Staff Writer

Pacers vs. Thunder NBA Finals best bets Game 1: Bet on OKC to win comfortably, Gilgeous-Alexander to produce

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers kick off the 2025 NBA Finals on Thursday night.

The pregame narrative: OKC has demolished its competition since Game 1 of the season and is a massive favourite to win the opener and the series. Indiana has already toppled a giant in the Cleveland Cavaliers, but doesn’t have anyone to match up with the MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Check out my Pacers vs. Thunder best bets for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, featuring SGA.

Pacers vs. Thunder best bets

Best bet: Thunder -9 (-112)

This matchup is David vs. Goliath personified.

OKC is a -715 favourite to win this series, which carries an 87.73% implied probability. And if that seems ridiculous to you, it’s not.

The Thunder posted a +12.8 net rating during the regular season. That is the second-best mark of all time behind the Michael Jordan-led 1995-96 Chicago Bulls.

They have a +24.7 net rating at home in the playoffs, nearly 10 points better than the Los Angeles Clippers, which ranks second.

OKC is 8-1 at home this postseason, winning seven of those games by 15+ points

Indiana has been a stellar road team this postseason, going 6-2 with a +2.4 net rating. But several of those wins required incredible comebacks and last-second heroics, which I can’t see happening against a team that excels at frontrunning.

The Thunder smashed the Pacers 132-111 in their lone meeting at Paycom Center this year.

Key stat: OKC is a league-best 34-14-2 ATS at home.

NBA Finals Game 1 picks

Gilgeous-Alexander over 12.5 rebounds and assists (-138): No one can fill the basket like Gilgeous-Alexander, and that’s a fact. But I want to tap into his other playmaking abilities on Thursday.

The MVP stuffed the stat sheet in the Western Conference finals, averaging 5.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. He went 3-2 against this line, landing on 11 R/A in one of the outliers.

Indiana has really struggled to contain opponents on the glass this postseason, ranking 13th out of 16 teams in rebounding rate (47.5%).

The Pacers are relatively undersized, with only one player in their starting rotation standing above 6-foot-8 (Myles Turner).

Both teams play at a lightning-quick pace, too, ranking in the top three this postseason.

More possessions mean more rebounding and assist opportunities for SGA, who is logging a team-high 36.5 minutes a night.

Gilgeous-Alexander cleared this line in both of his matchups against the Pacers this season, logging seven rebounds and eight assists in each game.

Pacers vs. Thunder best bets made at 10:29 a.m. ET 06/03/2025.

Pacers vs. Thunder NBA Finals best bets Game 1: Bet on OKC to win comfortably, Gilgeous-Alexander to produce

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers kick off the 2025 NBA Finals on Thursday night.

The pregame narrative: OKC has demolished its competition since Game 1 of the season and is a massive favourite to win the opener and the series. Indiana has already toppled a giant in the Cleveland Cavaliers, but doesn’t have anyone to match up with the MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Check out my Pacers vs. Thunder best bets for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, featuring SGA.

Pacers vs. Thunder best bets

Best bet: Thunder -9.5 (-107)

This matchup is David vs. Goliath personified.

OKC is a -715 favourite to win this series, which carries an 87.73% implied probability. And if that seems ridiculous to you, it’s not.

The Thunder posted a +12.8 net rating during the regular season. That is the second-best mark of all time behind the Michael Jordan-led 1995-96 Chicago Bulls.

They have a +24.7 net rating at home in the playoffs, nearly 10 points better than the Los Angeles Clippers, which ranks second.

OKC is 8-1 at home this postseason, winning seven of those games by 15+ points

Indiana has been a stellar road team this postseason, going 6-2 with a +2.4 net rating. But several of those wins required incredible comebacks and last-second heroics, which I can’t see happening against a team that excels at frontrunning.

The Thunder smashed the Pacers 132-111 in their lone meeting at Paycom Center this year.

Key stat: OKC is a league-best 34-14-2 ATS at home.

Embed: #114442

NBA Finals Game 1 picks

Gilgeous-Alexander over 12.5 rebounds and assists (-120): No one can fill the basket like Gilgeous-Alexander, and that’s a fact. But I want to tap into his other playmaking abilities on Thursday.

The MVP stuffed the stat sheet in the Western Conference finals, averaging 5.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. He went 3-2 against this line, landing on 11 R/A in one of the outliers.

Indiana has really struggled to contain opponents on the glass this postseason, ranking 13th out of 16 teams in rebounding rate (47.5%).

