Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves will aim to go 4 and 0 in the playoffs at home this year. For Edwards this is closer to his original timeline of return, as he was expected to comeback in game three or four. DonтАЩt be surprised if he looks closer to 100 percent tonight, and has a bump in minutes played. Edwards has averaged 15 points in his limited role. Expect a showcase game from Edwards as he clears his adjusted points prop.
With Minnesota big man Rudy Gobert guarding Spurs C Victory Wembanyama up top, the floor has opened for Julius Randle to get more boards. In game 1, he flew over his total with 10 rebounds, matching Gobert. In game 2, he had 5 rebounds in just 27 minutes of action due to the blowout. There should also be more boards to go around, unless the Spurs hit 50% of their shots again. Randle had 7+ rebounds in four of the six games in the first round vs. Denver.
Rudy Gobert isnтАЩt out there to score for the Timberwolves. In three games vs. Victor Wembanyama this season, Gobert has tallied 2, 7 and 5 points. HeтАЩs grabbed 10 rebounds in each playoff game. The Wolves have had injury issues, but Gobert isnтАЩt the one whoтАЩs stepping up offensively.
FanDuel. Of the Spurs three primary offensive options, DeтАЩAaron Fox might have drawn the short straw in this matchup against the Timberwolves, with Jaden McDaniels checking the Spurs point guard. Fox has failed to put up even 20 combined points, rebounds and assists in either game this series (albeit with no fourth quarter minutes in Game 2). IтАЩm expecting a stronger defensive effort from the Timberwolves tonight, and for Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle to lead the charge. Playable down to under 26.5.
The Timberwolves continue to battle injuries. Anthony Edwards (knee) has come off the bench and been limited to 25 minutes or fewer in both games against the Spurs. That restriction is unlikely to change Friday. Ayo Dosunmu is now battling both calf and heel injuries and is questionable to play. Terrence Shannon Jr. is playing more because of injuries, even starting each of the last three games. Dating back to the regular season, Shannon has scored at least 10 points in eight straight games in which he has logged at least 14 minutes. In six of those games, he scored at least 16 points. With the expectation that he plays around 25 minutes in Game 3, Shannon has a great opportunity to hit this over.
Naz Reid has cleared this prop total in seven straight games; he grabbed seven boards in Game 2 despite playing just 21 minutes in a major blowout. With Minnesota playing just three bigs -- Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle and Reid -- I like Reid to continue his rebounding pace. I would also go Over 6.5 at plus money.
Shannon recorded 19 points (8-16 FG, 3-6 3Pt), six rebounds and four assists in 22 minutes during Saturday's 125-124 preseason win over the Heat.
Evans registered nine points (3-7 FG, 3-5 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist and one block in 22 minutes during Saturday's 125-124 preseason win over the Heat.
Martin tallied 12 points (4-7 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-7 FT) and one rebound in 17 minutes during Saturday's 125-124 preseason win over the Heat.
Wembanyama recorded 13 points (6-14 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal in 22 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason loss to the Suns.
Castle registered 13 points (5-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, five assists and one steal in 21 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason loss to the Suns.
Pullin posted 22 points (7-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 8-8 FT), four rebounds, one assist and one steal across 28 minutes in Saturday's 125-124 preseason win over the Heat.
Barnes tallied six points (2-5 FG, 2-5 3Pt) and one steal in 17 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason loss to Phoenix.
Kornet finished with four points (2-7 FG), 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 17 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason loss to the Suns.
Reed recorded two points (0-2 FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds and one assist in 17 minutes during Thursday's 123-116 preseason loss to Atlanta.
Kornet recorded six points (2-5 FG, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, two assists and one block in 15 minutes during Thursday's 123-116 preseason loss to Atlanta.
