Thunder vs. Timberwolves: NBA Play-In Game First Basket Scorer Picks (Friday)

Friday night will decide the final two first-round matchups for the NBA Playoffs. Given what we saw in the Play-In games on Tuesday and Wednesday, we should get two exciting games. I've dug into the matchups to find some First Basket plays that I’m certainly sold on.

Season to Date: 15-39-5, +7.64 units

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Friday’s Best First Basket Player Prop Bets

(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)

Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves dominated the opening tip in four matchups between these two division foes, winning all four. Rudy Gobert, who returns from a one-game suspension, won all three tips against the Thunder. This points to Minnesota having a considerable edge for First Basket in this matchup.

The Thunder have also struggled against opposing bigs all year when it comes to First Baskets, giving up nearly half of opposing first field goals to bigs. Due to this, there are two players that I am focusing on for this prop. The first is Rudy Gobert. He was successful in cashing this prop all season, finishing near the top of the Timberwolves' roster in First Basket wins. At these odds, he's an excellent bet to sprinkle a play on.

The second player I'm focusing on is Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT). KAT was on fire in Tuesday's matchup with the Lakers until foul trouble sidelined him. He's a powerful offensive threat, and against a small Thunder frontcourt, he is in line to have another huge game. I like him to stay hot early again and love him as a First Basket play.

Pick: 0.25u on Rudy Gobert (+700)

Pick: 0.25u on Karl-Anthony Towns (+400)

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