The Pacers are relatively undersized, with only one player in their starting rotation standing above 6-foot-8 (Myles Turner).

Both teams play at a lightning-quick pace, too, ranking in the top three this postseason.

More possessions mean more rebounding and assist opportunities for SGA, who is logging a team-high 36.5 minutes a night.

Gilgeous-Alexander cleared this line in both of his matchups against the Pacers this season, logging seven rebounds and eight assists in each game.

Pacers vs. Thunder best bets made at 10:29 a.m. ET 06/03/2025.

Phillies vs. Blue Jays prop picks June 3: Back Kyle Schwarber and Bo Bichette on Tuesday

The Toronto Blue Jays open a three-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies at Rogers Centre on Tuesday.

The pregame narrative: Toronto is riding a five-game winning streak after demolishing the lowly Athletics over the weekend. Philadelphia, meanwhile, has lost four straight but is favoured to win tonight in Bryce Harper’s expected return to action.

Check out my Blue Jays vs. Phillies prop picks on June 3, featuring Kyle Schwarber and Bo Bichette.

Blue Jays picks vs. Phillies

Best Bet: Schwarber over 0.5 bases (-167)

This is a smash play for me. Schwarber weilds a scorching bat and has a platoon advantage against a struggling Bowden Francis.

Schwarber is batting .333/.443/.639 over his last 10 games. In that span, he has five doubles and two home runs.

Francis has a 5.04 ERA this season and has the worst HR/9 rate (2.44) in MLB among pitchers with over 50.0 IP.

Simply put, Toronto’s righty has been figured out after lighting up the league to close 2024. He ranks in the 20th percentile or lower in xERA, xBA, barrel rate, and hard-hit rate, according to Baseball Savant.

Left-hitting batters are slugging .617 against Francis, while righties are slugging .383.

Schwarber has only seen Francis once, but went 2-for-3 against him last September with a home run.

Key stat: Schwarber’s career SLG vs. righties (.524) is 100 points higher than his career SLG vs. lefties (.424).

Quick pick

Bichette to score (+100): Toronto’s bats have been red-hot lately, making its leadoff man an enticing pick to cross the plate.

Here’s how the Jays have performed over the last 30 days (MLB ranks in parentheses):

17.2% K rate (1st)
.274 batting average (2nd)
127 wRC+ (2nd)
35 home runs (6th)

Bichette has been on a heater of his own, with hits in six consecutive games. In that span, he has two doubles, two home runs and has scored five times.

Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez (3.32 ERA) has been good but not great this season. He has below-average walk and hard-hit rates and allowed 32 runners to reach base — ceding 10 runs — in his last four starts.

The righty does own an 80th percentile K rate (27.6%), but Toronto strikes out at the lowest clip in baseball. Bichette should have ample opportunities to get aboard and score.

Phillies vs. Blue Jays picks made at 9:04 a.m. ET on 06/03/2025.

Phillies vs. Blue Jays prop picks June 3: Back Kyle Schwarber and Bo Bichette on Tuesday

The Toronto Blue Jays open a three-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies at Rogers Centre on Tuesday.

The pregame narrative: Toronto is riding a five-game winning streak after demolishing the lowly Athletics over the weekend. Philadelphia, meanwhile, has lost four straight but is favoured to win tonight in Bryce Harper’s expected return to action.

Check out my Blue Jays vs. Phillies prop picks on June 3, featuring Kyle Schwarber and Bo Bichette.

Blue Jays picks vs. Phillies

Best Bet: Schwarber over 1.5 bases (+116)

This is a smash play for me. Schwarber weilds a scorching bat and has a platoon advantage against a struggling Bowden Francis.

Schwarber is batting .333/.443/.639 over his last 10 games. In that span, he has five doubles and two home runs.

Francis has a 5.04 ERA this season and has the worst HR/9 rate (2.44) in MLB among pitchers with over 50.0 IP.

Simply put, Toronto’s righty has been figured out after lighting up the league to close 2024. He ranks in the 20th percentile or lower in xERA, xBA, barrel rate, and hard-hit rate, according to Baseball Savant.

Left-hitting batters are slugging .617 against Francis, while righties are slugging .383.

Schwarber has only seen Francis once, but went 2-for-3 against him last September with a home run.

Key stat: Schwarber’s career SLG vs. righties (.524) is 100 points higher than his career SLG vs. lefties (.424).

