The Minnesota Timberwolves (2-2) visit Toronto to play the Raptors (4-0) in what should be a high-scoring game. The game can be seen on Fox Sports – North at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 24, 2018.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Toronto Raptors Betting Prediction
The Timberwolves come in on a high note after comfortably covering the 2-point spread against the Indiana Pacers in their last outing, 101-91. The game’s total points (192) were well under the projected point total of 229. The Timberwolves knocked down 22 of their 24 free throws (91.7 percent) and held the Pacers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.440 (below their season average of 0.580). Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for Minnesota, putting up 17 points and 15 rebounds.
The last time the Raptors played, they easily got past the Charlotte Hornets, 127-106, comfortably covering as 8.5-point favorites. The total points for the game (233) finished over the O/U total of 225. Toronto had an effective field goal percentage of 0.661 (above their season average of 0.535). Charlotte, meanwhile, held the Raptors to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.6 (below their season average of 26.2). With 16 points and 14 assists, Kyle Lowry had a solid game for Toronto.
The high-powered offense of Toronto will clash against the porous defense of Minnesota. Since the 2017-18 season, the Raptors rank third in offensive efficiency, while the Timberwolves are 26th in defensive efficiency. The Raptors figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. Furthermore, the Timberwolves have been among the NBA’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 are 49-37 straight up (SU) since last season, but have had difficulty covering the spread (38-48 against the spread (ATS)). Since last season, games involving Minnesota have gone over the O/U total 53.5 percent of the time.
On the other hand, the Raptors, are 63-23 SU and 51-43-2 ATS since last season. Games featuring Toronto have had a tendency to go over the projected point total over that same stretch (54.2 percent).
These two teams split two games last season. In the most recent contest, the Raptors won 109-104. Toronto made good use of their 26 trips to the free throw line, converting on 22 of them (84.6 percent). Minnesota, meanwhile, was just 15-24 (62.5 percent).
Minnesota Timberwolves at Toronto Raptors Free Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Toronto is 30-5 when they allow under 100 points, while Minnesota is 20-4.
The Raptors are 61-19 when they reach the century mark, while the Timberwolves are 47-27.
Toronto ranks fourth in three pointers attempted per game (32.4) while Minnesota ranks last (22.6).
The Raptors rank second in blocks per game (6.1) while the Timberwolves rank 24th (4.2).
Toronto ranks 12th in second chance points per game (12.8) while Minnesota ranks 26th in second chance points allowed per game (13.4).
The Raptors average 48.9 points in the paint per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. 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).
The Raptors rank ninth in fast break points per game (13.4) while the Timberwolves rank 19th in fast break points allowed per game (12.7).
Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.4) while Toronto ranks sixth (7.1).
The Timberwolves average 17.0 points off turnovers per game, which ranks eighth in the league. The Raptors rank ninth in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.2).
Minnesota ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (42.1) while Toronto ranks fourth (42.1).
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