The Minnesota Timberwolves (13-12), 1.5-point underdogs, will be at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter to take on the Portland Trail Blazers (14-11) in a Northwest Division matchup. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 218 points and it will air on NBATV at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 8, 2018.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trail Blazers ATS Odds
Both teams comfortably covered as favorites in their last matchup. The Trail Blazers (12.5-point favorites) defeated the Phoenix Suns 108-86, while the Timberwolves (4.5-point favorites) beat the Charlotte Hornets 121-104. The Portland game finished 16.5 points under the projected point total of 210.5, while the Minnesota game finished 2.5 points over the projected point total of 222.5.
Minnesota played a nearly perfect game. They had an absurd effective field goal percentage of 0.607 (above their season average of 0.502) and a free throw rate of 0.146 (below their season average of 0.209). For those same stats, Charlotte put up marks of 0.469 and 0.122, respectively. Portland, meanwhile, dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.200 (below their season average of 0.211) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.2 (above their season average of 26.1). Phoenix was 0.121 and 20.4, respectively, for those same stats. Portland received a boost from Damian Lillard, who recorded 25 points, eight assists and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns played well for Minnesota, finishing with 35 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks.
The Timberwolves won the most recent matchup 112-96 to even the season series at one. Andrew Wiggins scored a game-high 23 points. Minnesota had a better turnover percentage (11.0 vs. 15.7). Portland, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (14-20; 70.0 percent). Minnesota covered as a 2-point favorite and the two teams combined for 208 points, which was well under the projected point total of 225.
Vegas tends to set the total high when the Timberwolves are involved, as 16 of their 25 games have finished under the projected point total. Minnesota comes into the game with records of 13-12 straight up (SU) and 14-11 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Minnesota, games featuring the Trail Blazers have typically finished over the total (56.0 percent). Further, Portland owns records of 14-11 SU and 12-13 ATS.
Robert Covington has taken his game to another level as of late for Minnesota, averaging 16 points,7.6 rebounds,2.4 steals,1.8 blocks over the last five games.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Portland. Portland ranks 18th in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.1 percent), while the pesky defense of Minnesota forces the eighth-most turnovers in the league (14.7 percent).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trail Blazers ATS Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Trail Blazers, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Timberwolves rank 13 in fast break points per game (14.32) while the Trail Blazers rank 15 in fast break points allowed per game (13.84).
- Minnesota ranks second in steals per game (9.4) while Portland ranks 26th (6.4).
- The Timberwolves rank 16th in points off turnovers per game (16.8) while the Trail Blazers rank last (13.9).
- Minnesota averages 5.7 blocks per game, which is ranked 11th in the NBA. Portland ranks 23rd in blocks allowed per game (5.7).
- Portland averages 31.52 three pointers per game, which ranks 14 in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 23 in three pointers allowed per game (33.84).
- The Trail Blazers rank second in rebounds per game (49.4) while the Timberwolves rank 21st in rebounds allowed per game (46.2).
- The Timberwolves rank 18 in assists per game (23.56) while the Trail Blazers rank 28 (20.84).
- Portland ranks 10th in second chance points per game (14.2) while Minnesota ranks 26th in second chance points allowed per game (14.8).
- In games where they allow below 100 points, Minnesota is 6-0 and Portland is 5-0.
- The Timberwolves are 13-8 when they score over 100 points, while the Trail Blazers are 14-9.
- Minnesota is 4-6 ATS on the road, while Portland is 8-5 ATS at home.
- The total has gone under in 8 of the Timberwolves’ 10 road games, while 7 of the Trail Blazers’ 13 home games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Minnesota and Portland have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Trail Blazers are 1-4.
- The Timberwolves\u2019 average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.2, up from 0.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Trail Blazers have scored an average of 111.0 points per game (1.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 110.6 points per game (0.0 below their season average).