Quick pick

Bichette to score (+105): Toronto’s bats have been red-hot lately, making its leadoff man an enticing pick to cross the plate.

Here’s how the Jays have performed over the last 30 days (MLB ranks in parentheses):

17.2% K rate (1st)
.274 batting average (2nd)
127 wRC+ (2nd)
35 home runs (6th)

Bichette has been on a heater of his own, with hits in six consecutive games. In that span, he has two doubles, two home runs and has scored five times.

Phillies starter Cristopher Sanchez (3.32 ERA) has been good but not great this season. He has below-average walk and hard-hit rates and allowed 32 runners to reach base — ceding 10 runs — in his last four starts.

The righty does own an 80th percentile K rate (27.6%), but Toronto strikes out at the lowest clip in baseball. Bichette should have ample opportunities to get aboard and score.

Phillies vs. Blue Jays picks made at 9:04 a.m. ET on 06/03/2025.

CFL 2025 Week 1 odds and betting lines: Argos kick off title defence as road favourite vs. Alouettes

The CFL is back, and Week 1 features four must-see games.

The latest: The season kicks off at Mosaic Stadium in a matchup between the Ottawa Redblacks and Saskatchewan Roughriders. Then, the defending champion Toronto Argonauts battle the Montreal Alouettes on Friday night. The slate concludes with a doubleheader on Saturday.

Check out the latest CFL Week 1 odds for the start of the 2025 season, beginning Thursday, June 5.

CFL Week 1 odds

Redblacks (+115) vs. Roughriders (-138)
June 5th, 9 p.m. ET
Spread: SSK -2.5 | Game total: OTB

Argonauts (+165) vs. Alouettes (-200)
June 6th, 7:30 p.m. ET
Spread: MTL -4.5 | Game total: 47.5

Tiger-Cats (-112) vs. Stampeders (-108)
June 7th, 7:00 p.m. ET
Spread: CGY -0.5 | Game total: OTB

Elks (+200) vs. Lions (-250)
June 7th, 10:00 p.m. ET | Game total: 48.5

Full CFL betting markets

Week 1 betting notes

Montreal was the odds-on favourite to emerge from the East for most of 2024, but Toronto upset the Alouettes in the conference title game before winning the Grey Cup. Now, the Als get their chance at revenge at Molson Stadium.

Saskatchewan and Ottawa both made the playoffs in 2024, but neither was able to advance to the Grey Cup. The latter made some significant upgrades this past offseason, inking Eugene Lewis and William Stanback to help bolster the offence.

The Stampeders and Tiger-Cats were both busy improving their rosters this past offseason. Calgary brought in Dominique Rhymes and Damon Webb, additions that’ll help on both sides of the ball. Hamilton, meanwhile, brought in standout receiver Kenny Lawler.

Nathan Rourke is back at QB for the Lions, and the hope is he can be one of the league’s elite in 2025 after a disappointing 2024. Edmonton, meanwhile, was active during the winter. The Elks have added Jake Ceresna, Robbie Smith and Jared Brinkman to improve their pass rush.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are the lone team that’s off in Week 1. They don’t begin their season until June 12, when they host the Lions. Winnipeg is a preseason betting favourite to win the Grey Cup. The team has made five straight Grey Cups, losing each of the last three.

CFL Week 1 odds as of 4:15 p.m. on 06/02/2025.

RBC Canadian Open 2025 betting preview: Tournament odds and three picks to win at TPC Toronto

The PGA Tour heads north of the border for the RBC Canadian Open, situated at Golf Canada’s shiny new venue in Osprey Valley.

The latest: TPC Toronto hosts its first national open, and three-time champion Rory McIlroy is favoured to win. There are 21 Canadians vying for the title, headlined by Corey Conners and 2023 champion Nick Taylor.

Check out my Canadian Open betting preview for the 2025 PGA Tour tournament beginning on June 5.

Canadian Open betting preview

McIlroy (+350) hasn’t played much golf since winning the Masters, but he’s a worthy favourite at this venue.

Playing at 7,445 yards with minimal danger off-the-tee, TPC Toronto should favour the long hitters. This is shaping up to be a bomb and gouge fest, and no one is more dangerous with the driver than McIlroy, who ranks first in strokes gained: OTT (+0.776).

Outside of a T47 at the PGA Championship — his most recent start — McIlroy has finished T17 or better at every tournament in 2025 with three wins.

