Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put himself in rarified air last season. He’s now on the shortlist of players to win MVP and the Finals MVP in the same season, delivering the first-ever title for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, on banner-raising night, Shai will set the tone for his follow-up campaign.
The Thunder are 7.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. They’re priced at -325 on the Moneyline, while the Rockets are +260 underdogs. The total for this game is set at 227.5 points. Here’s the top Shai Gilgeous-Alexander prop bet for the season opener.
Best Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Prop Bet
Like most teams, the Houston Rockets did not have a good time defending SGA last season. The MVP scored 33.2 PPG in five matchups with Houston last year. That included a 51-point explosion in March that showcased the full breadth of his immense offensive talents.
That job won’t be any easier on Tuesday. Amen Thompson is as good of a defender as any to throw at Shai, but this effort requires multiple defenders. When the screens come and switches are forced, that’s when Gilgeous-Alexander is going to feast. Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and their dual-center frontcourt of Steven Adams and Alperen Sengun are all food for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
It also hurts that Dorian Finney-Smith, who was signed to be a perimeter defender first and foremost, will be out for this game. He would be one of the primary SGA defenders if healthy. Perhaps the Rockets ask Reed Sheppard, an underrated point-of-attack defender, to take on some of those minutes. New signee Josh Okogie could see some time as well.
Ultimately, there won’t be an answer for Gilgeous-Alexander on Houston’s side. Their best chance is to pray for misses, and he doesn’t like to miss shots. It should be a great banner-raising night for Oklahoma City’s best player.
