It took a little while for the OKC Thunder engine to get revved in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. But they’ve got Game 1 in the bag with a dominant 26-point win.
Now the Minnesota Timberwolves need to strike back to give themselves the best chance of making this a series.
We’ve taken that into consideration as we lined up our favorite NBA playoff prop picks.
Read below for our free Timberwolves vs Thunder picks, starting with Julius Randle continuing his strong play.
Timberwolves vs. Thunder Player Props for Game 2
Julius Randle Over 19.5 points (-120 at Bet365)
Randle was by far the best Minnesota player on the floor for Game 1, which is great that he showed up, but not so great because he can’t be that guy for them to be successful.
That should be Anthony Edwards, but Ant was held to 18 points, including zero in the fourth quarter as the Thunder pulled away.
Randle works as the recurring offensive wheel turn, always on time, always consistent, and he should be that again.
He’s scored at least 20 points in five straight games, and in nine of the last 10.
He’ll be closer to that number as Edwards takes off in Game 2, but still over.
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Shai Gilgeous Alexander Over 6.5 assists (-140 at Bet365)
It was a rough start for the newly minted MVP in Game 1, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did finish with 31 points in the win.
However, I’m more impressed with his nine assists – his best total so far in these playoffs.
SGA made a lot of plays with Minnesota packing the paint on his drives, forcing him to find other ways to generate offense.
I still think that will be the Timberwolves’ game plan, and so Gilgeous-Alexander is going to have to look for drop-off passes or corner-3 kickouts on his drives to the paint to keep the defense honest.
He’s now played four straight games vs Minnesota, where he’s dished out at least eight assists. Look for this same style of play in Game 2.
Alex Caruso Over 1.5 3-point makes (+120 at Bet365)
It’s a super luxury to have veteran Alex Caruso come off the bench and provide a little touch of everything: defense, ball handling, and, especially, at home, some 3-point shooting.
Caruso drilled all three of his triple attempts in Game 1, and he’s now had at least three 3-point hits in four home games these playoffs.
After shooting a pedestrian 35.3% from beyond the arc in the regular season, Caruso is scorching from deep in the playoffs, connecting on a 45.1% clip – by far his best output in his playoff career.
He averaged five attempts from deep in the series against Denver. If he meets that number again in Game 2, it should pay out, with plus odds for you too.
