Tonight's Western Conference matchup will feature Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves taking on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (TNT, truTV and Max) at Target Center in Minneapolis.
Oklahoma City, which is currently the favorite, is coming in as a 7.5-point road underdog. With the Thunder's elite defense playing a crucial role, our best Thunder vs Timberwolves matchup predictions and picks highlight key matchups and betting angles in the battle of these two high-powered teams.
Best predictions for the Thunder vs. Timberwolves matchup.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander prop pick: Over 1.5 steals.
Surprisingly, the odds are -110 that Gilgeous-Alexander will throw more than 1.5 interceptions. He ranks second in the league in interceptions per game (1.9), and if he reaches his average for the night, a $10 bet would yield a profit of $9.09.
The Gilgeous-Alexander favorite is as good at creating interceptions as he is at creating fumbles. He has thrown two or more interceptions in 32 of 52 games this year (61.5 percent), including four in his last game against Minnesota on Dec. 31.
The Timberwolves are also prone to steals, committing them at ninth in the NBA (9.1) per game, with 1.97 of them coming at point guard. I expect Gilgeous-Alexander to once again excel on defense against Minnesota.
Anthony Edwards prop pick: Under 4.5 three-point shots.
Yes, Edwards has scored 41 points in three of his last four games, but now he'll face the league's best defense. The Thunder rank first in points per game (104.7), defensive rating (105.0) and three-point shooting percentage (33.1 percent).
That's why the odds on him hitting fewer than five three-pointers are so low, at $6.41 on a $10 win bet. Alternatively, you can bet on Edwards' lower point total.
Regardless of what you bet, this is a good match-up to bet on Edwards, as he has rival Lou Dort playing against him. Thanks to Dort, the Thunder are missing the fewest three-pointers per game (3.1).
Chet Holmgren prop pick: Over 2.5 blocks.
Returning to the court after a three-month layoff due to a hip injury, Holmgren wasn't immediately able to make a significant impact on offense - he averaged eight points per two games. But the 7-foot-1-inch has made up for it with his defensive agility.
Holmgren established himself as one of the best rim protectors in the NBA last season, and this season he continues to be a shot-blocking machine when he steps on the court. In the two games since his injury, he has deflected nine shots, bringing his average to 2.9 per game, which would be second in the NBA if he played enough games to make the roster.
The former Gonzaga star should have a chance to continue his block party against a Minnesota team that is outside the top 10 in blocks per game (4.7). Holmgren has racked up 2.5 blocks in six of 12 games this season, and if he does it again, a $10 bet would yield a $15 profit.
Information on the Thunder vs. Timberwolves matchup
When: Thursday, Feb. 13
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Target Center (Minneapolis)
How to watch: TNT, truTV, Max.
Favorite: Thunder -7.5.
