The San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves get their seasons going at AT&T Center. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.
San Antonio is a 2.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 210.5 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs Betting Prediction
Minnesota went 47-35 in the regular season last season, which earned them the eight seed in the Western Conference. They fell in the First Round to the Houston Rockets in five games. Following a 47-35 regular season campaign, San Antonio went to the playoffs as the seven seed in the Western Conference last season. They were defeated in the First Round by the Golden State Warriors in five games.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams square off. San Antonio ranked 30th in possessions per game (96.8) and Minnesota was 22nd (98.0) last season. Also, the fourth-ranked offense of the Timberwolves (offensive efficiency of 111.2) will square off against the fourth-ranked defense of the Spurs (defensive efficiency of 103.5).
The Timberwolves had a respectable 47-35 straight up (SU) record last season, but had a hard time covering the spread (37-45 against the spread (ATS)). Vegas was fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Minnesota games, with 43 overs compared to 37 unders.
On the other side, the Spurs were 47-35 SU and 50-46-2 ATS last season. Coinciding with Minnesota, San Antonio games had a tendency to finish over the O/U total (56.1 percent).
The Spurs won two out of three matchups against the Timberwolves last season. In the last contest, San Antonio won 117-101. The Spurs had a much better turnover percentage (4.7 vs. 15.1) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.8 vs. 27.0).
Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Spurs, ATS Winner – Spurs, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Minnesota is 19-4 when they allow under 100 points, while San Antonio is 33-11.
The Timberwolves are 45-25 when they score over 100 points, while the Spurs are 37-15.
San Antonio ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (26.4) while Minnesota ranks 22nd (30.4).
The Spurs rank fifth in blocks per game (5.5) while the Timberwolves rank 23rd (4.1).
Minnesota ranks fourth in points in the paint per game (49.2) while San Antonio ranks 22nd (43.5).
The Timberwolves rank first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while the Spurs rank 12th (7.5).
San Antonio averages 13.1 second chance points per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 20th in second chance points allowed per game (13.1).
The Timberwolves rank second in rebounds allowed per game (41.9) while the Spurs rank 13th (42.8).
Minnesota averages 17.1 points off turnovers per game, which ranks sixth in the league. San Antonio ranks eighth in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.0).
The Spurs rank 23rd in fast break points per game (10.1) while the Timberwolves rank 25th (9.7).
San Antonio ranks 18th in assists per game (22.6) while Minnesota ranks 20th in assists allowed per game (23.7).
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