The New York Knicks (23-32) are currently on a six-game losing streak and will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (17-37) at the Target Center. The game gets underway at 8:00 pm ET on Saturday, Feb. 20 and will air on MSG and FNo.
The Timberwolves beat the Raptors 117-112 the last time they played. With 35 points and 11 rebounds, Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his 30th double-double this season. The Knicks, meanwhile, are coming off a tough 111-108 loss to the Wizards in their last outing. Carmelo Anthony had a solid game, posting his 16th double-double of the season with 33 points and 13 rebounds.
Over the last five games, a number of players have played at a high level for the Timberwolves. Towns has led the way, averaging 22.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2.0 blocks. Andrew Wiggins (24.6 PTS, 2.6 REB, 1.6 AST, 0.6 STL, 1.4 BLK, and 0.8 3PM) and Gorgui Dieng (16.2 PTS, 10.2 REB, 4.4 AST, 0.6 STL, and 0.6 BLK) have also played lights out.
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Knicks won the first game 107-102. Arron Afflalo was the game’s leading scorer with 29 points.
The Timberwolves enter the game with records of 17-38 Straight Up (SU) and 24-30-1 Against The Spread (ATS). They have been able to pull off wins at home against the Eastern Conference, going, but have struggled ATS with a record of 9-18-1. The Timberwolves are a phenomenal shooting team from the line with an NBA-best 1,162 free throws made (21.0 per game).
On the other side, New York has a SU record of 23-33 and an ATS record of 29-26-1. In Western Conference games, New York has gone 23-33 SU and 29-26-1 ATS. New York has been playing better lately, averaging 107.1 PPG, significantly more than their season average of 99.1. New York is the top foul-shooting team in the league, hitting .808 of their shots from the line. New York’s defense has allowed an average of 110.2 points per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 101.5.
New York won the last meeting this season between these two teams, moving its SU record against the Timberwolves to 6-4 in their last 10 head-to-head meetings. The Timberwolves hold the advantage ATS with a record of 6-4.
Predictions: SU Winner – NY
Notes
New York’s offense and Minnesota’s defense are well matched, ranking 23rd in points per game and points allowed per game respectively. New York puts up an average of 99.1 points per game, while Minnesota allows 104.2 points per game.
New York ranks 24th in points per away game with 97.3 points, while Minnesota ranks 23rd in points allowed at home with 103.9.
When giving up fewer than 100 points, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a 10-7 record. When they don’t reach the century mark, the New York Knicks have an abysmal record of 5-26.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a subpar 7-30 record in games where they have allowed at least 100 points. The New York Knicks are 18-6 when they hit triple digits.
The Knicks have a defensive rating of 105.2 (ranked 19th). The Timberwolves rank 13th for their offensive rating of 103.7.
The Minnesota Timberwolves average 96.8 possessions and 1.037 points per possession in games this season. The New York Knicks average fewer possessions with 96.3, as well as fewer points per possession with 1.030.
The Minnesota Timberwolves average an effective field goal percentage of 48.7% this season. The New York Knicks have a poor record of 9-16 when opponents have an EFF% of 48.7% or greater.
Minnesota makes an average of 22.4 assists per game (ranked 10th), while New York makes 20.4 assists per game (ranked 24th).
Minnesota makes an average of 4.5 blocks per game (ranked 19th). New York ranks higher in blocks with 5.6 (ranked seventh).
The Minnesota Timberwolves rank 19th in offensive rebounding, while the New York Knicks rank 13th in defensive rebounding.
On average, New York makes 5.9 steals per game. Minnesota is a losing 13-33 when it allows at least 5 steals.
