It figures to be a high-scoring affair as the Minnesota Timberwolves (2-2) visit Toronto to play the Raptors (4-0). The game can be seen on Fox Sports – North at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 24, 2018.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Toronto Raptors ATS Odds
Both teams comfortably covered as favorites in their last matchup. The Raptors (8.5-point favorites) defeated the Charlotte Hornets 127-106, while the Timberwolves (2-point favorites) beat the Indiana Pacers 101-91. The Toronto game finished 8 points over the projected point total of 225, while the Minnesota game went 37 points under the projected point total of 229.
Minnesota played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.259 (below their season average of 0.347) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.465 (below their season average of 0.542). For those same stats, Indiana put up marks of 0.121 and 0.440, respectively. Meanwhile, Toronto’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Charlotte. The Raptors had a rate of 0.661 (above their season average of 0.535), while the Hornets posted a mark of 0.469 (below their season average of 0.540). Kyle Lowry played well for Toronto with 16 points and 14 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns, meanwhile played well for Minnesota, contributing 17 points and 15 rebounds.
The prolific offense of Toronto will square off against the porous defense of Minnesota. Since last season, the Raptors rank third in offensive efficiency, while the Timberwolves are 26th in defensive efficiency. The Raptors should have the advantage on that end of the court. Additionally, the Timberwolves have been among the league’s best at getting to the line, ranking second in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.229). The Raptors, meanhwile, rank 25th at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.213.
The Timberwolves have had a decent 49-37 straight up (SU) record since last season, but have had trouble covering the spread (38-48 against the spread (ATS)). Since last season, Minnesota games have finished over the O/U total 53.5 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, the Raptors, have records of 63-23 SU and 51-43-2 ATS since last season. Over that same time frame, games involving Toronto have had a tendency to finish over the O/U total (54.2 percent).
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the most recent matchup, the Raptors won 109-104. Toronto was successful at getting and making free throws. The Raptors made 22 of their 26 free throws (84.6 percent), while the Timberwolves were just 15-24 (62.5 percent).
Minnesota Timberwolves at Toronto Raptors ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Timberwolves rank eighth in points off turnovers per game (17.0) while the Raptors rank ninth in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.2).
- Toronto ranks fourth in three pointers attempted per game (32.4) while Minnesota ranks last (22.6).
- The Raptors average 48.9 points in the paint per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Timberwolves rank 19th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.7).
- Toronto averages 24.1 assists per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Minnesota ranks 19th in assists allowed per game (23.7).
- Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.4) while Toronto ranks sixth (7.1).
- The Raptors rank second in blocks per game (6.1) while the Timberwolves rank 24th (4.2).
- The Raptors average 13.4 fast break points per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. The Timberwolves rank 19th in fast break points allowed per game (12.7).
- Minnesota allows the third-fewest rebounds per game (42.1) while Toronto ranks fourth (42.1).
- Toronto averages 12.8 second chance points per game, which ranks 12th in the league. Minnesota ranks 26th in second chance points allowed per game (13.4).
- Toronto is 30-5 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Minnesota is 20-4.
- The Timberwolves are 47-27 when they score above 100 points, while the Raptors are 61-19.
