Two young superstars headline this year’s Western Conference finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The pregame narrative: The Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-led Thunder are heavily favoured to win Game 1 at home and this series as a whole. But Anthony Edwards has made a habit of turning up in big moments and has his Timberwolves in the WCF for a second-straight year.
Check out my Timberwolves vs. Thunder prop picks on Edwards and SGA for Game 1 on May 20.
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Timberwolves vs. Thunder prop picks
Best Bet: Edwards over 6.5 rebounds (-109)
Edwards can light it up as a scorer, we all know that. The dynamic guard averaged 27.6 PPG this season and is just under that mark in the playoffs.
But he’s struggled to get things going against the Thunder this year, averaging 22.3 PPG on 36.4% shooting in four games.
I’ll wait and see what Chris Finch’s game plan is before mulling over his point total.
One thing I am sure of is Edwards’ usage. The guard is playing 39.9 minutes per game this postseason and has been more than willing to compete for rebounds:
- 8.0 rebounds/game
- 6+ rebounds in 8 of 10 games
- 7+ rebounds in 7 of 10 games
OKC has played at the second-fastest pace (101.18 possessions per 48 minutes) this postseason, and ranks ninth out of 16 teams in true shooting percentage (55.8%).
Plenty of possessions means plenty of shots — and plenty of rebounding opportunities for Edwards.
Key stat: Edwards is 4-0 against this line vs. OKC this season, averaging 9.3 per game.
Game 1 prop predictions
Gilgeous-Alexander over 12.5 rebounds/assists (-104): SGA has blown by this line in his last three games against the Timberwolves.
- Feb. 24: 10 rebounds, 8 assists
- Feb. 23: 8 rebounds, 8 assists
- Feb. 13: 8 rebounds, 9 assists
He hasn’t been nearly as reliable against this number in the playoffs, but he still averaged 6.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists against the Denver Nuggets last round (3-4 vs. this line, landing on 12 RA twice).
Gilgeous-Alexander ranks fourth in potential assists per game (16.1) this postseason, which NBA.com categorizes as a pass leading directly to a shot.
I was looking long and hard at taking the over on his 6.5 assist total at -150, but just can’t get down with that type of juice.
This feels like a solid alternative.
Timberwolves vs. Thunder prop picks made at 9:18 a.m. ET 05/20/2025.
Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.