The Portland Trail Blazers (25-22) welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves (31-18) to Moda Center at the Rose Quarter as they try to prolong their six-game home winning streak. The game gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trail Blazers Betting Prediction
The Timberwolves will be looking for a similar outcome after beating the Los Angeles Clippers in their last matchup, 126-118. The Timberwolves knocked down 33 of their 39 free throws (84.6 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.0 (above their season average of 25.1). With 40 points on 16-for-28 shooting, Andrew Wiggins was the top scorer from either team.
The last time the Trail Blazers played, they lost a close one to the Denver Nuggets, 104-101. One of Denver’s largest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 33 free throw attempts, while Portland had 26. Portland’s Jusuf Nurkic had 19 points and 12 rebounds in the contest.
Points at the line could be rare for Portland in this matchup. The Trail Blazers rank 17th in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.190, while Minnesota ranks seventh in FTA rate allowed (0.178). The Timberwolves should have an advantage in terms of ball security. They rank 2nd at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.4 percent), while the Trail Blazers force the third-fewest turnovers in the NBA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 13.2 percent).
Minnesota comes into the game with records of 31-18 straight up (SU) and 24-23-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Timberwolves games, with 25 overs compared to 23 unders.
Meanwhile, Portland owns records of 25-22 SU and 21-21-5 ATS. Vegas tends to set the total high when the Trail Blazers are involved, as 28 of their 49 games have finished under the total.
The Timberwolves have won both games against the Trail Blazers this season, including a 120-103 victory the last time these teams met. Minnesota covered as a 6-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 223 points, which was 10 points above the projected point total of 213 points. The Timberwolves knocked down 27 of their 33 free throws (81.8 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (10.4 vs. 16.4). Karl-Anthony Towns put up a double-double in the victory with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trail Blazers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Minnesota is 12-11-1 ATS with 12 overs and 12 unders.
At home, Portland is 8-12-3 ATS with 15 unders and 8 overs.
Minnesota is 14-4 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Portland is 15-4.
The Timberwolves are 29-9 when they reach the century mark, while the Trail Blazers are 20-12.
Minnesota ranks second in points off turnovers per game (18.8) while Portland ranks 25th (15.0).
The Timberwolves rank fourth in steals per game (8.9) while the Trail Blazers rank 25th (6.9).
Portland ranks first in assists allowed per game (19.8) while Minnesota ranks 22nd (23.8).
The Trail Blazers rank fifth in blocks per game (5.2) while the Timberwolves rank 23rd (4.2).
Portland ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (26.0) while Minnesota ranks 18th (29.3).
The Timberwolves rank 19th in fast break points per game (10.0) while the Trail Blazers rank 29th (6.5).
Minnesota ranks third in second chance points per game (14.5) while Portland ranks 12th (12.8).
The Timberwolves rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (41.1) while the Trail Blazers rank 13th (42.6).
Minnesota averages 48.1 points in the paint per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Portland ranks seventh in points allowed in the paint per game (42.0).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Minnesota is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Portland is 2-2-1 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 1.4, down from 3.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Trail Blazers have scored an average of 107.8 points per game (3.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 105.8 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
