The Utah Jazz (8-4), the league’s top scoring defense, will square off with the Minnesota Timberwolves (7-6) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, November 18, 2019.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Utah Jazz ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Timberwolves (2-point favorites) were defeated by the Houston Rockets, 125-105, while the Jazz (8-point favorites) fell to the Memphis Grizzlies, 107-106. The Minnesota game went 0.5 points under the projected point total of 230.5, while the Utah game went 2 points under the projected point total of 215.
Minnesota had an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.7 (above their season average of 24.0) while Utah did an excellent job of getting and making free throws (27-32; 84.4 percent). Rudy Gobert led the way for Utah, putting up 23 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns fueled Minnesota with 27 points and 15 rebounds.
The Jazz took this series last year, securing victories in three out of four games. In the most recent game, Utah won 120-100. Getting to the free throw line was one of Utah’s biggest strengths. They made 27 trips to the line, while Minnesota went 15 times. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Of the Timberwolves’ 13 games, nine have finished over the projected point total. Minnesota heads into the game with records of 7-6 straight up (SU) and 6-6-1 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Minnesota, Jazz games have typically gone under the projected point total (75.0 percent). Utah is 8-4 SU, but they are just 4-8 ATS.
The Timberwolves’ Towns has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 27 points,11.8 rebounds,4.6 assists,1.2 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Gobert has averaged 15 points,15.2 rebounds,1.2 steals,1.2 blocks during that same time frame for the Jazz.
Utah could dominate on defense as they clash against one of the worst offenses in the NBA. The Jazz rank second in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.476), while Minnesota is 22nd in effective field goal percentage (0.508). This game should be a battle of conflicting styles. The fast-paced Timberwolves rank first in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Jazz rank 26th.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Utah Jazz Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Jazz, ATS Winner – Jazz, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Timberwolves rank 16th in points off turnovers per game (17.4) while the Jazz rank 26th (14.8).
- Minnesota ranks fifth in three pointers attempted per game (39.4) while Utah ranks 26th (29.4).
- The Jazz rank eighth in points allowed in the paint per game (44.2) while the Timberwolves rank 25th (51.5).
- Minnesota ranks third in steals per game (9.5) while Utah ranks 19th (6.8).
- Minnesota ranks fifth in rebounds per game (47.0) while Utah ranks 19th (44.2).
- The Timberwolves rank eighth in second chance points per game (14.3) while the Jazz rank 28th (9.8).
- The Timberwolves rank fourth in blocks per game (6.0) while the Jazz rank 20th (3.9).
- Utah ranks fifth in fast break points allowed per game (11.5) while Minnesota ranks 14th (13.2).
- Utah ranks first in assists allowed per game (18.6) while Minnesota ranks 20th (24.5).
- In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Minnesota is 1-0 and Utah is 4-1.
- In games where they score more than 100 points, the Jazz are 7-2 and the Timberwolves are 7-4.
- Minnesota is 4-2 ATS on the road, while Utah is 3-3 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 4 of the Timberwolves’ 6 road games, while 4 of the Jazz’s 6 home games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Minnesota and Utah have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Timberwolves are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Jazz are 2-3.
- The Timberwolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.4, up from 2.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Jazz have scored an average of 111.2 points per game (6.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 106.6 points per game (6.4 above their season average).
