The Los Angeles Clippers (23-22) clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves (30-18) at Staples Center. The game can be seen on NBATV at 10:30 p.m. ET on Monday, January 22, 2018.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Prediction
The Timberwolves will be hoping for a similar result after beating the Toronto Raptors in their last contest, 115-109. The Timberwolves knocked down 32 of their 42 free throws (76.2 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.7 (above their season average of 24.9). Karl-Anthony Towns had a good outing for Minnesota, putting up 22 points and 10 rebounds.
In the Clippers’ last game, they lost to the Utah Jazz, 125-113. Utah’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Los Angeles. The Jazz had a rate of 28.9 (above their season average of 19.8), while the Clippers posted a mark of 13.5 (below their season average of 23.8). With 31 points on 9-for-21 shooting, Lou Williams was the top scorer from either team.
The high-octane offense of Los Angeles will face off against the mid-tier defense of Minnesota. The Clippers rank ninth in offensive efficiency, while the Timberwolves are 21st in defensive efficiency. The Clippers figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. Also, the Timberwolves could control the offensive glass in this matchup as they rank fourth in the NBA in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.1 percent. The Clippers, meanwhile, rank 28th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.5 percent).
Minnesota holds records of 30-18 straight up (SU) and 23-23-2 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the Timberwolves have a slight tendency to go over the total (50.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 23-22 SU and 25-19-1 ATS. Games featuring the Clippers tend to finish over the O/U total (55.6 percent).
Williams and Wesley Johnson have been playing well over the last five games for Los Angeles. Williams has averaged 30.8 points, 5.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Not to be outdone, Johnson has put up 10.4 points and 1.2 steals a game during that span.
The Timberwolves have won both matchups against the Clippers this season, including a six-point victory the last time these teams met. Minnesota covered as a 5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 220 points, which was 9.5 points above the projected point total of 210.5 points. Minnesota’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Los Angeles. The Timberwolves had a rate of 0.195, while the Clippers posted a mark of 0.091. In the loss, DeAndre Jordan had a double-double with 18 points and 21 rebounds.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Clippers Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Minnesota is 11-11-1 ATS on the road with 12 unders and 11 overs.
At home, Los Angeles is 13-10 ATS with 13 overs, 9 unders and 1 push.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Minnesota is 14-4 and Los Angeles is 10-2.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Timberwolves are 28-9 and the Clippers are 21-15.
Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while Los Angeles ranks 25th (8.5).
The Timberwolves average 18.7 points off turnovers per game, which ranks second in the league. The Clippers rank 22nd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.6).
Minnesota ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (41.1) while Los Angeles ranks 23rd (44.1).
The Timberwolves rank third in second chance points per game (14.4) while the Clippers rank 21st in second chance points allowed per game (13.2).
Los Angeles ranks 13th in three pointers attempted per game (29.2) while Minnesota ranks 28th (22.5).
The Clippers average 48.5 points in the paint per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. The Timberwolves rank 19th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.1).
Los Angeles averages 12.5 fast break points per game, which ranks 11th in the league. Minnesota ranks 23rd in fast break points allowed per game (12.4).
The Timberwolves average 22.7 assists per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. The Clippers rank 21st in assists allowed per game (23.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Minnesota is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Timberwolves’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 3.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Clippers have scored an average of 116.4 points per game (8.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.2 points per game (3.1 above their season average).
