The Washington Wizards (27-38), 7-point underdogs, will travel to the Target Center to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (30-35). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 243 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – North at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 9, 2019.
Washington Wizards at Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last contest. The Wizards (5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Charlotte Hornets, 112-111, while the Timberwolves (4.5-point underdogs) fell to the Detroit Pistons, 131-114. The Washington game finished 9.5 points under the projected point total of 232.5, while the Minnesota game finished 22 points over the projected point total of 223.
Washington did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (22-26; 84.6 percent) while Minnesota did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (20-21; 95.2 percent). Minnesota received a boost from Karl-Anthony Towns, who recorded 24 points. Meanwhile, Bobby Portis played a pivotal role for Washington with 23 points and nine rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Portis led the Wizards to a 135-121 win. He registered a double-double with 26 points and 12 rebounds. The two teams combined for 256 points, which was over the projected point total of 241.5, and Washington covered as a 1-point underdog. Washington was effective at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Wizards made 26 of their 32 free throws (81.3 percent), while the Timberwolves were just 13-19 (68.4 percent).
Wizards games tend to go over the projected point total (64.1 percent). Washington comes into the game with records of 27-38 straight up (SU) and 27-35-2 against the spread (ATS).
Timberwolves games also have a tendency to finish over the total (56.9 percent). Moreover, Minnesota is 30-35 SU and 33-32 ATS.
The Wizards’ Tomas Satoransky has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 12 points,7.0 assists,1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Towns has averaged 36 points,16.0 rebounds,4.0 assists during that same time frame for the Timberwolves.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball security could play an integral role in this meeting. Minnesota commits the third-fewest miscues in the NBA (turnover percentage of 12.2 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Washington forces the fifth-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 14.9 percent).
Washington Wizards at Minnesota Timberwolves Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Wizards, ATS Winner – Wizards, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Timberwolves average 17.4 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 10th in the league. The Wizards rank 20th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.2).
- Minnesota ranks first in second chance points per game (15.7). Washington ranks 26th in second chance points allowed per game (14.5).
- The Timberwolves rank first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while the Wizards rank 19th (7.8).
- Minnesota ranks ninth in points in the paint per game (50.0) while Washington ranks 27th in points allowed in the paint per game (51.4).
- Minnesota ranks 16th in rebounds per game (45.2) while Washington ranks 28th (41.5).
- The Wizards rank fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.5) while the Timberwolves rank 26th (5.6).
- The Wizards rank 10th in three pointers attempted per game (33.5) while the Timberwolves rank 25th (28.4).
- Washington ranks 13th in fast break points per game (14.5) while Minnesota ranks 17th in fast break points allowed per game (13.9).
- Washington ranks fifth in assists per game (26.7) while Minnesota ranks 25th in assists allowed per game (25.6).
- Minnesota is 10-0 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Washington is 8-0.
- In games where they score more than 100 points, the Timberwolves are 29-29 and the Wizards are 26-32.
- Minnesota is 18-13 ATS at home, while Washington is 9-24-1 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 20 of the Wizards’ 34 road games, while 18 of the Timberwolves’ 31 home games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Wizards are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Washington has 4 overs and 1 under, while Minnesota has 5 overs.
- During their last five games, the Wizards have scored an average of 119.8 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 115.8 points per game (1.1 below their season average).
- The Timberwolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.0, up from 0.3 for the season.
