Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder Free Prediction 12/23/18

Posts AdminArticles, Basketball, NBA

The Oklahoma City Thunder (21-10) welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves (14-18) to Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder will try to extend their five-game home winning streak, while the Timberwolves look to put an end to their five-game road losing streak. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – North at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 23, 2018.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder ATS Odds

Neither team was able to cover in their last game. The Thunder (4-point favorites) defeated the Utah Jazz, 107-106, while the Timberwolves (3.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the San Antonio Spurs, 124-98. The Oklahoma City game finished 19 points under the projected point total of 232, while the Minnesota game finished 2.5 points over the projected point total of 219.5.

Oklahoma City played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.157 (below their season average of 0.192) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.522 (above their season average of 0.510). For those same stats, Utah had marks of 0.118 and 0.511, respectively. Minnesota, on the other hand, did a great job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (26-31; 83.9 percent). Oklahoma City’s Paul George had a solid performance, finishing with 43 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Meanwhile, Robert Covington fueled Minnesota with 13 points, seven rebounds and six steals.

The Timberwolves edged out the Thunder in this series last year, taking three out of four games. In the last contest, Minnesota won 104-88. The Timberwolves’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Thunder. Minnesota had a rate of 13.2, while Oklahoma City posted a mark of 16.6. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

Of the Timberwolves’ 32 games, 19 have finished under the total. Minnesota heads into the contest with records of 14-18 straight up (SU) and 16-16 against the spread (ATS).

Much like Minnesota, Thunder games have a slight tendency to finish under the total (53.3 percent). Further, Oklahoma City is 21-10 SU and 17-13 ATS.

George has been superb as of late for Oklahoma City, averaging 31 points,8.6 rebounds,4.8 assists,1.4 steals over the last five games.

The offensive glass should be a huge advantage for Oklahoma City in this matchup. The Thunder rank first in offensive rebounding percentage (27.7 percent), while Minnesota ranks 29th in defensive rebounding percentage (73.8 percent). Additionally, the Timberwolves commit the third-fewest errors in the league (turnover percentage of 12.5 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of the Thunder causes the most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.6 percent).

Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder ATS Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Thunder rank 4 in points in the paint per game (52.774193548387096) while the Timberwolves rank 13 (48.375).
  • Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.4) while Oklahoma City ranks 25th (8.4).
  • The Thunder rank eighth in three pointers allowed per game (29.4) while the Timberwolves rank 29th (34.6).
  • Oklahoma City ranks sixth in fast-break points per game (16.4) while Minnesota ranks 20th in fast-break points allowed per game (14.1).
  • Oklahoma City ranks 2 in points off turnovers per game (21.096774193548388) while Minnesota ranks 13 (17.03125).
  • The Thunder rank third in second chance points per game (15.4) while the Timberwolves rank 25th in second chance points allowed per game (14.6).
  • The Thunder rank 15 in assists allowed per game (24.096774193548388) while the Timberwolves rank 27 (25.90625).
  • Oklahoma City averages 5.516129032258064 blocks per game, which ranks 9 in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 14 in blocks allowed per game (5).
  • Oklahoma City averages 48.7 rebounds per game, which ranks second in the league. Minnesota ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (46.2).
  • In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Oklahoma City and Minnesota are both 6-0.
  • The Timberwolves are 14-12 when they score more than 100 points, while the Thunder are 19-5.
  • Minnesota is 5-10 ATS on the road, while Oklahoma City is 9-6 ATS at home.
  • The Timberwolves have 11 unders and 4 overs in 15 road games.
  • Of the Thunder’s 15 home games, they have 9 overs and 6 unders.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Thunder are 2-3 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 1-4.
  • In their last five games, Oklahoma City has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Minnesota has 4 overs and 1 under.
  • The Thunder’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, up from 6.7 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 116.4 points per game (5.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 121.2 points per game (9.6 above their season average).