Friday night’s NBA slate concludes in Minnesota, where the Timberwolves will host the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a Western Conference Finals rematch on Prime Video.
The Thunder (25–2) enter on the second leg of a back-to-back but are coming off a 21-point rout of the Los Angeles Clippers. They’re looking to beat Minnesota for the second time this season, having taken the first matchup in OKC during NBA Cup group play, behind a remarkable performance from reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET. Oklahoma City enters as a 7.5-point road favorite, while Minnesota sits as a +235 underdog. The game’s total is set at 232.5 points.
Ahead of Friday night’s primetime matchup, here’s my favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander prop bet on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Best Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Prop For Thunder vs. Timberwolves
Best Bet: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 45+ Points + Rebounds + Assists (-101)
Oklahoma City isn’t suffering from a championship hangover — and neither is its franchise superstar. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game on scorching 56/43/88 splits this season, catalyzing a juggernaut that’s on pace to break the 2015-16 Warriors’ regular-season wins record.
As overwhelming favorites to repeat as NBA champions, OKC has continued to dominate, and SGA has seemingly made it a point to carve up opponents the Thunder dispatched during last season’s title run.
On Nov. 9 against the Grizzlies, a team the Thunder swept in the first round, Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 48 combined points, rebounds, and assists (PRA). In a finals rematch with the Pacers on Oct. 23, he exploded for a remarkable 68 PRA.
His first encounter with Minnesota this season followed the same script. During NBA Cup group play on Nov. 26, SGA posted 52 PRA in a 113–105 victory over the Timberwolves. Dating back to the conference finals, he’s averaging 45.9 PRA across six games against Minnesota.
Even on the second leg of a back-to-back, the 27-year-old guard appears poised to top 45 PRA against the Wolves. In three games with no rest this season, he’s averaging 45.3 PRA — including a 48-PRA outing against the Trail Blazers in a loss, managing to shine even in defeat.
Gilgeous-Alexander won MVP for a reason. He delivers regardless of stage, opponent or circumstance, and all signs point to him eclipsing 45 PRA against the Timberwolves on Friday night.
