The Minnesota Timberwolves (17-14) travel to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder (26-5) on Tuesday, December 31st. This game will be played at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City and televised on NBA. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.

Timberwolves vs Thunder

The Timberwolves Are Coming Off A Win

The Timberwolves moved to 17-14 on the season with a 112-110 win over the Spurs on Sunday. Minnesota was favored by six points going into the game but didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game were 222, just over the pre-game line of 216.5.

After a slow start, where the Spurs went on a 10-0 run, the Timberwolves responded in the 2nd quarter, outscoring San Antonio 32-12. The game was tied at 82 heading into the 4th quarter, and Minnesota edged out the Spurs 30-28 in the final period to secure the win.

The Thunder Are Coming Off A Win

The Thunder improved to 26-5 this season with a 130-106 win over the Grizzlies on Sunday. Oklahoma City, favored by 8 points, covered the spread, and the game’s total of 236 points went over the 233.5-point line.

A 12-0 run early on helped the Thunder take control, and they dominated the 2nd quarter, outscoring Memphis 42-19. Heading into the 4th with a 102-74 lead, the Thunder coasted to victory despite being outscored 32-28 in the final period.

Timberwolves Offense Breakdown

In their win over the Spurs, the Timberwolves shot just 43% from the field and 25% from three-point range, hitting 11 threes. Donte DiVincenzo led the way with 26 points, connecting on 5 threes at a 50% rate, and added 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

DiVincenzo scored 11 points in the 2nd quarter and 9 more in the 4th. Rudy Gobert contributed 17 points and 15 rebounds, with 5 points in the final period. Julius Randle added 16 points, including 6 in both the 1st and 4th quarters.

Thunder Offense Breakdown

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a win over the Grizzlies, scoring 35 points on 73.7% shooting, with 11 points in the 1st quarter and 12 in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Ajay Mitchell added 17 points, hitting 3 threes at 60%, while Aaron Wiggins contributed 16 points, 9 of which came in the 4th quarter.

Oklahoma City shot 50.5% from the field, making 14 threes at a 31.8% clip. Kenrich Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein each scored 12 points, with Williams adding 6 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters.

Timberwolves Team Defense

Despite giving up 33 points in the 1st quarter, the Timberwolves locked down defensively in the 2nd, allowing just 12 points. They struggled again in the 3rd, giving up 37 points, but managed to hold the Spurs to 28 points in the 4th, securing the win.

Minnesota held San Antonio to 43% shooting from the field and just 28% from three-point range, with the Spurs making 11 threes. The Timberwolves also recorded 38 defensive rebounds, gave up 8 offensive boards, and added 5 blocks.

Thunder Team Defense

Despite giving up 33 points in the 1st and 37 in the 3rd, the Timberwolves put together a strong defensive effort in the 2nd quarter, allowing just 12 points, which helped them secure a 112-110 win over the Spurs. Minnesota held San Antonio to 43% shooting from the field.

The Timberwolves did a great job defending the three-point line, limiting the Spurs to 11 threes on 28% shooting. They also collected 38 defensive rebounds, allowing 8 offensive boards, and contributed 5 blocked shots.

Timberwolves vs Thunder Trends

• In their last five road games, Minnesota has averaged 106 points per game while allowing 106 . The team’s record in this stretch was 3-2 while going 3-2 vs. the spread.
• In their last ten games at home, the Thunder have a straight up record of 9-1 while going 6-4 vs the spread. The team’s offense averaged 113 points per game in these contests.
• As the betting underdog, the Timberwolves have an ATS record of 2-1 in their last three games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 2-1.
• Through their last three games as the favorite, the Thunder have an ATS record of 2-1 and a straight up mark of 3-0.

Timberwolves vs Thunder Prediction

As the underdogs with a spread of +7.5, we recommend going with the Timberwolves 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.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 216, and our model projects the Timberwolves and Thunder to reach a combined total of 237 points. Our bet is on taking 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.