The Minnesota Timberwolves (32-36) and the Utah Jazz (38-29) go head-to-head at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Timberwolves will try to put an end to a six-game road losing streak. The game gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Utah Jazz ATS Odds
The last time the Jazz took the court, they beat the Phoenix Suns, 114-97, despite being 4-point underdogs. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, were dismantled by the Denver Nuggets, 133-107, and were unable to cover as 9.5-point underdogs. The Utah game went 15 points under the projected point total of 226, while the Minnesota game went 13 points over the projected point total of 227.
Utah played a nearly flawless game. They had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 28.6 (above their season average of 22.6) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.533 (above their season average of 0.529). Phoenix was 11.1 and 0.482, respectively, for those same stats. Minnesota, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.3 vs. 23.3). Rudy Gobert had a good outing for Utah with 18 points and 20 rebounds. Minnesota, meanwhile, rallied around Karl-Anthony Towns, who finished with 34 points and 10 rebounds.
The Jazz lead the season series two games to one. In their most recent game, the two teams combined to score 236 points, well over the projected point total of 216.5. Utah won 125-111, covering as a 5-point favorite. The Jazz’s 8.5 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Timberwolves, who had a rate of 15.5. Andrew Wiggins scored a game-high 35 points.
Timberwolves games have typically gone over the O/U total (57.4 percent). Minnesota holds records of 32-36 straight up (SU) and 34-34 against the spread (ATS).
There does not appear to be a trend for games involving the Jazz in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Moreover, Utah owns records of 38-29 SU and 33-31-2 ATS.
Utah could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they battle against one of the worst offenses in the league. The Jazz currently rank fourth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.511), while Minnesota is 25th in effective field goal percentage (0.511). Furthermore, the Timberwolves are among the league’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking fifth in offensive rebounding percentage (25.7 percent). The Jazz, however, rank second at grabbing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 80.2 percent.
Timberwolves vs. Jazz Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Jazz, ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Jazz rank third in fast break points allowed per game (11.4) while the Timberwolves rank 15th (13.7).
- Utah ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (11.1) while Minnesota ranks 28th (14.8).
- The Jazz average 5.9 blocks per game, which ranks third in the league. The Timberwolves rank 26th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
- Utah ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (27.8) while Minnesota ranks 21st (33.1).
- Minnesota averages 17.6 points off turnovers per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Utah ranks 21st in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.3).
- The Jazz rank first in assists allowed per game (21.4) while the Timberwolves rank 26th (25.8).
- The Jazz rank second in rebounds allowed per game (43.0) while the Timberwolves rank 17th (45.0).
- Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while Utah ranks 25th (8.6).
- Utah is 16-4 when they allow under 100 points, while Minnesota is 11-0.
- The Jazz are 36-17 when they score above 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 31-30.
- Utah is 16-16-1 ATS at home, while Minnesota is 15-20 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone under in 17 of the Jazz’s 33 home games, while 20 of the Timberwolves’ 35 road games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Timberwolves are 2-3 ATS over their last five games, while the Jazz are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Minnesota has 4 overs and 1 under, while Utah has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Timberwolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.2, up from 0.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 106.6 points per game (3.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 105.6 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
