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Best NBA prop bets today for Thunder vs. Timberwolves (Expect big game for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander)

By Peter Dewey

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /
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The No. 8 seed in the Western Conference is on the line on Friday, and the Oklahoma City Thunder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are hoping to upset the Minnesota Timberwolves to claim it.

With several young stars in this game (SGA, Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Giddey), betting player props can be a fun way to not only enjoy this matchup, but cash in as well.

Here are three plays that I’m considering for Friday night’s play-in matchup:

Thunder vs. Timberwolves best NBA prop bets

  • Anthony Edwards UNDER 27.5 Points
  • Rudy Gobert OVER 12.5 Rebounds
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OVER 33.5 Points

Anthony Edwards UNDER 27.5 Points

Edwards struggled mightily on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, shooting just 3-for-17 from the field.

The former No. 1 overall pick could certainly bounce back in this game, but he’s been inconsistent since returning from an ankle injury, averaging 23.9 points per game over his final eight games of the regular season.

Plus, with Towns in the lineup, Edwards’ numbers have taken a hit this season. He is averaging 23.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in 28 games with KAT in the lineup.

I’ll fade him here.

Rudy Gobert OVER 12.5 Rebounds

This is a favorable matchup for Rudy Gobert and Towns in the paint, as the Thunder don’t really play a traditional center. Instead, they roll with undersized bigs Jaylin Williams and Dario Saric as their main options at the five spot.

On Wednesday, Jonas Valanciunas grabbed 18 boards against OKC, and I could see Gobert having a similar impact.

The big man has a 15-rebound and 16-rebound game against the Thunder this season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OVER 33.5 Points

The Timberwolves won’t have Jaden McDaniels (fractured hand) in this game, and he’s the team’s best perimeter defender.

That’s going to make life a little easier for SGA, who scored 32 points on Wednesday against New Orleans.

In that game, Gilgeous-Alexander scored just seven first half points before turning it on to close the game.

If he’s more aggressive from the jump, he should have a monster game against the Wolves.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.