De'Aaron Fox averaged 20.2 points in the first playoff round, and I like him to be very productive in this matchup. He scored 18-plus three straight times to close the Portland series. Just as important, the Spurs gave Fox 34-plus minutes in every game. In three regular-season matchups with Minnesota, Fox put up 25 points twice (and 12 in the other matchup in which he shot 6 of 19). Look for the vet to start out hot in the Western Conference semis.

This is a large number for Jaden McDaniels considering that Anthony Edwards is tentatively expected to suit up tonight. McDaniels has seen his usage surge without AD which is partially why this line is this high. There is also significant blowout risk with the Spurs checking in as double digit favorites tonight.

De’Aaron Fox averaged 6.8 assists per game in the five-game series vs. Portland, hitting over 5.5 assists in four of the five games. This came on 10.8 assist chances per game in the series, the 14th-highest average of the first round. He also hit this in two of the final three games of the regular season, with the one he missed in the meaningless finale. Fox also averaged 34.8 minutes per game in the series, playing at least 33 minutes in all five games. The Wolves are not as good at defending the guards as Portland was during the season, so this might be a better matchup.

While everyone concentrates on Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox has taken advantage. The five games vs. the Blazers, Fox scored no less than 17 points and scored 28 and 21 in the final two, shooting 50% on the series. In three games vs. the Timberwolves, Fox scored 25 points in two of them. The last six meetings with Mike Conley, Fox is averaging 28.3 ppg.