take much for the guard to reach this modest assists total.
Naz Reid more than 17.5 points + rebounds
For years, the Timberwolves have stocked their roster with plenty of height. Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle may start, but Naz Reid is just as important over the course of 48 minutes. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year has enjoyed another fantastic campaign this season. Through 80 games, he’s posted 14.2 points and 6.0 rebounds while shooting 46.2% from the field.
The former second-round pick is somewhat undersized down low at 6’9″. However, the Warriors go even smaller for the majority of the game when Green plays center. That’s allowed Minnesota’s backup big to have plenty of success recently in this matchup. Reid has accounted for at least 17 points + rebounds in seven of his previous ten outings vs. Golden State. That includes a 19-point, five-board performance off the bench in Game 1. The Timberwolves should give their secret weapon ample opportunity to produce during tonight’s contest.
Kevon Looney less than 3.5 points
Speaking of secret weapons, Kevon Looney is one of the game’s most underrated backups. As a member of the Warriors since 2015, the center has offered rim protection and quality rebounding for nearly a decade. The 29-year-old’s numbers usually aren’t spectacular, especially during the postseason. Through eight playoff games, Looney has generated just 1.8 points and 3.3 rebounds.
A solid day on the glass is always possible for Looney, especially in a matchup that could force the Warriors to play tall. However, scoring is a challenge on most nights for the veteran. Doing so against Gobert, arguably the best rim protector on Earth, is a challenge. The big man has only had one outing this postseason with more than three points. All signs are pointing to another low-scoring performance in Game 2.
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