Ludvig Aberg (+1,200) made his professional debut at the Canadian Open in 2023 and will likely get plenty of action this week.

He hasn’t been in great form since a T7 at Augusta, but did shoot a 6-under 66 at the Memorial Tournament on Sunday to finish T16.

Last year’s champion, Robert MacIntyre, slots in at 25-to-1. The Scotsman can bomb the ball and enters in decent form after consecutive top-20 finishes.

Full RBC Canadian Open betting markets

Canadians at TPC Toronto

Now let’s get to the Canadians, with a quick look at Conners (+1,600), Taylor Pendrith (+2,800) and Nick Taylor (+3,300):

Conners is in fantastic form and sits third on the odds board. He doesn’t hit it particularly far, but he does nearly everything else well and has nine top-25 finishes in his last 10 starts.

The 33-year-old has three straight top 20s at his national open, finishing sixth in 2024 and 2022.

Pendrith is a guy to keep an eye on this week. He followed up a T5 at the PGA Championship with a T12 at the Memorial Tournament and ranks fourth in SG: OTT.

And then there’s Taylor, the logo. Taylor finished solo fourth at Jack’s Place last week and had a T17 at the Truist Championship two starts before that. With a knack for the big moment, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the 2023 champ in the hunt.

Picks to win the Canadian Open

Sam Burns to win (+2,500): Burns has four top-20 finishes in his last five starts despite losing strokes on approach (albeit, barely) in four of them. But most recently, he gained with his irons at the Memorial Tournament, where he finished T12.

I’m keen to back a long hitter who ranks first in strokes gained: putting by a wide margin. The five-time PGA Tour winner seems due for a big week.

Pendrith to win (+2,800): I have to take at least one Canadian this week, right? I’ve already talked about Pendrith’s recent form and think this is a solid price point to buy in.

The Richmond Hill, Ontario native has likely played this course much more than any non-Canadian. Familiarity with a venue is always a plus.

Luke Clanton to win (+3,000): Clanton is making his professional debut this week, but he’s had plenty of experience playing on the PGA Tour as an amateur.

The 21-year-old has two runners-up on tour (RSM Classic, John Deere Classic) and has won four times with Florida State in NCAA Division I this season.

Clanton is an elite ball-striker who can send it off-the-tee. These odds are calling my name.

Canadian Open picks made at 2:06 p.m. on 06/02/2025.

Panthers vs. Oilers Stanley Cup Final best bets Game 1: Bet on Draisaitl to produce for Edmonton

The Stanley Cup Final begins on Wednesday when the Edmonton Oilers host the Florida Panthers.

The pregame narrative: Edmonton and Florida made light work of their opponents in the conference final round, and now Connor McDavid and the Oilers look for revenge after a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Panthers last season. Edmonton has home-ice advantage and is 6-1 at Rogers Place this postseason.

Check out my Panthers vs. Oilers best bets for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, featuring Leon Draisaitl.

Panthers vs. Oilers best bets

Best Bet: Oilers over 3.5 goals (+130)

There’s no place like home for the Oilers.

Edmonton has run roughshod over anyone and everyone who has stepped foot into Rogers Place this postseason. The team is 6-1, covering a -1.5 puck line in five of those victories.

The Oilers have scored at least three goals in every home game, averaging 4.7 goals in those contests.

They are generating 13.69 high-danger chances per 60 at home. That’s the second-most of any playoff team, according to Natural Stat Trick.

I was debating just backing Edmonton to win, but I could see Florida keeping pace in a high-scoring affair.

The Panthers have scored five-plus goals in five of their last six games and averaged 4.2 goals in the Eastern Conference final.

The McDavid-and-Draisaitl-led offence can thrive in a track meet environment, and we saw that in last year’s duel against Florida.

The Oilers went 2-1 against the Panthers at home, falling 4-3 in the loss.

Key stat: Edmonton is 7-3 against this line at home in the playoffs, dating back to last year’s Stanley Cup Final against Florida.

Stanley Cup Final Game 1 picks

Draisaitl 1+ power play points (+105): Another reason I’m bullish on the Oilers to fill the net is their red-hot power play.

Edmonton went 6-for-16 on the man advantage against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference final, scoring a goal in all five games.

Its 30.0% success rate in the playoffs is better than the league’s best team during the regular season (Winnipeg Jets, 28.9%).

Draisaitl logged a power-play point in all five games against the Stars, and his nine PP points are the most of any skater this postseason.

