As the NBA playoffs heat up, our team of basketball betting experts has identified three key player props for this Thursday's matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. With significant injuries impacting the game dynamics, these players could deliver noteworthy performances. Below, we delve into our top NBA player props for May 8.
In Game 1 of the series, the Warriors built a strong first-half lead, bolstered by Stephen Curry, who scored 13 points in just 13 minutes before suffering a hamstring injury. This unfortunate turn of events cut his night short, preventing him from reaching his projected points. However, in his absence, Draymond Green stepped up, scoring 18 points and playing a pivotal role in the Warriors' victory over the Timberwolves.
With Curry sidelined for at least a week, Green will need to maintain this level of performance. Historically, the T-Wolves might prioritize defending Jimmy Butler as the Warriors' primary scoring option, which could provide Green with more open looks. Although he shot only 32.5% from three during the regular season, he has attempted 3.6 three-pointers per game—the most he has in seven years. Recently, he has shown an increase in aggressiveness, with 18 of his 28 field goal attempts in the last two games coming from beyond the arc.
Moreover, if Kevon Looney is tasked with matching up against Minnesota's size, Green may find himself more often on the perimeter, creating additional scoring opportunities. With more than 20 shots available in Curry's absence, Green is well-positioned to score at least 11 points tonight. Thus, our pick is:
Pick: Draymond Green Over 10.5 Points (+105, Fanatics)
On the opposite end of the court, Rudy Gobert is poised to make an impact. In Game 1, Gobert recorded 11 rebounds and has consistently performed well against the Warriors in past encounters. According to Props.cash, the Warriors ranked 29th in rebounds allowed to centers during the regular season, making this a favorable matchup for the two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Gobert has managed to grab at least nine rebounds in his last 13 games against the Warriors, surpassing the 10.5 rebound line in nine of those contests. In Game 1, he accomplished this feat in just 26 minutes of play. With Curry out, the Warriors may struggle offensively, leading to more missed shots and, consequently, more rebound opportunities for Gobert.
Over his last 10 games, Gobert has averaged 20.8 rebound chances, capturing 25 in the last game alone. Given that he only secured 44% of those chances, there is ample room for improvement. I anticipate Gobert will secure at least 11 rebounds for the third consecutive game. Thus, our pick is:
Pick: Rudy Gobert Over 10.5 Rebounds (-130, BetMGM)
Another key player to watch tonight is Buddy Hield. His role in recent playoff games has seen fluctuating minutes, but he played 37 minutes in Game 7 and followed that with 40 minutes in Game 1. Hield's shooting has been impressive, making nine threes in the last two games and scoring 22 of his 24 points in the second half on Tuesday.
Although Hield may draw more defensive attention without Curry on the floor, he will also likely see an increase in shot attempts. In Game 1, he was one of three Warriors players to have double-digit field goal attempts, alongside Butler and Green. Hield has a history of shooting when given the opportunity, averaging 7.5 three-point attempts per game throughout his career and attempting 19 in his last two appearances.
While I am also considering Hield's points line of 15.5 tonight, surpassing that mark would likely hinge on him making four three-pointers, which currently offers better odds. Therefore, our pick is:
Pick: Buddy Hield Over 3.5 Made Threes (+110, BetMGM)
As the Warriors and Timberwolves clash in this crucial playoff game, these player props present an excellent opportunity for basketball betting enthusiasts. Keep an eye on these key players as they look to deliver standout performances on the court.
