The Timberwolves and Spurs take center stage on Tuesday as the lone NBA playoff game on tonight's slate. Minnesota needed all its experience to tie the series at two games apiece after trailing heading into the final quarter of Game 4. Victor Wembanyama's ejection certainly made things a bit easier for the Timberwolves down the stretch.
However, with Wemby avoiding further disciplinary action, he could view Game 5 as part of his redemption arc. Our approach for this preview won't necessarily be to break down these individual matchups. Instead, we'll seek to highlight players that offer the best value in the DraftKings Game Leaders market.
NBA Game Leader Picks for Spurs vs Wolves Game 5
- Timberwolves vs Spurs – Top Scorer: Anthony Edwards (+156)
- Timberwolves vs Spurs – 3-Point Leader: Julian Champagnie (+640)
Timberwolves vs Spurs Top Scorer Bet
The Timberwolves plan to slow down Wembanyama by upping their physicality, attacking him defensively and forcing him into foul trouble. Wembanyama racked up five fouls in Game 3 and already picked up three fouls when the referees ejected him with 8:39 remaining in the second quarter of Game 4.
Wembanyama's elbow to the face of Minnesota's Naz Reid was a sign of frustration, as the Timberwolves are clearly showing they can get under the Frenchman's skin.
While I'd expect Wembanyama to do a better job of controlling his emotions, it wouldn't surprise me if he played a bit tentatively to avoid making any major mistakes. Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson might even have to take Wembanyama out of the firing line on a few occasions to keep him composed.
Yet, Wembanyama (+117) remains the favorite to finish Game 5 with the most points ahead of Minnesota's Anthony Edwards (+156).
Edwards is the better scorer of the two, and because he's a guard, he can initiate the offense much more easily than Wembanyama, who has to rely more on his teammates to get him the ball.
After playing limited minutes off the bench in the first two games due to a knee injury, Edwards returned to the starting lineup and produced back-to-back 30-point performances.
As great as Wembanyama is, we must remember that he's still only in his third season in the league.
Although his time will undoubtedly come, the lack of experience is probably his biggest hindrance to consistently dominating a playoff series on a nightly basis.
Pick: Top Scorer: Anthony Edwards (+156)
Spurs vs Timberwolves 3-Point Leader
Despite a 0-for-5 performance from the perimeter in Game 4, I'm coming right back with San Antonio's Julian Champagnie to finish with the most 3-pointers. 69% (24 of 35) of Champagnie's field-goal attempts this series have come from beyond the arc, and he shot 38.1% during the regular season.
With the Spurs attempting the fewest 3-pointers (31.9 per game) among playoff teams, Champagnie is one of a few players who offer a legitimate perimeter threat.
Devin Vassell would be the other player for San Antonio, but he's shooting just 31.4% from long range. While Vassell shot 38.4% during the regular season, his game offers more variety, with a higher number of 2-point field goal attempts.
In contrast, Champagnie is much more of a 3-point specialist with a bigger upside, especially if he sees some shots start to fall.
Since Champagnie (+640) has the fourth-shortest odds for most 3-pointers, this is a decent buy-low spot for a player coming off one of his worst shooting nights.
Pick: Most 3-Pointers: Julian Champagnie (+640)
