Minnesota Timberwolves at Portland Trail Blazers Betting Prediction 12/21/19

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The Minnesota Timberwolves (10-17) and the Portland Trail Blazers (13-16) clash at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Timberwolves look to put an end to their nine-game losing streak. The game will air on Fox Sports – North at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21, 2019.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Portland Trail Blazers Betting Odds

The Trail Blazers hope to maintain momentum after covering the 9-point spread against the Orlando Magic in their last game, 118-103. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were beat by the Denver Nuggets, 109-100, and were not able to cover as 3-point underdogs. The Portland game went 1 point under the projected point total of 222, while the Minnesota game finished 21 points under the projected point total of 230.

The Trail Blazers, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.518, had a fantastic mark of 0.601, while the Magic had a free throw rate of 0.170 (below the 0.231 mark opponents have averaged against Portland this season). Minnesota, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.207 vs. 0.124). Portland was led by CJ McCollum, who recorded 31 points and eight rebounds. Andrew Wiggins fueled Minnesota with 19 points and six assists.

The Trail Blazers edged out the Timberwolves in this series last year, taking three out of four games. In the most recent matchup, Portland won 132-122. Portland out-rebounded Minnesota. The Trail Blazers had 15 offensive rebounds and 50 total rebounds, while the Timberwolves had 10 and 37, respectively. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.

Oddsmakers have a tendency to set the total low when the Timberwolves are playing, as 61.5 percent of their games have finished over the total. Minnesota comes into the contest with records of 10-17 straight up (SU) and 9-16-1 against the spread (ATS).

Games including the Trail Blazers have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Additionally, Portland owns records of 13-16 SU and 12-15-1 ATS.

Looking at effective field goal percentage, Portland should have a considerable edge. The Trail Blazers defense ranks ninth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.502), while the Minnesota offense is ranked 24th in effective field goal percentage (0.510). Additionally, the Timberwolves, who rank fifth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.223), could earn plenty of trips to the line against the Trail Blazers, who rank 25th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.229).

Minnesota Timberwolves at Portland Trail Blazers Betting Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Timberwolves rank 22nd in assists per game (22.7) while the Trail Blazers rank last (20.0).
  • Minnesota ranks sixth in points in the paint per game (50.3) while Portland ranks 27th (43.4).
  • The Timberwolves rank 12th in steals per game (8.1) while the Trail Blazers rank 29th (6.0).
  • Portland ranks 12th in fast break points per game (13.8) while Minnesota ranks 29th (10.1).
  • Minnesota averages 38.7 three pointers per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. Portland ranks 18th in three pointers allowed per game (34.0).
  • The Timberwolves rank eighth in second chance points per game (14.0) while the Trail Blazers rank 28th (11.4).
  • The Timberwolves rank fourth in blocks per game (6.1) while the Trail Blazers rank 19th in blocks allowed per game (5.2).
  • Minnesota ranks 26th in points off turnovers per game (14.9) while Portland ranks 28th (13.9).
  • Minnesota averages 46.2 rebounds per game, which ranks eighth in the league. Portland ranks 28th in rebounds allowed per game (48.2).
  • In games where they allow below 100 points, Portland is 3-0 and Minnesota is 1-0.
  • The Trail Blazers are 13-12 when they reach 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 10-12.
  • Portland is 5-7 ATS at home, while Minnesota is 7-6 ATS on the road.
  • The total has gone over in 9 of the Timberwolves’ 13 road games, while 7 of the Trail Blazers’ 12 home games have gone over.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Trail Blazers are 2-3 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 0-5.
  • In their last five games, Portland has 4 unders and 1 over, while Minnesota has 4 overs and 1 under.
  • During their last five games, the Trail Blazers have scored an average of 113.0 points per game (0.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 105.2 points per game (8.5 below their season average).
  • The Timberwolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 10.2, up from 3.7 for the season.