The league’s top shooting defense will be at home in Fiserv Forum, when the Milwaukee Bucks (44-14) challenge the Minnesota Timberwolves (28-30). Action gets underway at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019, and can be seen on Fox Sports Net Wisconsin.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds
The last time the Timberwolves played, they covered the 4-point spread against the New York Knicks, 115-104. The Bucks, on the other hand, beat the Boston Celtics,98-97, but were not able to cover as 7-point favorites. The Minnesota game finished 12 points under the projected point total of 231, while the Milwaukee game went 32 points under the projected point total of 227.
Minnesota played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.3 (worse than their season average of 11.0) and a free throw rate of 0.250 (above their season average of 0.215). For those same stats, New York put up marks of 17.0 and 0.218, respectively. The Bucks, meanwhile, made 10 of their 14 free throws (71.4 percent) and held the Celtics to an effective field goal percentage of 0.451 (below their season average of 0.537). Giannis Antetokounmpo was a key piece for Milwaukee with 30 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. Minnesota, meanwhile, was lifted by Taj Gibson, who finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to a 125-95 win. He recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. The two teams combined for 220 points, which was under the projected point total of 233.5, and Milwaukee covered as a 2-point favorite. Milwaukee’s effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Minnesota. The Bucks had a rate of 0.636 while the Timberwolves posted a mark of 0.366.
Just over half of the Timberwolves’ games have finished over the projected point total. Minnesota heads into the contest with records of 28-30 straight up (SU) and 29-28 against the spread (ATS).
Games featuring the Bucks have typically finished under the projected point total (55.2 percent). Moreover, Milwaukee is 44-14 SU and 34-22-2 ATS.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Milwaukee figures to have a considerable edge. The sweet-shooting Bucks offense ranks second in the league in that metric at 0.551, while the bottom-tier Minnesota defense is ranked 21st in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.530). Also, the Timberwolves, who rank third in offensive rebounding percentage (25.7 percent), will face a tough challenge against the Bucks, who rank first in defensive rebounding percentage (80.6 percent).
Timberwolves at Bucks Free Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Timberwolves rank fifth in steals per game (8.7) while the Bucks rank 14th (7.8).
- Minnesota ranks first in second chance points per game (15.7) while Milwaukee ranks 26th (11.2).
- The Bucks rank first in rebounds per game (48.9) while the Timberwolves rank 18th (45.0).
- Milwaukee ranks first in fast break points allowed per game (9.9) while Minnesota ranks 16th (13.8).
- Milwaukee ranks first in points allowed in the paint per game (40.7) while Minnesota ranks 12th (47.9).
- The Bucks average 5.9 blocks per game, which ranks second in the NBA. The Timberwolves rank 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
- The Bucks rank eighth in assists per game (26.1) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd in assists allowed per game (25.3).
- Milwaukee ranks second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.5) while Minnesota ranks eighth (15.2).
- Milwaukee ranks second in three pointers attempted per game (37.5) while Minnesota ranks 24th (28.4).
- When holding opponents below 100 points, Milwaukee is 16-1 and Minnesota is 10-0.
- In games where they reach the century mark, the Bucks are 43-10 and the Timberwolves are 27-24.
- Milwaukee is 17-12 ATS at home, while Minnesota is 13-15 ATS on the road.
- The Timberwolves have 14 overs and 14 unders in 28 road games.
- The Bucks have 15 unders and 14 overs in 29 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Minnesota and Milwaukee are both 3-2 ATS.
- The Timberwolves have 5 overs over their last five games, while the Bucks have 4 unders and 1 over
- The Timberwolves’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.2, up from 0.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bucks have scored an average of 104.2 points per game (12.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 100.6 points per game (6.4 below their season average).