Florida likes to play on the edge and has taken the second-most penalties (58) this postseason. That averages out to 3.41 per game.

If we’re giving Draisaitl, McDavid and Co. north of six minutes at 5-on-4, I love their chances of converting.

Panthers vs. Oilers best bets made at 9:27 a.m. ET 06/02/2025.

RBC Canadian Open 2025 betting preview: Tournament odds and three picks to win at TPC Toronto

The PGA Tour heads north of the border for the RBC Canadian Open, situated at Golf Canada’s shiny new venue in Osprey Valley.

The latest: TPC Toronto hosts its first national open, and three-time champion Rory McIlroy is favoured to win. There are 21 Canadians vying for the title, headlined by Corey Conners and 2023 champion Nick Taylor.

Check out my Canadian Open betting preview for the 2025 PGA Tour tournament beginning on June 5.

Canadian Open betting preview

McIlroy hasn’t played much golf since winning the Masters, but he’s a worthy favourite at this venue.

Playing at 7,445 yards with minimal danger off-the-tee, TPC Toronto should favour the long hitters. This is shaping up to be a bomb and gouge fest, and no one is more dangerous with the driver than McIlroy, who ranks first in strokes gained: OTT (+0.776).

Outside of a T47 at the PGA Championship — his most recent start — McIlroy has finished T17 or better at every tournament in 2025 with three wins.

Ludvig Aberg made his professional debut at the Canadian Open in 2023 and will likely get plenty of action this week.

He hasn’t been in great form since a T7 at Augusta, but did shoot a 6-under 66 at the Memorial Tournament on Sunday to finish T16.

Last year’s champion, Robert MacIntyre, slots in at 25-to-1. The Scotsman can bomb the ball and enters in decent form after consecutive top-20 finishes.

Embed: #114430

Full RBC Canadian Open betting markets

Canadians at TPC Toronto

Now let’s get to the Canadians, with a quick look at Conners, Taylor Pendrith and Nick Taylor:

Conners is in fantastic form and sits second on the odds board. He doesn’t hit it particularly far, but he does nearly everything else well and has nine top-25 finishes in his last 10 starts.

The 33-year-old has three straight top 20s at his national open, finishing sixth in 2024 and 2022.

Pendrith is a guy to keep an eye on this week. He followed up a T5 at the PGA Championship with a T12 at the Memorial Tournament and ranks fourth in SG: OTT.

And then there’s Taylor, the logo. Taylor finished solo fourth at Jack’s Place last week and had a T17 at the Truist Championship two starts before that. With a knack for the big moment, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the 2023 champ in the hunt.

Picks to win the Canadian Open

Sam Burns to win (+2,200): Burns has four top-20 finishes in his last five starts despite losing strokes on approach (albeit, barely) in four of them. But most recently, he gained with his irons at the Memorial Tournament, where he finished T12.

I’m keen to back a long hitter who ranks first in strokes gained: putting by a wide margin. The five-time PGA Tour winner seems due for a big week.

Pendrith to win (+2,800): I have to take at least one Canadian this week, right? I’ve already talked about Pendrith’s recent form and think this is a solid price point to buy in.

The Richmond Hill, Ontario native has likely played this course much more than any non-Canadian. Familiarity with a venue is always a plus.

Luke Clanton to win (+4,500): Clanton is making his professional debut this week, but he’s had plenty of experience playing on the PGA Tour as an amateur.

The 21-year-old has two runners-up on tour (RSM Classic, John Deere Classic) and has won four times with Florida State in NCAA Division I this season.

Clanton is an elite ball-striker who can send it off-the-tee. These odds are calling my name.

Canadian Open picks made at 2:06 p.m. on 06/02/2025.

Panthers vs. Oilers Stanley Cup Final best bets Game 1: Bet on Draisaitl to produce for Edmonton

The Stanley Cup Final begins on Wednesday when the Edmonton Oilers host the Florida Panthers.

The pregame narrative: Edmonton and Florida made light work of their opponents in the conference final round, and now Connor McDavid and the Oilers look for revenge after a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Panthers last season. Edmonton has home-ice advantage and is 6-1 at Rogers Place this postseason.

Check out my Panthers vs. Oilers best bets for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, featuring Leon Draisaitl.

Panthers vs. Oilers best bets

Best Bet: Oilers over 3 goals (-134)

There’s no place like home for the Oilers.

Edmonton has run roughshod over anyone and everyone who has stepped foot into Rogers Place this postseason. The team is 6-1, covering a -1.5 puck line in five of those victories.

