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Giannis in a Heat jersey, at the Kaseya Center, on national TV. Miami has been waiting for a night like this for years. I’m taking the Wolves and the point and a half anyway. Anthony Edwards put up 28.8 a night last season, and he’s got LaMelo Ball running the offense next to him.
The Matchup
- Tonight’s injury report. Miami’s Vladislav Goldin (ankle) is questionable. Minnesota has no new absences.
- Miami has a new superstar. Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points and 9.8 rebounds in 36 games last season. Bam Adebayo added 20.1 and 10.0. Adebayo has a groin issue but practiced Sunday.
- Minnesota can score with anybody. Anthony Edwards averaged 28.8 points, LaMelo Ball 20.1 points and 7.1 assists, and Ayo Dosunmu 14.8. Donte DiVincenzo is out with an Achilles injury.
- Last season. Minnesota went 49-33 and outscored teams by 3.4 a night. Miami went 43-39, plus 2.3, and 26-15 at home.
- Tip-off. 7:30 PM ET at the Kaseya Center, on ESPN.
The Number
Last season’s scoring margins plus two points for home court make this Miami by about one. The board has Miami by a point and a half, so the Wolves get the extra half point.
The honest case against: Giannis changes Miami more than last season’s numbers can know, and the Heat crowd will be buzzing. It’s a Game Pick, a lean, and like every pick we post, it lands on the receipts page win or lose. Our first NBA season, so these are leans while we build the record.
Bottom Line
Take the Wolves plus one and a half at . Lean. Edwards, LaMelo and a point and a half in a coin-flip game. Wolves.
Same-Game Parlay
One read in three legs. If the Wolves win or keep it within one, their guards are scoring, and Ayo Dosunmu has been over 12.5 in 9 of his last 10. On the other end, Bam Adebayo has cleared 8.5 rebounds in each of his last 10. Every leg needs the same game, so this is one position, not three bets.
The angleMinnesota keeps it close with its scorers while Bam controls the glass.
Build it at FanDuel →FanDuel prices same-game parlays in its own builder, so there is no price here. Build the legs there and check the number before you place it.
Price: check your sportsbook for SGP pricing. Lines as posted Wednesday at 4:56 PM ET, after the Wednesday injury check. This parlay is a Game Pick. Player props not available in all states.
Best Props for This Game
Bets beyond the spread, from either side. The trends come from last season’s games until this season has three in the books. These are Game Pick props, separate bets from our pick, so keep them small.
He averaged 10 boards last season and closed it on a tear.
- TrendCleared 8.5 in 51 of 73 games last season, all of his last 10
- Matchup9 and 11 rebounds in his two games against these teams last season
He ended last season hot, and he loves this matchup.
- TrendCleared 12.5 in 43 of 69 games, 9 of his last 10
- Matchup23, 23 and 29 points in three of his six games against these two teams last season
Miami’s bench scorer at even money.
- TrendCleared 11.5 in 42 of 67 games, 8 of his last 10
- MatchupOver 11.5 in four of his five games against these two teams last season
He averaged 7.1 assists, and he shares the ball with Edwards now.
- TrendUnder 8.5 in 53 of 72 games last season
- Matchup8.5 assists is above his season average
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