Timberwolves vs Spurs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's NBA Playoffs Game 1

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With Minnesota Timberwolves' superstar Anthony Edwards on pace to play in Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs barring any pregame setback, switching up the playstyle that won them their series against Denver may be the best call.

These Timberwolves vs. Spurs predictions and NBA picks expect Rudy Gobert's rebound total to take a hit as a result.

Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 1 prediction

Timberwolves vs Spurs best bet: Rudy Gobert Under 10.5 rebounds (+102)

The Minnesota Timberwolves wouldn’t have advanced without Rudy Gobert, but that resounding series has raised his props too high when the San Antonio Spurs await.

Gobert faced Victor Wembanyama only once this season, but he only played 29 minutes in that 104-103 Timberwolves win despite not being in foul trouble.

Wembanyama can camp out in the paint on defense when Gobert is in the game, stifling any Minnesota drives.

Without Donte DiVincenzo and with Anthony Edwards's shot already struggling before his hyperextended knee, the Timberwolves need some space inside. Expect more five-out lineups from Minnesota with Julius Randle as the primary defender on Wembanyama.

COVERS INTEL:The Spurs took 12.4 corner 3-pointers per game in the regular season, shooting 39% from there compared to 34% from above the break.

Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 1 same-game parlay

Quite possibly the biggest X-factor in this series — aside from Anthony Edwards returning — may be how Julius Randle shoots from beyond the arc.

If Gobert’s minutes need to be limited to draw Wembanyama out of the paint, thus obviously impacting Gobert’s scoring as well as his rebounding, then Randle hitting some 3-pointers will best pull Wembanyama out of the paint. But Randle is a streaky shooter. From Feb. 1 to the end of the regular season, he shot 27.3% from deep.

Do not bet on Randle’s shooting until he proves it in this series. But he will get that chance, and he should play plenty of minutes to rack up rebounds.

Timberwolves vs Spurs SGP

• Rudy Gobert Under 10.5 rebounds
• Rudy Gobert Under 8.5 points
• Julius Randle Over 6.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Randle, Not Rudy

If Randle hits a couple of 3-pointers, Minnesota will suddenly have a viable offensive plan against the Defensive Player of the Year. And while Randle is a streaky shooter, he did hit multiple 3-pointers in three of the six games against the Nuggets.

Timberwolves vs Spurs SGP

• Julius Randle Over 20.5 points
• Julius Randle Over 1.5 threes
• Julius Randle Over 6.5 rebounds
• Timberwolves +13.5

Timberwolves vs Spurs odds for Game 1

• Spread: Timberwolves +13.5 | Spurs -13.5
• Moneyline: Timberwolves +500 | Spurs -700
• Over/Under: Over 216.5 | Under 216.5

Timberwolves vs Spurs betting trend to know

Both the Timberwolves and the Spurs were considered “Under” teams this season, Minnesota cashing Unders in 49 of now 88 games (55.75%) while San Antonio did so in 51 of 87 games (58.6%). Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Spurs.

How to watch Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 1

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