If I told you that Steph Curry left Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, your next question would probably be, “How much did the Warriors lose by?” It wouldn’t have been, “Did Buddy Hield save the Warriors and win the game for Golden State?”
The 32-year-old sharpshooter has saved the Warriors’ season not once but twice, and in back-to-back games no less. He racked up 24 points in 40 minutes and was the most consistent source of offense for Golden State after Steph’s exit. It keyed their road victory to steal home court from the Wolves. They’ll most certainly need him to keep the hot streak up to have a chance at taking a 2-0 lead before heading back home.
The Warriors enter as 10.5-point road underdogs with +370 odds on the Moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set at 201.5. Let’s take a look at Hield’s best bets for Thursday night.
Best Buddy Hield Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Buddy Hield Over 15.5 Points (-105)
Here’s a stat for you. In the five playoff wins Golden State has so far, Hield has scored 18.2 points per game. In the three losses, he’s scored 3.0 points per game. To say he’s been the bellwether of the team would be an understatement.
Betting the over seems to indicate that I think the Warriors will win. As double-digit underdogs, that would be quite the call, but I think the trend will be bucked, win or lose.
First of all, Hield is on a scorcher. 57 combined points over his last two games is incredible for a career role player. Second, Steph Curry is absent, so Hield must be leaned on heavily. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take double-digit threes and 15 attempts. It only takes a handful of looks for him to get going.
Buddy Hield Over 2.5 Assists (+135)
You’ll be shocked by this: the Warriors are 3-0 this postseason when Hield records three or more assists. They’re 2-3 otherwise.
Again, the volume will be there, and they’ll count more on him as an advantage creator. His ability to draw the defense will create open looks. It all comes down to whether or not his teammates can take advantage, but all it takes is a few open looks to go down. Assuming he can find the right shots, it should be a big night in the box score for Buddy.
