The Golden State Warriors looked like a different team without Stephen Curry in Game 2 of their second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the series is knotted at 1-1 after the Western Conferences sixth seed’s blowout win on Thursday. Game 3 is set for 8:30 p.m. ET at the Target Center on Saturday.
Minnesota will likely need a strong performance from Anthony Edwards to secure a lead in the series. Here’s how I’m looking to bet on his player props in the matchup.
Anthony Edwards player prop picks
- Best bet
Anthony Edwards 3+ first-quarter rebounds
(+140) - SGP pick
Anthony Edwards 3+ first-quarter rebounds
Anthony Edwards Under 26.5 points
Anthony Edwards 5+ assists
(+550)
Click on each pick to jump to the full analysis.
Anthony Edwards best bet
Pick: Anthony Edwards 3+ first-quarter rebounds (+140 at bet365)
Anthony Edwards’ rebounding has ascended to a new level in the playoffs this year. The Minnesota Timberwolves’ star shooting guard averaged 5.7 boards per game during the regular season. That number has ballooned to 9.3 rebounds per contest through seven postseason outings.
Edwards will get plenty of opportunities to exploit the Golden State Warriors’ poor rebounding. He’s averaging 12 first-quarter minutes per game in the playoffs so far.
Golden State is undersized in the frontcourt. The Dubs have been especially bad when it comes to giving opposing teams openings for second-chance points. The Warriors are giving up more offensive rebounds (13.0) per game than any team in the playoffs this year.
Edwards is averaging 4.0 first-quarter rebounds against the Warriors in the second round and has raked in at least three first-quarter rebounds in four straight contests.
Anthony Edwards same-game parlay
Anthony Edwards 3+ first-quarter rebounds
Anthony Edwards Under 26.5 points
Anthony Edwards 5+ assists
Edwards was highly involved in Games 1 and 2 of this series, but his scoring woes have been glaring. The electric, 23-year-old wing has been held to 21.5 points per game on 42% shooting in the second round.
Minnesota’s leading scorer has been getting off to slow starts, as he’s shooting less than 17% in the first frame over his previous two games. That and his low 3-point shooting production have lowered his offensive ceiling.
Edwards led the NBA in triples made during the regular season and attempted at least eight shots from beyond the arc in his five first-round games against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he’s made just three of the nine triples he’s attempted through two playoff meetings with the Warriors.
Edwards appears more likely to make a difference defending, rebounding, and playmaking in a series where he hasn’t been able to have his way offensively.
Edwards has thrived as a passer this postseason. He’s dished out 5.4 dimes per game since the playoffs began and is entering Saturday having tallied at least five assists in seven of his previous nine outings.
Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels have improved their offensive outputs over Minnesota’s last seven games, and 65.7% of Edwards’ playoff assists have gone to them so far. Edwards has been able to rely on support from his teammates when he defers, so bettors should be comfortable wagering on him goin just above his regular-season assist average of 4.5
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