The Minnesota Timberwolves (4-4), 11-point underdogs, will try to slow down the Golden State Warriors (8-1) at ORACLE Arena. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 238.5 points and it can be seen on ESPN at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 2, 2018.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last game. The Warriors (8.5-point favorites) defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 131-121, while the Timberwolves (7-point underdog) beat the Utah Jazz 128-125. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Golden State game went 11 points over the projected point total of 241, while the Minnesota game finished 31 points over the projected point total of 222.
Minnesota’s 0.651 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Utah, who had a mark of 0.557. The Timberwolves’ mark was above their season average of 0.489. The Warriors, on the other hand, had an absurd effective field goal percentage of 0.618 (above their season average of 0.596) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.6 (above their season average of 23.3). Stephen Curry had a solid performance for Golden State, recording 37 points and nine assists. Minnesota, meanwhile, received a boost from Derrick Rose, who put up 50 points and six assists.
The Warriors edged out the Timberwolves in this series last year, winning two out of three games. In the last matchup, Minnesota won 109-103. The Timberwolves’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Warriors. Minnesota had a rate of 7.9, while Golden State posted a mark of 11.5.
Of the Timberwolves’ eight games, five have finished over the projected point total. Minnesota heads into the game with records of 4-4 straight up (SU) and 4-4 against the spread (ATS).
Warriors games also tend to finish over the total (66.7 percent). Further, Golden State is 8-1 SU and 5-4 ATS.
The productive offense of Golden State will go head-to-head against the bottom-tier defense of Minnesota. Since last season, the Warriors rank first in offensive efficiency, while the Timberwolves are 27th in defensive efficiency. The Warriors figure to have the edge on that end of the court. Ball security should be an advantage for the Timberwolves. They rank 1st at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.1 percent). Conversely, the Warriors have forced the sixth-fewest turnovers in the NBA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 13.2 percent).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Golden State Warriors Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Warriors, ATS Winner – Warriors, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Timberwolves rank ninth in points off turnovers per game (16.9) while the Warriors rank 24th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.6).
- Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while Golden State ranks 27th (8.5).
- The Warriors rank first in fast break points per game (19.1) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd (10.4).
- Golden State ranks first in assists per game (28.8) while Minnesota ranks 20th in assists allowed per game (23.9).
- Golden State ranks 15th in three pointers attempted per game (29.6) while Minnesota ranks last (23.0).
- The Warriors rank first in blocks per game (7.0) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd (4.4).
- The Timberwolves average 49.0 points in the paint per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Warriors rank 22nd in points allowed in the paint per game (46.9).
- Minnesota ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (42.4) while Golden State ranks sixth (42.5).
- Minnesota ranks eighth in second chance points per game (13.4) while Golden State ranks 29th (10.7).
- Minnesota is 20-4 when they allow below 100 points, while Golden State is 23-7.
- The Warriors are 78-17 when they score above 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 49-28.
