The Minnesota Timberwolves (16-36) challenge the Charlotte Hornets (17-36) at the Target Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, and will air on Fox Sports – North.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 226.5 points with Minnesota opening as a 7.5-point favorite at DraftKings Indiana Sportsbook.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Prediction
The Hornets come in on a high note after beating the Detroit Pistons in their last matchup, 87-76, as 3.5-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (163) came in well under the projected point total of 206.5. The Hornets forced 21 turnovers and held the Pistons to an effective field goal percentage of 0.396 (below their season average of 0.532). Devonte’ Graham played well for Charlotte, contributing 14 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds.
In the Timberwolves’ last game, they were beaten by the Toronto Raptors, 137-126. They were unable to cover as 8-point underdogs. The game’s total points (263) came in well over the O/U total of 235.5. Toronto’s 15.4 turnover percentage was the team’s largest advantage over Minnesota, who had a rate of 18.5. The Raptors’ mark was worse than their season average of 12.1, while the Timberwolves’ was above their season average of 12.6. Karl-Anthony Towns put together a good game for Minnesota, leading the team in scoring with 23 points on 5-for-13 shooting.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. Towns scored a game-high 37 points in the first game, in which the Timberwolves beat the Hornets 121-99, covering as 5-point favorites. He also recorded 15 rebounds and eight assists. The game finished with a total of 220 points, which was 5.5 points below the projected point total of 225.5 points. The Timberwolves made 23 of their 31 free throws (74.2 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.3 vs. 18.8).
Charlotte comes into the contest with records of 17-36 straight up (SU) and 24-27-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Hornets games, with 27 overs compared to 26 unders.
Meanwhile, Minnesota owns records of 16-36 SU and 18-32-2 ATS. Of the Timberwolves’ 52 games, 29 have finished over the total.
This contest should be a matchup of conflicting tempos. Minnesota has preferred to play up-tempo (second in possessions per game), while Charlotte has been slower-paced (30th in possessions per game).
Charlotte Hornets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Pick
Free Pick: ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Charlotte is 15-14 ATS with 16 overs and 13 unders.
Minnesota is 6-19-1 ATS at home with 14 overs and 12 unders.
In contests where they allow below 100 points, Minnesota is 2-1 and Charlotte is 5-0.
The Hornets are 13-21 when they reach 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 15-29.
Minnesota ranks third in steals per game (8.6) while Charlotte ranks 27th (6.5).
The Timberwolves rank eighth in assists allowed per game (23.5) while the Hornets rank last (26.8).
Minnesota ranks fourth in blocks per game (5.9) while Charlotte ranks 24th (4.2).
The Timberwolves rank third in three pointers allowed per game (31.4) while the Hornets rank 22nd (34.9).
Minnesota ranks 11th in points in the paint per game (48.8) while Charlotte ranks 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (50.9).
The Timberwolves average 14.0 second chance points per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. The Hornets rank 20th in second chance points allowed per game (13.5).
Charlotte averages 16.6 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 16th in the league. Minnesota ranks 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.1).
The Hornets rank second in fast break points allowed per game (11.5) while the Timberwolves rank 12th (12.7).
Minnesota ranks 13th in rebounds per game (45.6) while Charlotte ranks 21st in rebounds allowed per game (46.1).
In its last five games, Charlotte is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Hornets’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 11.2, up from 7.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 120.6 points per game (8.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 122.0 points per game (6.0 above their season average).
