The Minnesota Timberwolves will try to stave off elimination tonight in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder.
To do so, they must get off to a fast start, which is why my Timberwolves vs. Thunder first-basket picks have them looking to their best player early, and as often as possible.
While netting the first basket doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of the full 48 minutes, tonight's NBA picks will trust the two best scorers on the court to start the game.
Timberwolves vs Thunder first basket picks
Click on each name to jump to the full analysis
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Minnesota Timberwolves
First basket pick: Anthony Edwards (+750 at bet365)
The Minnesota Timberwolves let one slip away on home court in Game 4.
They know it. We know it. Everyone knows it.
How they respond in the opening exchanges will be critical to their mindset for potentially winning this game and dragging the Oklahoma City Thunder back to Minneapolis for Game 6 on Friday night.
The two sides have split scoring the opening basket, with the T-Wolves opening their account first in Games 1 and 2, while the Thunder ironically opened the scoring in both games on the road (3 and 4).
However, the Timberwolves have won the tip in three out of the four games.
Winning the tip is a good step to ensuring we get first dibs on a shot attempt, and with their season on the line, Anthony Edwards needs to be the guy to take charge early.
Edwards has been solid for the Timberwolves, posting 18, 32, 30, and most recently 16 points. He's not afraid to let fly from anywhere on the court, and with many quick to point out his "Mamba mentality", Edwards will not be one to shy away from the challenge.
Oklahoma City Thunder
First basket pick: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+750 at bet365)
On the flip side, you've got the purest scorer in the series, and league MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
He's fresh off a near triple-double (40/9/10) and, like Edwards, he's letting it fly with regularity.
The Timberwolves have a decision to make on defense: Do we shut down SGA and let the role players beat us, or give SGA what he wants and limit the secondary scoring?
Either way you slice it, SGA will get his, and in a close-out game with a spot in the NBA Finals on the line, I expect SGA to come out firing early.
Timberwolves vs Thunder first basket odds
- Jalen Williams (+550)
- Chet Holmgren (+600)
- Jaden McDaniels (+700)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+750)
- Anthony Edwards (+750)
- Julius Randle (+800)
- Isaiah Hartenstein (+800)
- Rudy Gobert (+1000)
- Mike Conley (+1100)
- Lu Dort (+1100)
Odds courtesy of bet365
