Single-Game FanDuel NBA DFS Picks: Timberwolves vs. Thunder for Game 2

The NBA playoffs are here, and single-game DFS contests on FanDuel are a fun way to follow the action.

Since NBA DFS is easier to predict than baseball or football, it would likely get plenty of votes as the best sport to play on FanDuel. Basketball players usually stick to the same minutes and produce at roughly the same rate. Sounds easy, right? Trust me -- it's not!

As a result, NBA daily fantasy is highly reliant on a player's opportunity, so you'll need to ensure that you're up to date with key injuries. Our NBA DFS projections update throughout the day to reflect current news.

On top of all that, we'll come at you each day with this NBA DFS primer, which breaks down some of the top plays at each position. Single-game DFS contests on FanDuel now have a 1.5x multiplier for the MVP spot, so the player used in that spot will see their salary increase while still accumulating 1.5x the points.

Let's dive into Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder on FanDuel.

NBA Single-Game DFS Picks for Timberwolves-Thunder in Game 2

Game Preview

All NBA odds are via FanDuel Sportsbook.

• Spread: Thunder -7.5
• Total: 217
• Pace Rankings: Thunder (5th), Timberwolves (25th)

Timberwolves-Thunder Studs to Target

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ($24,000 MVP/$16,000 UTIL) -- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn't waste any time making his presence felt in Game 1, generating 31 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals en route to 57.5 FanDuel points (FDPs). Aside from the Timberwolves giving up the fourth-worst free throw rate allowed (28.6%) of this year's playoff teams, SGA has now scored 31-plus points in four consecutive outings, 55-plus FDPs in three of his last four, while also tallying multiple steals in 8 of his last 11 contests this postseason.

Anthony Edwards ($21,900 MVP/$14,600 UTIL) -- Despite Anthony Edwards posting only 32.3 FDPs in Game 1, I don't expect his usage rate to remain at 23.7% like it was in the series opener. Even with a quiet performance to begin the series, Edwards is still averaging 25.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 5.6 APG, and 1.4 SPG on a solid 52.7% effective field goal percentage throughout the postseason.

Timberwolves-Thunder Mid-Range Options

Julius Randle ($18,300 MVP/$12,200 UTIL) -- Given the defensive attention that Edwards has garnered in the playoffs, Julius Randle has been desperately needed, and the offensive-minded forward has certainly stepped up to the challenge so far. Randle has posted 35-plus FDPs in 9 of his last 10 starts in these playoffs, and he's a nice pivot from Edwards if you believe the Thunder continue to do everything in their power to get the ball out of No. 5's hands and force the other players on the Timberwolves to beat them.

Chet Holmgren ($15,600 MVP/$10,400 UTIL) -- Chet Holmgren contributes in a variety of valuable categories, but his ability to rack up stocks (steals plus blocks) is what makes him a valuable option in DFS. Across his first 12 starts this postseason, Holmgren is notching 15.7 PPG, 9.5 RPG, and 2.2 BPG while accruing multiple stocks in eight of his last nine games in the playoffs.

Timberwolves-Thunder Value Plays

Naz Reid ($7,200 MVP/$4,800 UTIL) -- Although Naz Reid has scored fewer than 20 FDPs in four straight postseason appearances, the volume was undoubtedly there for him to make a splash in Game 1 versus the Thunder. The Timberwolves are going to need Reid's ability to space the floor and knock down outside shots in this series, and I believe he bounces back after going 1-for-11 from the field and 0-for-7 from beyond the arc in 27 minutes in the first matchup.

Alex Caruso ($6,900 MVP/$4,600 UTIL) -- You could certainly make an argument for Mike Conley and/or Cason Wallace as viable salary-saving options at guard, but Alex Caruso possesses the highest ceiling due to his uncanny ability to swipe the ball. In addition to Minnesota turning the ball over 19 times in Game 1, Caruso has registered two-plus steals and 24-plus FDPs in 6 of his 12 playoff outings with OKC.

All customers get a 30% Profit Boost to use on a 3+ leg parlay or SGP on any sport or event taking place on May 22nd! See here for full terms and conditions. Learn about today’s other offers at FanDuel Sportsbook Promos.

Interested in playing NBA daily fantasy? FanDuel has plenty of contest options to make every moment more. Be sure to check out the NBA betting options, as well.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author’s advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.