Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Indiana Pacers ATS Prediction 02/28/19

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The NBA’s top scoring defense will be a 3.5-point favorite at home in Bankers Life Fieldhouse, when the Indiana Pacers (40-22) challenge the Minnesota Timberwolves (29-32). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 221.5 points and it will air on Fox Sports – North at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 28, 2019.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Indiana Pacers Betting Odds

Both teams failed to cover as underdogs in their last contest. The Pacers (2.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks, 110-101, while the Timberwolves (3.5-point underdogs) fell to the Atlanta Hawks, 131-123. The Indiana game hit the projected point total of 211, while the Minnesota game went 18.5 points over the projected point total of 235.5.

Minnesota had a turnover percentage of 4.9 (better than their season average of 11.1) while Indiana did an excellent job of making free throws (17-21; 81.0 percent). Indiana was lifted by Bojan Bogdanovic, who finished with 22 points. Karl-Anthony Towns played a pivotal role for Minnesota with 37 points and 18 rebounds.

In their first matchup this year, Towns led the Timberwolves to a 101-91 victory. He registered a double-double with 17 points and 15 rebounds. The two teams combined to put up 192 points, which was well under the projected point total of 229, and Minnesota covered as a 2-point favorite. Making free throws was one of Minnesota’s largest advantages. They were 22-24 (91.7 percent), while the Pacers were just 11-16 (68.8 percent).

Of the Timberwolves’ 60 games that accepted bets, 32 have finished over the total. Minnesota heads into the game with records of 29-32 straight up (SU) and 32-28 against the spread (ATS).

Of the Pacers’ 61 games that accepted bets, 35 have finished under the total. Further, Indiana is 40-22 SU and 31-29-1 ATS.

Indiana should have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Pacers currently rank sixth in effective field goal percentage (0.534), while Minnesota ranks 20th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.529). Additionally, the Timberwolves commit the third-fewest errors in the league (turnover percentage of 12.3 percent), while the pesky defense of the Pacers causes the second-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.4 percent).

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Indiana Pacers Free Pick

Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Pacers, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Pacers rank third in points off turnovers per game (19.8) while the Timberwolves rank eighth (17.9).
  • Indiana ranks sixth in second chance points allowed per game (12.3) while Minnesota ranks 27th (14.5).
  • The Pacers rank 14th in blocks allowed per game (5.0) while the Timberwolves rank 26th (5.5).
  • Indiana ranks fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (43.9) while Minnesota ranks 15th (48.3).
  • Indiana ranks 12th in fast break points per game (14.8) while Minnesota ranks 18th in fast break points allowed per game (13.9).
  • The Pacers rank third in rebounds allowed per game (42.9) while the Timberwolves rank 19th (45.3).
  • The Timberwolves rank first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while the Pacers rank 11th (7.5).
  • Minnesota ranks 24th in three pointers attempted per game (28.6) while Indiana ranks 28th (25.5).
  • Indiana averages 26.0 assists per game, which ranks eighth in the league. Minnesota ranks 24th in assists allowed per game (25.4).
  • When holding opponents under 100 points, Minnesota is 10-0 and Indiana is 21-3.
  • The Timberwolves are 28-26 when they score over 100 points, while the Pacers are 35-12.
  • Minnesota is 15-15 ATS on the road, while Indiana is 18-13 ATS at home.
  • The Timberwolves have 15 overs and 15 unders in 30 road games.
  • The Pacers have 22 unders and 9 overs in 31 home games.

Bettings Trends:

  • In their last five games, Minnesota and Indiana have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
  • The Timberwolves are 5-0 ATS over their last five games, while the Pacers are 3-2.
  • The Timberwolves’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.6, up from 0.1 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Pacers have scored an average of 110.4 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.4 points per game (6.9 above their season average).