Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic ATS Prediction 02/28/20

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The league’s top scoring defense will be a 7.5-point favorite at home in Amway Center, when the Orlando Magic (26-32) go head-to-head with the Minnesota Timberwolves (17-40). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 236 points and it will air on Fox Sports – North at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 28, 2020.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic Betting Odds

Both teams covered in their last contest. The Magic (3-point favorites) defeated the Atlanta Hawks 130-120, while the Timberwolves (12-point underdog) beat the Miami Heat 129-126. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Orlando game went 19.5 points over the projected point total of 230.5, while the Minnesota game went 20 points over the projected point total of 235.

The Timberwolves forced 21 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.610 (above their season average of 0.509). Meanwhile, Orlando played a nearly perfect game. They had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 28.3 (above their season average of 22.1) and a turnover percentage of 6.7 (better than their season average of 10.8). For those same stats, Atlanta was 18.8 and 7.9, respectively. Orlando’s Aaron Gordon had a good game, recording 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Meanwhile, Minnesota was lifted by D’Angelo Russell, who contributed 27 points, six assists and five rebounds.

This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the most recent matchup, the Magic won 122-112. Orlando did an excellent job of making free throws (21-23; 91.3 percent). Minnesota, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.0 vs. 27.0). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.

Games including the Timberwolves have typically gone over the O/U total (57.9 percent). Minnesota heads into the game with records of 17-40 straight up (SU) and 20-35-2 against the spread (ATS).

Contrary to Minnesota, just over half of Magic games have finished under the O/U total. Additionally, Orlando owns records of 26-32 SU and 25-29-4 ATS.

The Timberwolves’ Malik Beasley has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 22 points,5.2 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Gordon has averaged 19 points,9.8 rebounds,5.8 assists during that same time frame for the Magic.

It will be a battle of contrasting tempos as the up-tempo Timberwolves will look to push the more methodical Magic. The Timberwolves currently rank first in possessions per game while the Magic are 29th.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic Pick

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

Betting Notes:

  • The Magic rank third in fast break points allowed per game (11.8) while the Timberwolves rank 12th (12.8).
  • Orlando ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.9) while Minnesota ranks 23rd (17.8).
  • The Timberwolves rank third in three pointers attempted per game (39.9) while the Magic rank 20th (31.8).
  • Orlando ranks fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (44.9) while Minnesota ranks 21st (50.4).
  • Orlando averages 44.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 18th in the league. Minnesota ranks 29th in rebounds allowed per game (47.4).
  • The Magic rank second in second chance points allowed per game (11.4) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd (13.5).
  • The Magic rank third in steals allowed per game (6.8) while the Timberwolves rank 14th (7.7).
  • Orlando averages 5.9 blocks per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
  • Orlando is 12-4 when they allow below 100 points, while Minnesota is 2-1.
  • When scoring above 100 points, the Magic are 22-13 and the Timberwolves are 16-33.
  • Minnesota is 14-14-1 ATS on the road, while Orlando is 10-17-2 ATS at home.
  • In 29 road games, the Timberwolves have 18 overs and 11 unders.
  • The Magic have 18 unders and 11 overs in 29 home games.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Magic are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 2-3.
  • In their last five games, Orlando has 5 overs, while Minnesota has 4 overs and 1 under.
  • During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 120.4 points per game (15.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 118.6 points per game (12.5 above their season average).
  • The Timberwolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 3.9 for the season.