The Oilers have scored at least three goals in every home game, averaging 4.7 goals in those contests.

They are generating 13.69 high-danger chances per 60 at home. That’s the second-most of any playoff team, according to Natural Stat Trick.

I was debating just backing Edmonton to win, but I could see Florida keeping pace in a high-scoring affair.

The Panthers have scored five-plus goals in five of their last six games and averaged 4.2 goals in the Eastern Conference final.

The McDavid-and-Draisaitl-led offence can thrive in a track meet environment, and we saw that in last year’s duel against Florida.

The Oilers went 2-1 against the Panthers at home, falling 4-3 in the loss.

Key stat: Edmonton is 7-0-3 against this line at home in the playoffs, dating back to last year’s Stanley Cup Final against Florida.

Embed: #114397

Stanley Cup Final Game 1 picks

Draisaitl 1+ power play points (+110): Another reason I’m bullish on the Oilers to fill the net is their red-hot power play.

Edmonton went 6-for-16 on the man advantage against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference final, scoring a goal in all five games.

Its 30.0% success rate in the playoffs is better than the league’s best team during the regular season (Winnipeg Jets, 28.9%).

Draisaitl logged a power-play point in all five games against the Stars, and his nine PP points are the most of any skater this postseason.

Florida likes to play on the edge and has taken the second-most penalties (58) this postseason. That averages out to 3.41 per game.

If we’re giving Draisaitl, McDavid and Co. north of six minutes at 5-on-4, I love their chances of converting.

Panthers vs. Oilers best bets made at 9:27 a.m. ET 06/02/2025.

Timberwolves vs. Thunder SGP predictions Game 2: Back Anthony Edwards, fade Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at +300

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder continue their Western Conference finals series on Thursday night.

The pregame narrative: OKC outscored Minnesota by 30 in the second half of Game 1 and is a heavy favourite to head north with a 2-0 lead. The Timberwolves will look to get more out of their superstar Anthony Edwards after a quiet opener.

Check out my Timberwolves vs. Thunder SGP predictions for Game 2 on May 21, featuring plays on Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Timberwolves vs. Thunder predictions

Parlay: Timberwolves +11.5 | Edwards over 6.5 rebounds | Gilgeous-Alexander under 32.5 points (+300)

Timberwolves +11.5 (-230): Minnesota was blown out for the first time this postseason on Tuesday, catching a 114-88 beating at Paycom Centre.

But I think this is a good spot for the T-wolves to rebound.

Chris Finch’s squad was 8-2 straight up and 10-0 vs. a +11.5 line before Game 1.

Minnesota is 11-7 ATS as a road underdog this year, losing those games by an average of just 0.3 points, according to Team Rankings.

OKC went 2-5 ATS against the Nuggets last round, a team similar to Minnesota in skill.

The Timberwolves had a lead heading into halftime of Game 1 and were ultimately outdone by an anemic shooting performance.

Edwards was a no-show from a scoring standpoint, making just 5-of-13 shots in the opener. I expect him to be more ball-dominant on Thursday and keep this one close.

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NBA SGP legs

Edwards over 6.5 rebounds (-148): I’ll keep backing Edwards on this market until he gives me a reason not to.

Minnesota’s top dog had a poor shooting performance in Game 1 but was active on the glass, gobbling up nine rebounds in 37 minutes of play.

This is what he’s done as a rebounder throughout the playoffs:

8.1 rebounds/game
6+ rebounds in 9 of 11 games
7+ rebounds in 8 of 11 games

OKC is playing at the second-fastest pace (100.83 possessions per 48 minutes) this postseason, and more possessions for each team will lead to more rebounding opportunities for Edwards.

Gilgeous-Alexander under 32.5 points (-125): Fading the league’s top scorer is risky business, but I think it’s a fine move on Thursday.

SGA shot 10-of-27 against the Timberwolves in Game 1, doing most of his damage from the charity stripe (11-of-14, finishing the game with 31 points).

A lot of those calls were generous, to say the least, and I think the national dialogue on SGA’s foul-baiting should lead to a tighter whistle in Game 2.

And even if he continues to get calls, I can still get down with this number.

The Canadian has fallen under this number more often than not this postseason. He’s averaging 29.2 PPG and going below this mark in seven of 12 games.

Timberwolves vs. Thunder predictions made at 3:00 p.m. ET 05/21/2025.