Raptors vs. Timberwolves Recap: McDaniels Cashes Twice in a Rout

Minnesota beat Toronto 117-94, and it was never really in doubt. The Timberwolves opened with a 32-21 first quarter, won the third 35-15 and led for 98 percent of the game, building a lead as big as 32. They shot 56 percent from the field and 15-of-31 from three, while Toronto shot 38 percent and hit 10 of its 38 threes. Three DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game, two of them on Jaden McDaniels.

What cashed

ALT: Jaden McDaniels 12+ points (-190 at DraftKings): CASHED

• Our read: McDaniels had cleared 12 points in each of his last 10 games and each of his last 20. The -190 price implied about 66%, against roughly 94% from his recent games.
• What happened: He scored 14 on 6-of-10 shooting in 31 minutes, clearing the line by 2.5, and finished +31.
• Worth watching: His floor is the selling point. As long as he plays starter minutes, the low alt is the cleaner bet than chasing a higher number.

Jaden McDaniels 20+ points + rebounds + assists (-146 at FanDuel): CASHED

• Our read: McDaniels had posted 26 and 25 PRA on about 30 minutes in each of his previous two games, and DiVincenzo being out widened his role.
• What happened: He added 6 rebounds and 3 assists to his 14 points for 23 PRA, 3.5 past the line, with all 6 boards on the defensive glass.
• Worth watching: The minutes held at 31 even in a blowout. If that holds while DiVincenzo is out, the combo line stays worth checking, with a price cap in mind.

ALT: RJ Barrett 20+ points (+116 at DraftKings): CASHED

• Our read: Barrett had cleared 20 points in 9 of his last 10 games and 15 of his last 20. At +116 the book implied about 46%, against roughly 78% from his recent games.
• What happened: It came down to the wire. He scored exactly 20 on 9-of-21 shooting with 2-of-5 at the line, clearing the line by 0.5 in 32 minutes.
• Worth watching: A plus price on a scorer this steady is the kind of gap we look for. He got there on 21 shots without a single three, which says the volume is real.

How the game played out

Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 26 points, and Terrence Shannon Jr. added 15 off the bench on 5-of-6 shooting. Rudy Gobert grabbed 13 rebounds as the Wolves won the glass 49-34. Toronto's best quarter was the fourth, 32-27, long after the outcome was settled. Ja'Kobe Walter led the Raptors with 22 points and Immanuel Quickley added 19.

Trends to watch

• McDaniels played 31 minutes and took 10 shots. That workload supports both his points floor and his combo lines.
• Barrett took 21 shots, the most on Toronto. Volume like that keeps his scoring lines in play even when the team struggles.
• Minnesota scored 56 points in the paint and controlled the boards. Opponents that struggle inside are worth noting for Wolves totals.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. For the math behind these prices, see implied probability and player prop, or get more at /nba.