The Portland Trail Blazers (48-28), 3.5-point favorites, will be at the Target Center to challenge the Minnesota Timberwolves (34-42) in a Northwest Division matchup. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 223 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – North at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, April 1, 2019.
Portland Trail Blazers at Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Odds
Both teams did not cover as underdogs in their last matchup. The Trail Blazers (4.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Detroit Pistons, 99-90, while the Timberwolves (4.5-point underdogs) fell to the Philadelphia 76ers, 118-109. The Portland game finished 24.5 points under the projected point total of 213.5, while the Minnesota game finished 3 points under the projected point total of 230.
Portland had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.1 (above their season average of 26.0) while Minnesota did an excellent job of getting and making free throws (20-25; 80.0 percent). Andrew Wiggins was a key piece for Minnesota with 24 points, six rebounds and five assists. Enes Kanter, meanwhile had a good outing for Portland, putting up 20 points and 15 rebounds.
In three matchups against each other this season, the Trail Blazers have won two. In their most recent game, the two teams combined for 218 points, just under the projected point total of 220.5. Portland won 113-105, covering as a 4-point favorite. The Trail Blazers’ 31.8 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Timberwolves, who had a mark of 20.4. Jusuf Nurkic put up a double-double in the victory with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Just over half of the Trail Blazers’ games have finished over the total. Portland comes into the game with records of 48-28 straight up (SU) and 42-34 against the spread (ATS).
A little over half of Timberwolves games have also finished over the O/U total. Additionally, Minnesota owns records of 34-42 SU and 36-40 ATS.
Minnesota should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Minnesota ranks third in the NBA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.2 percent), while Portland forces the first-fewest turnovers (11.7 percent). Additionally, the Trail Blazers’ fifth-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 111.5) will clash against the Timberwolves’ 22nd-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 110.4).
Trail Blazers at Timberwolves Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Trail Blazers, ATS Winner – Trail Blazers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Timberwolves rank 10th in points in the paint per game (49.9) while the Trail Blazers rank 12th in points allowed in the paint per game (47.8).
- Portland averages 14.8 second chance points per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 29th in second chance points allowed per game (14.7).
- The Timberwolves rank 10th in points off turnovers per game (17.5) while the Trail Blazers rank 27th (14.8).
- Minnesota ranks ninth in steals per game (8.3) while Portland ranks 25th (6.7).
- Portland ranks 15th in blocks per game (5.0) while Minnesota ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
- The Trail Blazers rank third in assists allowed per game (23.1) while the Timberwolves rank 26th (26.2).
- The Trail Blazers average 47.9 rebounds per game, which ranks second in the league. The Timberwolves rank 18th in rebounds allowed per game (45.4).
- Portland ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (29.6) while Minnesota ranks 21st (33.5).
- Portland is 13-2 when they allow under 100 points, while Minnesota is 12-0.
- The Timberwolves are 33-36 when they score more than 100 points, while the Trail Blazers are 46-22.
- Minnesota is 20-17 ATS at home, while Portland is 20-18 ATS on the road.
- In 38 road games, the Trail Blazers have 20 unders, 17 overs and 1 push.
- Of the Timberwolves’ 37 home games, they have 21 overs and 16 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Portland and Minnesota are both 2-3 ATS.
- The Trail Blazers have 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push over their last five games, while the Timberwolves have 3 unders and 2 overs
- During their last five games, the Trail Blazers have scored an average of 118.2 points per game (3.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 110.2 points per game (0.2 below their season average).
- The Timberwolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.6, up from 1.1 for the season.
