The Minnesota Timberwolves (16-60), who have the top shooting defense in the league, will be in action against the Portland Trail Blazers (50-27) at the Moda Center. Action begins at 10:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Apr. 8 and can be seen on FSN-N and CSN-NW.
The Trail Blazers are are hoping for a better outcome after their 106-96 loss to the Nets on Monday. Damian Lillard was the game’s leading scorer with 36 points. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after the 97-84 loss against the Magic on Friday. Justin Hamilton had a good game for Minnesota, registering 14 points, nine rebounds, and two steals.
The Trail Blazers defense could make it difficult on Minnesota’s shooters. They rank third in the NBA in forcing misses (opponents’ effective field goal percentage of 47.6%), while the Minnesota offense is 28th with a mark of 46.8%. Furthermore, getting to the line could play a crucial role for the Timberwolves. They rank third in the league in free throw attempt rate (30.6). However, the Trail Blazers are among the best in the NBA at keeping opponents off the charity stripe (ranking first at 23.5).
The Timberwolves lead the season series against the Trail Blazers two games to one, including a 121-113 win the last time these two teams met. Lillard was the top overall scorer in the game with 32 points.
The odds for Portland and Minnesota are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Trail Blazers have gone 50-27 Straight Up (SU) and 39-37-1 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 10-3 SU and 5-7-1 ATS against divisional opponents. The Trail Blazers are one of the best in the NBA in terms of three-point field goals, making 10.0 shots per game from beyond the arc. The rebounding edge goes to the Trail Blazers in this matchup, who are one of the top rebounding teams in the league with an average of 46.1 boards per game. Opposing teams know they’re in for a battle when they play Portland’s stingy defense. The Trail Blazers are one of the top teams when it comes to defense, allowing just 95.5 points per home game. Portland’s three-point defense can be considered for best in the league, allowing an NBA-low 490 three-pointers (6.4 per game).
Over on the other bench, the Timberwolves have 16-60 SU and 31-43-2 ATS records. Despite having a losing record against its own division, Minnesota is successful ATS in those games with a record of 5-1-1.
With the Timberwolves’ last win against Portland, Minnesota moved closer to evening up its record against Portland. It now stands at 3-7 SU over the last 10 meetings. The Trail Blazers also lead the matchup ATS with a record of 6-3-1. Portland held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers twice, while Minnesota was never able to do so in their most recent 10 games.
Predictions: SU Winner – POR, ATS Winner – POR
Notes
Portland puts up an average of 102.8 points per game (ranked 10th). Minnesota ranks 30th in points allowed per game with 105.9.
On average, Portland scores 103.8 points per home game (ranked sixth). Minnesota ranks 30th in points allowed per road game with 108.6.
In games where they allow fewer than 100 points, the Portland Trail Blazers are a tremendous 39-8. In games where they fail to hit triple digits, the Minnesota Timberwolves have an underachieving record of 6-39.
When Portland gives up at least 100 points, it has a poor 11-19 record this season. Minnesota also has a subpar record when it hits the century mark (10-21).
The Timberwolves have a defensive rating of 108.4 (ranked 30th). The Trail Blazers rank seventh for their offensive rating of 105.6.
The Minnesota Timberwolves average 97.7 possessions per game and .998 points per possession. The Portland Trail Blazers earn fewer possessions with 97.4, but they score more points with 1.056.
Portland is among the top-ranked teams based on its average effective field goal percentage of 50.8% (ranked ninth in the NBA). Minnesota is a subpar 7-46 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
On average, the Portland Trail Blazers make 21.8 assists per game and the Minnesota Timberwolves make 21.6. Portland is ranked 12th, while Minnesota is ranked 15th.
Portland makes an average of 4.6 blocks per game (ranked 17th), while Minnesota makes 3.9 blocks per game (ranked 27th).
Portland is ranked 15th in offensive rebounding. Minnesota ranks 30th in defensive rebounds.
Making 8.2 steals per game, Minnesota is ranked ninth in the NBA. Portland has a winning 26-16 record when it allows at least 8 steals.
