The Minnesota Timberwolves (17-40) will have their hands full against the NBA’s top scoring defense when they go head-to-head against the Orlando Magic (26-32) at Amway Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 28, 2020, and will air on Fox Sports – North.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 236 points with Orlando opening as a 7.5-point favorite at BetMGM NJ & Indiana Sportsbook.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Orlando Magic Free Prediction
The Timberwolves will be looking for similar success after narrowly defeating the Miami Heat in their last outing, 129-126, as 12-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (255) came in well over the O/U total of 235. Minnesota’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Miami. The Timberwolves had a rate of 13.6 (worse than their season average of 12.5), while the Heat posted a mark of 17.8 (above their season average of 12.7). With 27 points on 9-for-18 shooting, D’Angelo Russell was the top scorer from either team.
In the Magic’s last outing, they beat the Atlanta Hawks, 130-120, covering as 3-point favorites. The game’s total points (250) came in well over the O/U total of 230.5. The Magic had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 28.3 (above their season average of 22.1) and had a turnover percentage of 6.7 (better than their season average of 10.8). With 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, Orlando’s Aaron Gordon had a good performance.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, the Magic won 122-112. Making free throws was one of Orlando’s biggest advantages. They were 21-23 (91.3 percent), while the Timberwolves were 10-12 (83.3 percent).
Minnesota holds records of 17-40 straight up (SU) and 20-35-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Timberwolves’ 57 games, 33 have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Orlando is 26-32 SU and 25-29-4 ATS. Contrary to Minnesota, a little over half of Magic games have finished under the total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Malik Beasley (22 points,5.2 rebounds) has been stellar for the Timberwolves while Gordon (19 points,9.8 rebounds,5.8 assists) has made solid contributions to the Magic.
Opposite styles will be on display in this showdown. Minnesota has preferred an up-tempo style of play (first in possessions per game), while Orlando has been more half-court-oriented (29th in possessions per game).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Minnesota is 14-14-1 ATS on the road with 18 overs and 11 unders.
Orlando is 10-17-2 ATS at home with 18 unders and 11 overs.
In games where they allow less than 100 points, Minnesota is 2-1 and Orlando is 12-4.
The Magic are 22-13 when they score more than 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 16-33.
Orlando ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.9) while Minnesota ranks 23rd (17.8).
The Magic rank second in second chance points allowed per game (11.4) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd (13.5).
Orlando averages 5.9 blocks per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
The Timberwolves rank third in three pointers attempted per game (39.9) while the Magic rank 20th (31.8).
Orlando ranks fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (44.9) while Minnesota ranks 21st (50.4).
The Magic rank third in steals allowed per game (6.8) while the Timberwolves rank 14th (7.7).
Orlando ranks 18th in rebounds per game (44.7) while Minnesota ranks 29th in rebounds allowed per game (47.4).
The Magic rank third in fast break points allowed per game (11.8) while the Timberwolves rank 12th (12.8).
In its last five outings, Minnesota is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Orlando is 3-2 ATS with 5 overs over its last five games.
The Timberwolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 3.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 120.4 points per game (15.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 118.6 points per game (12.5 above their season average).