The Denver Nuggets will attempt to level their second-round series in the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves when the two sides meet in Game 2 Monday evening. The Timberwolves took Game 1 behind a masterful performance from Anthony Edwards, who has blossomed into a superstar this postseason. Will the defending champions be able to punch back?
Here’s a look at some of our favorite player prop bets to target for Game 2 Monday, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
The two-time MVP and reigning Finals MVP finished Game 1 with 32 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. However, his 2-9 performance from three-point range was part of an underwhelming 11-25 showing from the floor overall. I expect Jokic to be more aggressive and intentional in getting to his spots in Game 2, which will open up more opportunities to set up his teammates. This is the moment where MVPs and superstars step up, so I think Jokic has a big outing.
At some point, Edwards isn’t going to drop 40+ points in a game. His official line is set at 28.5, but you can get some additional value by adding a point to that on an alternate offering. The Minnesota forward remains the team’s top offensive option, and he’s being deferred to in clutch time which will boost his stock. Edwards has gone over this line in three straight games, and four of his five playoff games so far. I think he keeps up his hot play Monday.
Entering Game 2, Murray is shooting 40.3% from the floor and 31.6% from three-point range. He shot under 40% in the first four games against the Lakers and even though he hit some clutch baskets in Games 2 and 5, his overall numbers were quite brutal. He had two games where he didn’t make a single triple, and has only crossed this mark twice. Murray is being bothered by a calf issue but continues to log heavy minutes so that’s no longer an excuse. He did make a couple threes in Game 1 and the Nuggets need him to break out in a big way for Game 2. While I don’t know that he has a monster showing, I’ll back him to at least can a few more perimeter shots tonight.
Update: Gobert has been ruled out due to personal reasons. He’ll miss this game for the birth of his child, so the Timberwolves will need someone else to make an impact on the glass. Naz Reid and Towns will likely get most of the center minutes for this contest.
Gobert has largely been absolved of any offensive responsibility in this Timberwolves rotation thanks to Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. He is expected to make up for that on the defensive end by impacting shots at the rim and controlling the glass. The big man grabbed 13 rebounds in Game 1 and has gone over this mark in three of the five postseason games. The Nuggets will look to be aggressive on the offensive glass but I think Gobert continues his stellar play and goes over this mark again.
