Top 5 NBA Odds & Picks: Monday (Thunder vs. Timberwolves)
As we continue through the Western Conference Finals, we will be breaking down game four between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Let's not waste any more time and jump right into some of our favorite picks for 5/26.
Monday’s Top 5 NBA Playoffs Picks
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Minnesota Timberwolves M/L First Half ( +110)
We’re kicking things off in Minnesota, where the Timberwolves showed they are not willing to let a 2-0 deficit dampen their confidence by smashing OKC to the tune of 42 points in game three on Saturday. While the Thunder may have revenge on their mind for this contest, recent history gives us a small window on some plus action, so we will try to take advantage.
The Timberwolves have won the first half in each of the previous four contests when playing at home as underdogs. Oklahoma City is conceding over 58 points at halftime in the last six road games, while only putting up 51.8 of their own.
Minnesota is averaging 56.0 points at the half when playing on their home floor over the course of the 2024-25 Playoffs. The Timberwolves are only allowing 47.8 points at the halftime mark in the last six home games.
Minnesota has been relentless on the defensive end for the first 24 minutes of gameplay at the Target Center during these playoffs. Give us the positive return on the Wolves having the lead going into the second half.
Minnesota Timberwolves +3 (-112)
Minnesota returned to form over the weekend and very quickly dispatched any notions the Thunder may have had of going up 3-0 in this series. While Oklahoma City will have their sights set on revenge, the Timberwolves will direct their focus solely on evening things up at two wins apiece.
Minnesota has lost one game out of six played at home in the 2024-25 Playoffs. The Wolves have won three consecutive contests on their floor, while only conceding 103.3 points per game to opponents. Whereas on the offensive side of the ball, Minnesota is scoring over 118 points when hosting the previous six playoff games.
Oklahoma City has failed to cover the spread in each of their last six road games. The Thunder are only scoring 105.8 points over that span, while shooting a horrific 41.7% from the field. We wouldn't fault you for taking the plus action on the Wolves winning outright. However, to play it safe, we will favor the +3 points.
Anthony Edwards 37+ Points + Rebounds (-125)
Ant Man is seemingly doing everything in his power to lead the Wolves to a Championship opportunity. Not only has Edwards been the most prolific scoring option for Minnesota this postseason, but the man is grabbing rebounds like you would expect a forward or center to do.
The Minnesota star is averaging 26.5 points with 8.2 boards through this playoff campaign. Edwards scored 30+ points in five of those contests. The five-year veteran has accumulated at least 37+ points and rebounds in five postseason games as well.
Edwards has finished with 37+ rebounds in the previous two contests, and is averaging 27.8 points and 9.3 boards in the six games played at home throughout the playoffs. The guard for the Wolves produced at least 37 points in rebounds in four out of the six home games played this postseason.
Anthony Edwards 30+ Points (+100)
This will be our wildcard selection for tonight, yet there are a few facets that make this less of a long-shot than it seems. After a rough start to the series with 18 points, the Minnesota superstar has lit the Thunder up 30+ points in the past two contests.
Edwards has reached 30 points or more in the previous three of five contests, and has already scored 43 points at home this postseason. The guard for the Timberwolves is shooting over 55% over the last two contests, while averaging 31 points, with six three-pointers.
If Minnesota is going to even up the series, Edwards is going to have to be as aggressive as possible on the attack. We think it will be a sweat, however, Ant Man has been locked in the previous two contests, and we feel he reaches 30 points this evening.
Naz Reid Under 19.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-110)
Naz Reid is averaging 10.3 points, with 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists over the thirteen postseason games for the Timberwolves. The spark off the bench for Minnesota is shooting a very respectable 48% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc over that span.
Despite the efficient field-goal percentage, the counting stats have certainly left a bit to be desired. The playing time has also been somewhat volatile, with a range of 19-31 minutes for the playoffs. As things continue to add up, it becomes increasingly more difficult to get behind 20+ points, rebounds, and assists for Reid this evening.
The veteran center has reached 20+ points + rebounds + assists in only three out of thirteen playoff games. Reid is averaging 11.8 points, with 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in the six postseason games played at the Target Center.
Enjoy the game tonight, and best of luck with your picks!