Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Prediction 01/20/19

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The Minnesota Timberwolves (21-24) will be 10.5-point favorites at home in the Target Center when they meet the Phoenix Suns (11-36). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 227.5 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – North at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 20, 2019.

Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Odds

Both teams lost in their last matchup. The Suns (9.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Charlotte Hornets, 135-115, while the Timberwolves (1.5-point favorites) fell to the San Antonio Spurs, 116-113. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Phoenix game finished 26.5 points over the projected point total of 223.5, while the Minnesota game went 3 points over the projected point total of 226.

Phoenix had a turnover percentage of 6.5 (better than their season average of 13.9) while Minnesota forced San Antonio into a turnover percentage of 14.4 (above their season average of 11.1). Minnesota received a boost from Taj Gibson, who recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Devin Booker was a key piece for Phoenix with 32 points and 11 assists.

In their first matchup this season, Booker led the Suns to a 107-99 victory. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 28 points. Phoenix covered as a 7.5-point underdog and the two teams combined to put up 206 points, which was under the projected point total of 219. The Suns’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over the Timberwolves. Phoenix had a rate of 26.8, while Minnesota posted a mark of 21.6.

Suns games have typically gone under the total (56.5 percent). Phoenix heads into the game with records of 11-36 straight up (SU) and 21-25 against the spread (ATS).

Unlike Phoenix, just over half of Timberwolves games have finished over the total. Further, Minnesota owns records of 21-24 SU and 23-22 ATS.

The Suns’ Kelly Oubre Jr. has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 20 points,6.2 rebounds,1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins has averaged 23 points,6.4 rebounds during that same time frame for the Timberwolves.

Minnesota figures to have an advantage on the offensive glass in this contest. The Timberwolves rank ninth in offensive rebounding percentage (24.7 percent), while Phoenix ranks 29th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.0 percent).

Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Pick

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

Betting Notes:

  • The Timberwolves rank 20th in rebounds per game (44.4) while the Suns rank 28th (40.3).
  • Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.4) while Phoenix ranks 28th (9.1).
  • The Suns rank fifth in three pointers allowed per game (29.0) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd (32.8).
  • Minnesota ranks 11th in points in the paint per game (48.9) while Phoenix ranks 27th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.3).
  • Minnesota ranks 15th in assists per game (24.4) while Phoenix ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (25.8).
  • The Timberwolves rank sixth in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.1) while the Suns rank 29th (19.8).
  • The Timberwolves rank 14th in fast break points per game (13.5) while the Suns rank 27th in fast break points allowed per game (16.2).
  • Phoenix ranks 17th in blocks per game (5.1) while Minnesota ranks 23rd in blocks allowed per game (5.4).
  • Minnesota averages 14.8 second chance points per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Phoenix ranks 27th in second chance points allowed per game (14.5).
  • When holding opponents below 100 points, Minnesota is 8-0 and Phoenix is 4-1.
  • The Suns are 10-22 when they score above 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 21-18.
  • Phoenix is 10-12 ATS on the road, while Minnesota is 14-9 ATS at home.
  • The Suns have 12 unders and 10 overs in 22 road games.
  • Of the Timberwolves’ 23 home games, they have 13 overs and 10 unders.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Suns are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 2-3.
  • In their last five games, Phoenix has 4 unders and 1 over, while Minnesota has 4 overs and 1 under.
  • The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 11.4, up from 8.8 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 112.8 points per game (1.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 121.4 points per game (9.4 above their season average).