Oklahoma City @ Minnesota picks

Julius Randle is in the midst of the best scoring run of his playoff career, and fresh off a dud in Game 2, he’s got a great opportunity to bounce back in Game 3 and cash the Over on a modest scoring line. Prior to his Game 2 performance, Randle scored at least 19 in five straight and nine of 10. That includes a 28-point, five-triple performance in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. I expect him to get back on track at home in this pivotal contest.

After averaging 5.7 rebounds per game in the regular season, Anthony Edwards has picked it up on the glass in the playoffs, averaging 8.2 boards across 12 postseason appearances. He’s grabbed at least eight in eight of 12, including nine apiece in Games 1 and 2. Oklahoma City allowed the 11th-most rebounds per game to opponents in the regular season, but the Thunder have allowed the most rebounds per game in the playoffs. This is a great matchup for Edwards, and I’ll gladly take the Over.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander handed out nine and eight assists in Games 1 and 2 of this series, respectively, and he’s had great success as a playmaker against the Wolves this season. After handing out only two assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 31, he’s hit the Over on this line in five straight. Over his last five against the Wolves, SGA has averaged 8.4 assists and handed out at least seven in two straight on the road. Expect another strong outing as a facilitator in Game 3.

Out of all players in the league, Rudy Gobert slots into the 97th percentile for scoring performance with an outstanding 65.4% rate this year.. Rudy Gobert has averaged 32.3 minutes per game this year, ranking among the most used players in the NBA: 87th percentile.. The number of points notched against Isaiah Hartenstein has been quite high (13.9 per game) when guarding opposing starting Cs this year (100th percentile).. The Thunder have played at the 6th-most up-tempo pace in the NBA this year, which ought to lead to more plays for the Timberwolves.. The Minnesota Timberwolves have been the 8th-best offensive rebounding offense in the league over the last 20 games (offensive rebounds maintain possession and can therefore create new chances for scoring and assists).

Out of all players in the league, Luguentz Dort places in the 80th percentile for shot attempts from beyond the arc without the home court advantage, compiling 5.0 per game this year.. Luguentz Dort has averaged 29.0 minutes per game this year, putting him among the most-used players in the NBA: 78th percentile.. The Thunder have played at the 6th-most up-tempo tempo in the NBA this year.. Offensive rebounds retain possession and result in added opportunities for scoring and assists, and the Thunder rank 5th-best in in the NBA away from their home court with 12.8 offensive rebounds per game over the last 5 games.. The matchup against Minnesota may be a positive one for drawing fouls; the opposition's starting SGs have attempted a whopping 3.6 foul shots per game over the last 5 games when the Minnesota Timberwolves are at home (6th-most in the league).

The matchup vs. the Thunder is a positive one for shot attempts from beyond the arc; the opposition's starting PGs have averaged the most three attempts per game in the NBA this year (7.7).. The Thunder have played at the 6th-most up-tempo pace in the NBA this year, which ought to lead to more plays for the Timberwolves.. The Minnesota Timberwolves have been the 8th-best offensive rebounding offense in the league over the last 20 games (offensive rebounds maintain possession and can therefore create new chances for scoring and assists).. Mike Conley has sunk 100.0% of his foul shots over the last 5 games, 10.7% more than he's made in all games this year.. This year, the opposing team's starting PGs have attempted 5.2 foul shots per game (highest in the NBA) against the Oklahoma City Thunder, easily managing to get to the foul line.

Rudy Gobert has averaged 32.3 minutes per game this year, ranking among the most used players in the NBA: 87th percentile.. The Thunder have played at the 6th-most up-tempo pace in the NBA this year, which ought to lead to more plays for the Timberwolves.. The Minnesota Timberwolves have been the 8th-best offensive rebounding offense in the league over the last 20 games (offensive rebounds maintain possession and can therefore create new chances for scoring and assists).. Rudy Gobert should see an increase in output across the board considering enjoying the home court advantage in this matchup.