Timberwolves. Thunder. Anthony Edwards vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Western Conference Finals. Need I say more?
In Game 1 on Tuesday, Oklahoma City surged ahead in the second half, securing a 1-0 series lead. Tonight, Minnesota will attempt to even things up before heading home. No matter who wins, it’s clear that both squads aren’t lacking in star power. Which big names are poised for success in Game 2? Let’s break down three must-starts ahead of Thursday’s NBA playoff matchup.
Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $500K Shootaround [$100K to 1st] (MIN @ OKC)
PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder ($18,600)
As a personal policy, I never go for the highest-priced player on the board…almost never. For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, I’m willing to make an exception. The NBA’s newest MVP has been on a tear recently, carrying an otherwise inconsistent Thunder offense. Oklahoma City’s leading man has averaged 29.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game this postseason, shooting 46.7% from the field.
For most guards, a date with the Timberwolves can be a challenge. That’s not the case for SGA, who has had plenty of success in this spot. In 11 of his last 13 meetings with Minnesota, the guard has scored at least 30 points. That includes Game 1, in which Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 31 points, five rebounds and nine assists (55.8 FPTS). At this point, history is clearly on the three-time All-Star’s side. Even at $18,600, it’s difficult not to consider starting OKC’s face of the franchise.
PF/C Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves ($14,100)
Another game, another masterful Julius Randle performance. In spite of his teammates, the three-time All-Star delivered a 28-point, eight-rebound outing on Tuesday (41.5 FPTS). The power forward has put all concerns over his ‘clutchness’ to bed this postseason. Over his last 11 games, Randle has posted 24.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 52.2% from the field. With Anthony Edwards’ inconsistency, it’s fair to call the big man Minnesota’s most reliable player right now.
Dating back to the second round against the Warriors, Randle has logged at least 40.0 fantasy points in five straight games. The bruising forward offers a rare blend of inside scoring, capable shooting, and terrific court vision. With all those skills, it’s no wonder that even the Thunder have had trouble slowing Randle down. In seven of his last ten meetings with OKC, he’s recorded at least 25 points. That level of scoring prowess, combined with excellent counting stats, makes Randle a potential steal as this game’s fourth-most expensive player.
PF/C Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves ($9,300)
To round out the list, let’s look at a more moderately priced player due for a big game. Naz Reid is one of the NBA’s preeminent stretch-fives, capable of draining three-pointers and swatting shots at the rim. Through 82 games, the center averaged 14.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists while knocking down 46.2% of his shots. However, the center has struggled this postseason, failing to record more than 20.5 fantasy points in any of his last four appearances. In Game 1, Reid scored just four points over 28 minutes, shooting 1-for-11 from the field (20.5 FPTS).
As bad as he’s looked over the past week, last season’s Sixth Man of the Year has value tonight. In four of his last five games against the Thunder, Reid has dropped at least 19 points and eight rebounds. As good as Oklahoma City is on defense, they’ve allowed more fantasy points to opposing centers than any other position. To make things even more enticing, Rudy Gobert looked borderline unplayable on Tuesday. If Wolves head coach Chris Finch shakes up Minnesota’s front court, Reid stands to benefit.
