The second-round tips off with the Nuggets hosting the Timberwolves in what promises to be a very entertaining series.
Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets (9:00am)
Best Bet
A bit of a luxury for Chris Finch to ease KAT into the first series with the Suns, being in a dominant position in nearly every game.
KAT averaged a PRA of 31.3 across the series covering 28.5 in three of the four games, but did this in just 28 minutes per game.
In Game 4 KAT was called upon with Gobert in foul trouble playing 39 minutes where he produced a PRA of 41. This will definitely be a more difficult match-up against Aaron Gordon, but the PRA line still appears thin with KAT’s minutes to be in the mid-30s.
In his last nine games against Gordon, KAT averages 22.2 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists – wouldn’t be surprised to see his stat line in Game 1 replicate these numbers.
Value Bet
Is the perfect piece for this Denver team and Michael Malone is going to continue to ride Gordon for as many minutes as possible.
In Denver’s series with the Lakers, Gordon averaged over 40 minutes per game and we should expect the same here.
Although he was quiet offensively in games 4 and 5, his presence on the glass has been immense averaging 9.8 per game against the Lakers while producing 10+ in three of those games – two of those resulting in double-doubles.
Gordon had 14 and 11 against the Timberwolves in March, so this appears great value to do so in Game 1.
SGM – Gordon Over 6.5 Rebounds / KAT 8+ Rebounds / Porter 15+ Points = $4.00
