It's been difficult in the past to play an Under in a game involving the high-scoring but defensive-challenged Timberwolves. That's not the case anymore since Minnesota acquired center Rudy Gobert during the off-season. Gobert is the premier defensive player in the league.

While Gobert immediately upgrades the Timberwolves' defense and rim protection, he's going to slow down Minnesota's attack. There's going to be a transition period as Karl-Anthony Towns, D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards adjust to Gobert, a half-court type player, on offense.

The Thunder's attack revolves around emerging star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 24.5 points last season. Gilgeous-Alexander, though, missed the last 10 games of last season due to an MCL sprain. Gilgeous-Alexander didn't play during the preseason either. So he'll be rusty if he does play and his minutes probably will be down during the early portion of the season.

The Under has cashed the last four times the teams have met in Minnesota.

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover is one of the top NBA handicappers in North America. Stephen is 18-8 on his last 26 NBA plays going back to last season. He has two premium NBA plays today, including his Game of the Week, in addition to this free selection.)