The Minnesota Timberwolves (32-28) travel to face off against the Utah Jazz (14-44) on Friday, February 28th. This game will be played at Delta Center in Salt Lake City and televised on KJZZ. Both the Timberwolves and Jazz will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Tip off is scheduled for 9:30 ET.

Timberwolves vs Jazz

The Timberwolves Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Minnesota fell to 32-28 on the season after a 111-102 road loss to the Lakers on Thursday. The Timberwolves entered the game as +6 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 213, falling short of the 228.5 O/U line.

The Lakers jumped out to a 33-17 lead in the 1st quarter, but Minnesota responded by winning the 2nd quarter 30-25. An 11-0 run by the Lakers extended their lead from 92-80 to 103-80, and although the Timberwolves outscored the Lakers 29-27 in the 4th quarter, it wasn’t enough to close the gap.

The Jazz Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Jazz fell to 14-44 on the season after a 118-101 home loss to the Kings on Wednesday. Utah, who entered the game as +9.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 219 points fell short of the 236.5-point over/under line.

After a 22-22 tie in the 1st quarter, the Kings pulled ahead by outscoring the Jazz 33-24 in the 2nd quarter. Utah trailed 83-69 going into the 4th, and while they scored 32 points in the final period, they couldn’t close the gap, as the Kings added 35 points to seal the win.

Timberwolves Offense Breakdown

In their 111-102 loss to the Lakers, the Timberwolves shot just 41.7% from the field and 29.3% from three-point range, hitting 12 threes overall. Terrence Shannon Jr. led the way with 25 points, including 12 in the 4th quarter, shooting 60% from the field.

Anthony Edwards contributed 18 points, with 9 coming in the 2nd quarter, while Jaden McDaniels added 15 points, 8 of which came in the final period. Nickeil Alexander-Walker also chipped in 8 of his 14 points in the 3rd quarter.

Jazz Offense Breakdown

In the Jazz’s 118-101 loss to the Kings, Walker Kessler was perfect from the field, leading the way with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists. Kessler scored 9 of his points in the 4th quarter. Kenyon Martin Jr. added 16 points, with 7 coming in the final period.

Utah hit 16 threes, shooting 36.4% from deep and 45.2% overall. Brice Sensabaugh contributed 12 points, scoring 7 in the 3rd quarter, while Keyonte George finished with 11 points.

Timberwolves Team Defense

Despite a strong defensive effort, the Timberwolves couldn’t hold off the Lakers, giving up 111 points in a 102-111 loss. Minnesota’s defense allowed 33 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up, allowing 25 in the 2nd, 26 in the 3rd, and 27 in the 4th. They held the Lakers to 41% shooting from the field.

The Timberwolves were particularly effective at defending the three, with the Lakers making just 11 threes on 26% shooting. However, Minnesota sent the Lakers to the line 46 times, where they made 32 free throws. The Timberwolves finished with 31 defensive rebounds, 9 steals, and 3 blocks.

Jazz Team Defense

Despite a strong defensive effort, the Timberwolves couldn’t hold off the Lakers, allowing 111 points in the loss. Minnesota gave up 33 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up in the 2nd, allowing just 25. They continued their solid defense in the 3rd and 4th quarters, giving up 26 and 27 points, respectively.

The Timberwolves held the Lakers to 41% shooting, including just 26% from three, where Los Angeles made 11 threes. Minnesota also recorded 9 steals and 3 blocks. However, they sent the Lakers to the free-throw line 46 times, where Los Angeles converted 32. The Timberwolves finished with 31 defensive rebounds but allowed 16 offensive boards.

Timberwolves vs Jazz Trends

• In their last three games away from home, the Timberwolves have a straight up record of 1-2 while going 1-2 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 116 points per game in these contests.
• Through their last three home games, Utah has an ATS record of just 0-3. However, their overall record was 0-3 while averaging 116 points per game.
• Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the Jazz have a strong record vs the spread going 2-1. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-2.
• Through their last three games as the favorite, the Timberwolves have an ATS record of 2-1 and a straight up mark of 2-1.

Timberwolves vs Jazz Prediction

As the underdogs with a spread of +3, we recommend going with the Jazz on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 225.5 and given that our model is projecting 244 points between the teams, we like the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.