The Minnesota Timberwolves (15-26) challenge the Toronto Raptors (27-14) at the Target Center. The game can be seen on CTV Sportsnet Toronto at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Toronto Raptors at Minnesota Timberwolves Free Prediction
In the Raptors’ last game, they comfortably covered the 1-point spread against the Washington Wizards, 140-111. The game’s total points (251) came in well over the O/U total of 213. Toronto’s 0.692 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Washington, who had a mark of 0.534. The Raptors’ mark was above their season average of 0.525. Toronto was lifted by Norman Powell, who was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 10-for-17 shooting.
The Timberwolves lost a close one to the Indiana Pacers in their last game, 116-114, despite being 4.5-point favorites. The game’s combined points (230) finished over the O/U total of 217.5. Indiana’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Minnesota. The Pacers had a rate of 0.610 (above their season average of 0.527), while the Timberwolves posted a mark of 0.551. Karl-Anthony Towns had a good performance for Minnesota, leading the team in scoring with 27 points on 9-for-21 shooting.
After the Raptors won both matchups against the Timberwolves last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Toronto won 120-100. The Raptors had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (18.9 vs. 9.6) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.614 vs. 0.489).
Toronto holds records of 27-14 straight up (SU) and 21-18-1 against the spread (ATS). There does not appear to be a trend for games involving the Raptors in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Minnesota owns records of 15-26 SU and 16-22-2 ATS. Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Timberwolves games, with 21 overs compared to 19 unders.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Serge Ibaka (19 points,10.8 rebounds) has been stellar for the Raptors while Jarrett Culver (16 points,5.8 rebounds) has made great contributions to the Timberwolves.
Minnesota might struggle to put up points as they clash against one of the NBA’s best defenses. Toronto currently ranks second in defensive efficiency while the Timberwolves rank 23rd in offensive efficiency.
Toronto Raptors at Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Toronto is 10-8-1 ATS on the road with 11 unders and 8 overs.
Minnesota is 5-13-1 ATS at home with 10 unders and 9 overs.
In contests where they allow under 100 points, Minnesota is 2-1 and Toronto is 11-3.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Raptors are 25-9 and the Timberwolves are 14-19.
Minnesota averages 39.0 three pointers per game, which ranks third in the NBA. Toronto ranks 27th in three pointers allowed per game (38.1).
The Raptors rank third in fast break points per game (17.9) while the Timberwolves rank 26th (10.3).
Minnesota ranks third in blocks per game (6.1) while Toronto ranks 23rd in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
The Raptors rank second in points off turnovers per game (19.8) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd (16.0).
Minnesota averages 14.0 second chance points per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Toronto ranks 25th in second chance points allowed per game (14.0).
The Raptors rank 11th in rebounds per game (46.0) while the Timberwolves rank 29th in rebounds allowed per game (48.3).
Toronto ranks second in points allowed in the paint per game (42.3) while Minnesota ranks 19th (48.8).
The Raptors rank fourth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while the Timberwolves rank 11th (7.3).
In its last five games, Toronto is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Raptors’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.4, up from 5.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 108.4 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 115.6 points per game (1.0 above their season average).
