Check out our free Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves pick and preview for this NBA game in Minneapolis. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.
Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves NBA Pick & Preview
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Portland Trail Blazers at Minnesota Timberwolves
- Where: Minneapolis at Target Center
- Date: Wednesday, January 4th
- Betting Odds POR -1.0, POR -109 | MIN -113 O/U OFF
So far, the Trail Blazers have put together an overall record of 19-17, while going 22-14-0 vs the spread. In the teams past 3 games, their overall mark sits at 2-1. Portland is 2-1 vs the spread in these matchups.
The Trail Blazers will look to keep things rolling, as they previously beat the Pistons by a score of 135-106. Heading into the game, they were 9 point favorites against the spread, giving them an ATS win. Portland put together a strong second half, as they only held a 9 point lead going into halftime. In the win, Jerami Grant led the team in scoring with 36 points on a field goal percentage of 70.6%.
So far, the Timberwolves have put together an overall record of 17-21, while going 15-23-0 vs the spread. In their previous 3 games, the Timberwolves are averaging 114 points per game while allowing 116. This has led to a record of 1-2.
The Timberwolves are coming off a 124-111 win over the Nuggets. This win came despite entering the game as the 4 point underdogs. Minnesota entered the second half with a 6a point lead, and were able to slightly extend that margin and prevent a second half comeback by the Nuggets. In the win, Anthony Edwards led the team in scoring with 29 points on a field goal percentage of 41.7%.
Head To Head Recap & Stats
I Similar to their season-long average, the Trail Blazers averaged 105.0 points per game vs the Timberwolves. Similar to the Trail Blazers, the Timberwolves scored at a rate near the league average. In their games vs Portland, the team averaged 121.0 points per game. Across the last 5 matchups between the teams, Portland has gone 3-2 vs the spread. However, the Timberwolves actually have a positive scoring margin in these games at +6 points per game. The over-under record in these same games is 3-2, with the teams combining for an average of 232 points per game.
Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game
Through 36 games, Portland is averaging 112.9 points per game (17th). One area that the Portland offense is finding success, is their ability to get to the free-throw line. So far, the team is averaging 19.0 made free-throws per contest. Despite shooting the ball well from outside, Portland has not done a good job taking care of the ball. So far, they are averaging 14.6 turnovers per game.
On defense, the Trail Blazers will look for some improved play, as they are currently the 27th ranked unit in points allowed per game.
On offense, Anfernee Simons leads the Trail Blazers in scoring at 22.6 points per game, placing him 29th in the NBA. Overall, Simons has hit 44.2% of his shots while accounting for 21.5% of the team’s looks from the field. In today’s game, he will be working against a defensive unit that is 22nd in points allowed to shooting guards. At 22.4 points per game, Jerami Grant is the 2nd leading scorer for the Trail Blazers. For the season, he is 78th in the league in player efficiency rating, while posting a field goal percentage of 49.1%.
This season, the Minnesota offense has had their problems scoring the ball as they are a below average unit at 114.7 points per game. For the season, the Timberwolves have been playing an up-tempo style of basketball as they sit 7th in the NBA in possessions per game.. If the Timberwolves are going to turn things around on offense, they must improve their overall shooting efficiency. In particular, the 3-point shot has been problematic for the unit, as they are just 23rd in 3-point shooting percentage.
Currently, the Timberwolves defense is ranked 24th in points allowed. So far, opposing teams are averaging 113.3 points per game vs the unit.
Shooting Guard Anthony Edwards currently leads the Timberwolves at 24.0 points per game. For the season, he is 35th in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 21.5% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Edwards is averaging 6.3 boards and 4.4 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 15th ranked defense at defending shooting guards. D’Angelo Russell enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 35 games, he is averaging 17.0 and is 121st in the league in player efficiency rating.
Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves Pick
- Free Spread Prediction: Timberwolves -1
- Free Total Prediction: Under OFF
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