It will be a battle between Northwest Division opponents when the Minnesota Timberwolves (14-22) welcome the Portland Trail Blazers (16-22) to the Target Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 9, 2020, and will air on Fox Sports – North.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Prediction
In the Trail Blazers’ last contest, they edged the Toronto Raptors, 101-99, as 2.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (200) were well under the projected point total of 221. Portland’s 9.6 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Toronto, who had a mark of 11.1. The Trail Blazers’ mark was better than their season average of 11.4. Hassan Whiteside played a pivotal role for Portland with 14 points, 16 rebounds and seven blocks.
The Timberwolves were beaten by the Memphis Grizzlies in their last contest, 119-112. They were not able to cover as 4.5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (231) were just over the O/U total of 228. One of Memphis’ biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 19-21 (90.5 percent), while the Timberwolves were 17-21 (81.0 percent). Jarrett Culver had a solid performance for Minnesota, leading the team in scoring with 24 points on 8-for-11 shooting.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Whiteside recorded 16 points, 22 rebounds and seven blocks and the Trail Blazers beat the Timberwolves 113-106, resulting in a push. The game finished with a total of 219 points, which was 9 points below the projected point total of 228 points. The Trail Blazers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.3 vs. 17.5) and had a better turnover percentage (11.8 vs. 14.5).
Portland heads into the contest with records of 16-22 straight up (SU) and 15-21-2 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Trail Blazers have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Minnesota owns records of 14-22 SU and 15-19-2 ATS. In opposition of Portland, a little over half of Timberwolves games have finished over the total.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Whiteside (19 points,17.8 rebounds,3.4 blocks) has been fantastic for the Trail Blazers while Robert Covington (14 points,7.8 rebounds,2.8 steals,1.2 blocks) has contributed greatly to the Timberwolves.
This game should be a battle of contrasting paces. Minnesota prefers a fast-breaking style of play (first in possessions per game), while Portland is more half-court-oriented (12th in possessions per game).
Portland Trail Blazers at Minnesota Timberwolves Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Trail Blazers, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
On the road, Portland is 9-11-1 ATS with 12 unders, 8 overs and 1 push.
Minnesota is 4-11-1 ATS at home with 8 overs and 8 unders.
In games where they allow below 100 points, Minnesota is 2-1 and Portland is 4-0.
The Timberwolves are 13-16 when they score above 100 points, while the Trail Blazers are 16-16.
Minnesota ranks fourth in steals per game (8.7) while Portland ranks 28th (5.9).
The Timberwolves rank fifth in second chance points per game (14.1) while the Trail Blazers rank 26th in second chance points allowed per game (15.7).
Minnesota ranks eighth in points in the paint per game (48.9) while Portland ranks 28th (43.3).
The Timberwolves rank seventh in rebounds per game (46.5) while the Trail Blazers rank 27th in rebounds allowed per game (47.9).
Portland blocks 6.6 opponent shots per game, which is ranked second in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 21st in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
The Trail Blazers rank third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.4) while the Timberwolves rank 21st (17.6).
Minnesota ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (39.4) while Portland ranks 19th in three pointers allowed per game (34.3).
The Trail Blazers rank 15th in fast break points per game (12.8) while the Timberwolves rank 28th (10.4).
Minnesota ranks 23rd in assists per game (22.3) while Portland ranks 29th (19.7).
Over its last five outings, Portland is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Minnesota is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Trail Blazers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.0, up from 1.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 111.0 points per game (0.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 105.4 points per game (9.0 below their season average).
