The Los Angeles Clippers head to the Target Center to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. The game starts at 8:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Mar. 30 and can be seen on PRI and FNo.
The Timberwolves come into this game on a high note after beating the Suns 121-116 on Monday. Andrew Wiggins was the game’s high scorer with 32 points on 6-for-13 shooting. The Clippers, meanwhile, are coming off a 114-90 win against the Celtics on Monday. DeAndre Jordan played well, posting 15 points and 13 rebounds to claim his 46th double-double of the season.
Over the last five games, a number of players have played well for the Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns has led the way, averaging 23.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.4 blocks, and 0.6 three-pointers. Wiggins (21.8 PTS, 5.0 REB, 2.8 AST, 0.6 STL, 0.8 BLK, and 0.8 3PM) and Ricky Rubio (16.0 PTS, 5.2 REB, 9.4 AST, 3.2 STL, and 1.8 3PM) have also played at a high level.
When examining effective field goal percentage, the Clippers appear to have a noticeable advantage on the offensive side. They’re ranked fifth in the NBA in that category at 52.1%, while Minnesota’s bottom-tier effective field goal percentage defense ranks only 28th as opponents are hitting 52.3%.
The Clippers lead the season series against the Timberwolves two games to one, but fell short in their most recent game, 108-102. Wiggins was the game’s leading scorer with 31 points.
The Timberwolves come into this game 25-49 Straight Up (SU) and 35-38-1 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 3-7 ATS over their last 10 games. Minnesota has gotten to the free throw line often this season. They average 21.0 made free throws per game, which is the best in the NBA.
As for their opponent, Los Angeles has a SU record of 46-27 and an ATS record of 34-37-2. In Western Conference games, Los Angeles has gone 46-27 SU and 34-37-2 ATS. The Clippers are the better of the two teams when it comes to assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking fourth in the NBA at 1.80. The Clippers average 100.8 points allowed per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 109.4 points per game during that span.
With the Timberwolves’ last win against Los Angeles, Minnesota moved closer to evening up its record against Los Angeles. It now stands at 1-9 SU over the last 10 meetings. On the other hand, the Timberwolves hold the advantage ATS with a record of 5-4-1.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAC
Notes
Los Angeles ranks sixth in points per game with 104.5, while Minnesota ranks 24th in points allowed with an average of 106.0 given up.
Minnesota ranks 25th in points allowed per home game (105.2 PPG), while Los Angeles ranks sixth in points per away game with 104.4.
In contests where it has given up fewer than 100 points, Minnesota has an 11-8 record. When Los Angeles puts up fewer than 100, it is a poor 8-13.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have an underachieving 14-41 record in games where they have allowed at least 100 points. The Los Angeles Clippers are 38-14 when they hit triple digits.
The Timberwolves have an offensive rating of 104.9 (ranked 11th). The Clippers rank seventh for their defensive rating of 102.2.
Los Angeles beats Minnesota in both possessions per game and points per possession. The Clippers average 97.9 possessions and 1.068 points per possession, while the Timberwolves average 97.5 possessions with 1.049 points per possession.
The Los Angeles Clippers have one of the best effective field goal percentages this season, ranking fifth in the league with an EFF% of 52.1%. When their opponents record a similar or higher EFF%, the Minnesota Timberwolves have an abysmal 8-33 record.
Minnesota makes an average of 23.1 assists per game (ranked eighth), while Los Angeles makes 22.7 assists per game (ranked 11th).
Minnesota makes an average of 4.6 blocks per game (ranked 18th). Los Angeles ranks higher in blocks with 5.6 (ranked eighth).
The Minnesota Timberwolves rank 21st in offensive rebounding, while the Los Angeles Clippers rank 18th in defensive rebounding.
The Los Angeles Clippers average 8.5 steals per game (ranked ninth). The Minnesota Timberwolves have a subpar 11-27 record when they allow at least 8 steals.
