The Minnesota Timberwolves will travel to the Verizon Center to take on the Washington Wizards. Action begins at 7:00 pm ET on Friday, Mar. 25 and can be seen on FNo and WA2.
The Wizards are expecting a better outcome after their 122-101 loss to the Hawks on Wednesday. Marcus Thornton was the team’s leading scorer with 23 points. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are coming off a 113-104 win against the Kings on Wednesday. Karl-Anthony Towns claimed his 42nd double-double of the season with 26 points and 11 rebounds.
Over the last five games, a number of players have upped their production for the Timberwolves. Towns has led the way, averaging 23.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.4 blocks. Andrew Wiggins (21.4 PTS, 3.6 REB, 3.0 AST, 1.2 STL, 0.8 BLK, and 0.8 3PM), Zach LaVine (22.6 PTS, 2.0 REB, 2.6 AST, 1.0 STL, and 3.6 3PM) and Ricky Rubio (13.8 PTS, 3.6 REB, 11.4 AST, 2.4 STL, and 1.6 3PM) have also been notable.
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Wizards winning the first matchup 104-98. In the victory, Bradley Beal led all scorers on the team with 26 points.
The Wizards have gone 35-36 Straight Up (SU) and 36-34-1 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last 10 games, they have had success covering the spread (7-3).
In the other locker room, the Timberwolves have a record of 34-36-1 ATS and 23-48 SU. Against the Eastern Conference, Minnesota is 23-48 SU and 34-36-1 ATS. The Timberwolves get to the line and convert their free throws at a high volume, leading the league with 1,538 made (21.0 per game).
In their previous meeting this season, Washington beat Minnesota, bringing the head-to-head record to an even 5-5 SU over the last 10 meetings. They are also even ATS in their last 10 games.
Predictions: SU Winner – Was
Notes
“Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games “.
“Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games “.
“The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington’s last 6 games “.
“Washington is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games at home”.
“Washington is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home”.
“The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington’s last 5 games at home”.
“Washington is 13-6 ATS in its last 19 games when playing Minnesota”.
“The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington’s last 6 games when playing Minnesota”.
“Washington is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Minnesota”.
“Washington is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Minnesota”.
On average, Minnesota puts up 101.9 points per game (ranked 18th). Washington ranks 21st in points allowed per game with 104.2.
Minnesota puts up an average of 102.3 points per away game (ranked eighth). Washington ranks 20th in points allowed per home game with 103.0.
When allowing fewer than 100 points, the Wizards are 23-5 on the season. When the Timberwolves score fewer than 100, they are a subpar 5-24.
Washington is a losing 12-31 when it gives up 100 or more points. Minnesota has an 18-24 record when it reaches the century mark.
The Timberwolves have a defensive rating of 107.7 (ranked 27th). The Wizards rank 23rd for their offensive rating of 103.0.
The Washington Wizards average 100.1 possessions per game and 1.030 points per possession, while the Minnesota Timberwolves earn fewer possessions (97.3) but more points per possession (1.047).
The Washington Wizards have one of the best effective field goal percentages this season, ranking 10th in the league with an EFF% of 50.7%. When their opponents record a similar or higher EFF%, the Minnesota Timberwolves have an abysmal 10-35 record.
Washington makes an average of 24.0 assists per game (ranked sixth), while Minnesota makes 23.0 assists per game (ranked eighth).
The Washington Wizards average 3.9 blocks per game for a rank of 26th. The Minnesota Timberwolves rank higher (17th), earning 4.7 blocks each contest.
The Wizards and the Timberwolves are well matched when it comes to rebounding. Washington is ranked 28th in offensive rebounding, and Minnesota is also ranked 28th in defensive rebounding.
The Washington Wizards average 8.7 steals per game (ranked seventh). The Minnesota Timberwolves have a losing record of 10-27 when they allow at least 8 steals.
