The Minnesota Timberwolves (12-12) square off with the Charlotte Hornets (11-12) at the Target Center. The game can be seen on Fox Sports Carolina at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 5, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 221 points with Minnesota set as a 4.5-point favorite.
Charlotte Hornets at Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Prediction
The Hornets were not able to cover as 3-point favorites in their 119-109 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in their last game. The game’s total points (228) finished under the projected point total of 232. New Orleans’ effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Charlotte. The Pelicans had a rate of 0.576 (above their season average of 0.528), while the Hornets posted a mark of 0.484. Charlotte’s Miles Bridges put together a solid performance, finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds.
In the Timberwolves’ last matchup, they defeated the Houston Rockets, 103-91, despite being 2.5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (194) were well under the O/U total of 223. The Timberwolves had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 32.5 (above their season average of 24.5), while the Rockets had a turnover percentage of 19.5 (above their season average of 12.4). Karl-Anthony Towns was Minnesota’s high scorer with 24 points on 10-for-24 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Hornets won the last contest 118-102. The Hornets had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.2 vs. 19.6) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.559 vs. 0.444).
Charlotte holds records of 11-12 straight up (SU) and 14-9 against the spread (ATS). Hornets games have a slight tendency to go under the projected point total (52.2 percent).
Meanwhile, Minnesota owns records of 12-12 SU and 13-11 ATS. Of the Timberwolves’ 24 games, 16 have finished under the total.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Jeremy Lamb (20 points,6.2 rebounds,1.8 steals) has been stellar for the Hornets while Towns (23 points,12.4 rebounds) has made great contributions to the Timberwolves.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Charlotte is 6-4 ATS with 6 unders and 4 overs.
At home, Minnesota is 9-5 ATS with 8 unders and 6 overs.
Minnesota is 6-0 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Charlotte is 3-0.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Hornets are 11-11 and the Timberwolves are 12-8.
Charlotte ranks seventh in three pointers attempted per game (33.8) while Minnesota ranks 25th in three pointers allowed per game (33.9).
The Timberwolves average 5.5 blocks per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. The Hornets rank 27th in blocks allowed per game (6.5).
Minnesota ranks second in steals per game (9.5) while Charlotte ranks 15th (7.7).
The Hornets rank 11th in assists per game (24.3) while the Timberwolves rank 24th in assists allowed per game (25.3).
Charlotte averages 13.5 second chance points per game, which ranks 13th in the league. Minnesota ranks 24th in second chance points allowed per game (14.8).
The Hornets rank 20 in rebounds per game (43.91304347826087) while the Timberwolves rank 25 in rebounds allowed per game (46.458333333333336).
Charlotte allows the 2-fewest points off turnovers per game (14.304347826086957) while Minnesota ranks 5 (15.291666666666666).
The Timberwolves average 14.375 fast break points per game, which ranks 12 in the NBA. The Hornets rank 14 in fast break points allowed per game (13.521739130434783).
Minnesota averages 46.916666666666664 points in the paint per game, which ranks 16 in the league. Charlotte ranks 17 in points allowed in the paint per game (49.21739130434783).
Bettings Trends:
Over its last five contests, Charlotte is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Hornets have been outscored by an average of 0.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Charlotte has defeated opponents by an average of 3.7 points.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 110.6 points per game (1.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 97.8 points per game (11.9 below their season average).
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