Simulation Picks
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Expert Picks
At the start of the playoffs, few teams have shown carryover value from the regular season. One team that has is the West's top-seeded Rockets. Houston destroyed the Timberwolves in Game 2 as Minnesota couldn't contain anyone. Today is a value spot with yet another home team. As great as the Rockets have been against the T'wolves, this is a heightened line. Grab the underdog.
The Timberwolves haven't hosted a playoff game in 14 years, so this long-awaited return to the postseason should provide enough ammunition for an inspired performance. Moreover, they have been reasonably competitive against the Rockets in the first two games despite getting little production from Karl-Anthony Towns. A pair of relatively lackluster wins by Houston could create a false sense of security heading into Game 3. This spread has jumped from the opening number of 4.5 and now there is enough value to support the home underdog Saturday.
Based on the unusually low score of Game 2, we're getting value on this total. Go Over.
This line has jumped for good reason. The Rockets found their mojo last game and it will carry over here. Lay it.
Minnesota's one of the NBA's toughest teams to beat at home, 30-11 overall. The Wolves have covered five of six overall, including a narrow three-point loss in Game 1 of this series. It's time for them to prove they belong in the playoffs. This team is too good, with Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler and a raucous home environment to roll over. My computer projections have KAT and Butler combining for 49 points and 21 rebounds -- they've managed just 18.5 and 15.5 over the first two games -- and are projecting an outright Wolves victory. I'll take the points as well for added confidence.