After a two-day hiatus, the NBA playoffs resume on Tuesday with Timberwolves vs. Thunder. Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals could be an ugly affair, as each team is elite on defense. However, there’s plenty of star power on both sides heading into this matchup. Before the start of tonight’s contest, get in on the action with DraftKings NBA Pick6 fantasy basketball!
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander more than 31.5 points
In spite of a dominant Game 7 victory, the Western Conference semifinals were a grind for OKC. The Thunder had issues handling Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, often struggling on the offensive end of the floor. Still, even with inconsistent production from his teammates, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up. The MVP candidate averaged 29.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game during the series.
As impressive as those numbers are, the guard has a more difficult challenge on tap tonight. The Timberwolves are a tenacious defensive unit, holding opponents to the fifth-fewest points per game (108.4). Regardless, SGA has a stellar track record in this spot. In eight of the Canadian’s last ten meetings with Minnesota, he’s tallied at least 32 points. None of those outings came in the postseason, where the level of physicality is taken up a notch. That shouldn’t be an issue for OKC’s face of the franchise, who has logged 34 career playoff games. At this point, Gilgeous-Alexander needs to be trusted in big games until proven otherwise.
Anthony Edwards less than 3.5 three-pointers made
SGA might be the best player in this series, but Anthony Edwards might be the biggest name. Even at 23 years old, Minnesota’s top dog is already one of the NBA’s most dynamic stars. The guard took major strides as a shooter this season, knocking down 4.1 three-pointers on 10.3 attempts per game. Those marks both ranked second in basketball, behind only Stephen Curry.
Edwards’ marksmanship was on full display in round two against the Warriors. In that series, the superstar knocked down 44.2 of his attempts from deep, including a five-for-nine performance in Game 5. With that being said, the Thunder specialize in guarding the perimeter. Opponents have hit just 34.0% of their three-pointers against Oklahoma City, the lowest mark in basketball. As good as Ant-Man is, he might find more scoring success driving to the paint in Game 1.
Jalen Williams more than 9.5 assists + rebounds
It hasn’t been a postseason to remember for Jalen Williams. OKC’s second-best player has been inconsistent on offense, notching 34 total points between Games 4 and 6 vs. Denver. Fortunately for the Thunder, J-Dub stepped up on Sunday with a 24-point, series-clinching performance. Williams, for all his scoring struggles, has continued to serve as an all-around difference maker. During eight of his previous 11 games, the 24-year-old has accounted for at least ten rebounds + assists.
At this point, it’s difficult for fantasy basketball managers to fully trust Williams. The All-Star is still a threat on any given night, but his offensive game isn’t something to bank on. However, it also feels as though Minnesota will hone in on stopping Gilgeous-Alexander at all costs. With the ball in his hands more often than not, J-Dub has proven he can thrive as a passer. In addiiton, the 6’5″ wing is sure to make his presence felt on the glass. Expect another balanced stat line from Williams on Tuesday night.
Rudy Gobert more than 9.5 rebounds
For all his flaws, Rudy Gobert remains one of the NBA’s best rim protectors. Even in a down year, the center recorded 1.4 blocks and 10.9 rebounds per game during the regular season. Those numbers haven’t quite carried over into the playoffs (9.6 RPG, 1.3 BLK). Still, the Frenchman remains arguably the biggest piece for a terrific Timberwolves defense.
Minnesota’s seven-footer enters tonight with some momentum. In Game 5 vs. Golden State, the former Defensive Player of the Year accounted for 17 points and eight rebounds over 28 minutes. Gobert only averaged 27.4 minutes per game against the Warriors last round. That number should increase in the Western Conference Finals against a much taller Thunder squad. In seven of Gobert’s last ten appearances vs. OKC, he’s snagged at least ten boards. Another dominant evening on the glass is the expectation heading into Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
Luguentz Dort more than 11.5 points + rebounds + assists
What separates the Thunder from most Western Conference rosters? A seemingly limitless supply of quality depth. Head coach Mark Daigneault has the luxury of going ten-deep with his rotation, wearing out opposing squads over 48 minutes. No player is more emblematic of this than Lu Dort. The two-way wing has earned his reputation as one of the NBA’s best perimeter defenders. However, he’s also someone you can’t leave open from beyond the arc (career 36.0 3PT%).
So far this postseason, Dort hasn’t looked like himself. The 26-year-old has shot a ghastly 33.0% from the field and 28.0% from three-point range. Unsurprisingly, the veteran has seen his minutes total decrease this postseason. Still, there’s reason to believe going forward. The Canadian reached 12 points + rebounds + assists in Games 6 and 7 vs. Denver. That’s despite playing a combined 38 minutes during those two appearances. In fact, he’s gone over this mark in seven of OKC’s 11 contests this postseason. Even on a limited workload, Dort remains more than capable of reaching this modest P+R+A total.
Julius Randle more than 27.5 points + rebounds
There’s an argument to be made that Julius Randle, not Anthony Edwards, has been Minnesota’s most important player this postseason. Over his last ten outings, the power forward has delivered 23.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists. Most impressively, he’s reached 20 points for the Timberwolves in eight games during that time. Head coach Chris Finch clearly trusts the veteran, leaving him on the floor for an average of 37.6 minutes.
Randle at his best makes for a difficult matchup; the two-time All-NBA selection can play with physicality and finesse. Recently, the 30-year-old has found success when playing against the Thunder. During six of his previous seven meetings with OKC, Randle has accounted for at least 28 points + rebounds. Even against a 68-win juggernaut, Minnesota’s All-Star is sure to remain active on both ends of the floor.
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