FanDuel Single-Game NBA DFS Picks and Helper: Timberwolves at Nuggets (5/4/24)

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 projections -- which are powered by numberFire -- update throughout the day to reflect current news. You can also turn to numberFire for player news updates as well as a matchup heat map and lineup optimizer to help give you an edge.

On top of all that, here at FanDuel Research, we'll come at you each day with this NBA DFS primer, which breaks down some of the day's top plays at each position.

Let's dive into today's single-game slate on FanDuel.

NBA Single-Game DFS Picks for Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets

Game 1 Preview

All NBA odds are via FanDuel Sportsbook.

Date and Time: Saturday, May 4th, 7 p.m. ET

Spread: Nuggets -4.5 (-110)

Total: 209.5 (-110/-110)

Moneyline:

• Timberwolves: +160
• Nuggets: -190

Studs to Target

Nikola Jokic ($17,500): After producing a team-high 1.57 FanDuel points per minute in Round 1, Denver's superstar is today's clear top option with a 60.8 fantasy projection. In four previous meetings against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jokic has played well, averaging 33.3 real-life points and 54.7 FanDuel points on 22.3 shot attempts.

Anthony Edwards ($15,000): "Ant-Man" has really emerged in the postseason, leading his team in fantasy production (54.2 FanDuel points per game) and usage (31.1%). Edwards has been to able to score in this matchup, accounting for 26.0 real-life points per game on 19.8 shot attempts.

Jamal Murray ($14,000): Despite dealing with a calf injury, Murray is third overall with 41.2 expected FanDuel points in a challenging spot versus a Timberwolves' defense giving up 46.9 per game to his position. Denver's point guard is averaging 1.04 FanDuel points per minute and a 30.9% usage rate in 198 playoff minutes.

Mid-Range Options

Rudy Gobert ($13,000): "The Stifle Tower" is fourth in value with a 2.99 rating and a 38.8 fantasy projection in a sneaky favorable matchup against a Denver Nuggets' unit allowing the second most FanDuel points (55.2 per game) among current playoff teams to centers. Gobert has produced 39.2 FanDuel points per contest and 1.12 FanDuel points per minute versus the NBA defending champions.

Karl-Anthony Towns ($12,500): KAT looks like he is fully back for Round 2's crucial Western Conference matchup after he logged 39 minutes in his last appearance. The 28-year old has been super efficient this postseason, recording 1.21 FanDuel points and 0.68 real-life points per minute.

Michael Porter Jr. ($11,000): After producing 0.98 FanDuel points per minute in the playoffs, Denver's emerging forward ranks third in value with a 3.0 rating and a 33.0 fantasy projection at a salary standing sixth among today's slate.

Aaron Gordon ($10,500): Even in a difficult spot versus a defense allowing the second fewest FanDuel points (42.0) per game to his position, Gordon is second overall in value with a 3.35 rating and a 35.2 fantasy projection.

Mike Conley ($10,000): Minnesota's veteran has provided underrated production in four prior meetings, averaging 18.0 real-life points per game and 1.04 FanDuel points per minute

Value Plays

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($9,500): Despite recording 0.54 FanDuel points per minute, the Nuggets' shooting guard has seen consistent playing time through this postseason run, logging a healthy 36.0 minutes per contest.

Jaden McDaniels ($9,000): In 142 playoff minutes, McDaniels has accounted for 0.72 FanDuel points per minute and a 15.5% usage rate.

Naz Reid ($8,500): Even in a decreased role in Round, Reid has been effective anytime the Timberwolves' big sees the floor, recording 0.80 FanDuel points per minute and a 21.9% usage rate.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker ($8,000): The 25-year old has been treated like a starter in the Timberwolves' playoff rotation, averaging 31.0 minutes per playoff contest while logging 0.84 FanDuel points per minute.

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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.