The Minnesota Timberwolves (37-16) travel to face off against the Portland Trail Blazers (15-37) on Tuesday, February 13th. This game will be played at Moda Center in Portland and televised on ROOT. The Timberwolves are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Trail Blazers are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Clippers. Tip-off is set for 10:00 ET.
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers
The Timberwolves Are Coming Off A Win
In their last game, the Timberwolves defeated the Clippers with a final score of 121-100. Heading into the game, the Timberwolves were the underdogs at +4.5 giving them both a straight-up and ATS win. As for the over/under, the combined score of 221 points didn’t reach the over/under line of 223.5.
In non-conference action, the Timberwolves are 12-8 and have gone 25-8 against Western Conference opponents. Overall, they are 37-16 and have gone 2-1 in their last three games.
The Timberwolves have successfully covered the spread in their last two games and hold an overall ATS record of 27-25. As the favorite this season, Minnesota is 20-21 vs. the spread while going 7-4 as the underdog.
The Trail Blazers Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Jerami Grant scored 24 for Portland against the Pelicans which was the most on the team. His field goal percentage for the game was 43.4%. Deandre Ayton contributed 18 points, but Portland lost the game 93-84.
Heading into their matchup with the Timberwolves, the Trail Blazers are 15-37 overall and are looking to snap a four-game losing skid. In the Western Conference, the team is ranked 14th and is currently 5th in the Northwest division.
Portland arrives with an ATS record of 25-27 for the season up to this point. On the road, the Trail Blazers have an ATS record of 14-14, as opposed to a 11-13 record against the spread when playing at home.
Timberwolves Offense Breakdown
This season, the Minnesota offense is ranked 21st in the NBA in scoring at 113.6 points per game.
On the season, the Timberwolves are 21st in scoring at 113.6 points per game. However, they have been better on the road, averaging 114.3 points per game compared to 112.7 at home. So far, they have outscored the NBA scoring average in 45.3% of their games.
Minnesota’s offense has been efficient, ranking 8th in field goal percentage at 49%. They are also 7th in true shooting percentage. In terms of three-point shooting, the Timberwolves are 2nd in three-point percentage but just 24th in three-point attempts.
So far, the Timberwolves have made an average of 18.3 free throws per game, which is 11th in the NBA. In terms of pace, they are 26th in the league at 97.3 possessions per game. When it comes to assists, Minnesota is 16th in the NBA.
Trail Blazers Offense Breakdown
Through 52 games the Trail Blazers are averaging 108.2 points per contest, placing them 29th in the NBA.
At home this season, the Blazers are averaging 110.8 points per game, which is 27th in the NBA. Overall, they are 29th in scoring at 108.2 points per game. In terms of pace, they are 20th in the league.
Portland is one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA, connecting on just 35% of their attempts. They are 25th in three-point shooting percentage. In terms of volume, they are 17th in three-point attempts.
When it comes to two-point shooting, the Blazers are 30th in the league at 49%. Overall, they are 29th in field goal percentage at 44%. In terms of free throws, they are 19th in attempts and 17th in makes.
Timberwolves Team Defense
So far, the Timberwolves’ defense is ranked 1st in the league at 107.0 points per contest. On two point field goal attempts, the Timberwolves’ defensive unit is allowing a field goal percentage of 50.5% and allowing 35.5% from beyond the arc.
Trail Blazers Team Defense
Portland’s defense is currently in line with the NBA average for points allowed, allowing an average of 116.4 points per game. When it comes to defending inside the arc, the Trail Blazers squad is permitting opposing teams to shoot at a clip of 58.7% inside the arc, and they’re also giving up 34.5% from downtown.
Key Players For The Timberwolves And Trail Blazers
The outlook for today’s matchup points to Anthony Edwards as the primary point contributor for the Timberwolves, finishing with 25 points while maintaining a 9/19 shooting accuracy. For the season, he has been averaging 25.8 points per game, in addition to 5.2 rebounds.
As for Portland, Anfernee Simons is projected to be the primary scorer for the Trail Blazers. Our forecast has him finishing the game with 22, and adding 3 rebounds. Throughout the season, he has maintained a 44.2% field goal shooting rate and is averaging 23.4 points per game.
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers Trends
- Across their last three road contests, Minnesota has been good against the spread posting a mark of 2-1. Their overall mark in these games was 2-1, while averaging 124 points per game.
- When looking at their past three home matchups, Portland has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 103 per game. The team went 0-3 overall in these games.
- Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Trail Blazers have a straight up record of 3-7. But, their mark vs the spread was just 6-4.
- In their last five games as the betting favorite, the Timberwolves have a strong straight up record of 3-2. In addition, their ATS record was 3-2 in these scenarios.
Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers Prediction
We’re putting our money on the Timberwolves to win, and have the projected score sitting at 114-104. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Timberwolves at -8.5.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 215 and our model has the Timberwolves and Trail Blazers finishing with a combined 218 points. Our pick is to take the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* 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.
Last updated:February 13, 2024 Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers