The Phoenix Suns (9-21) will attempt to put an end to their five-game losing streak when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (17-12) at Target Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017, and will air on Fox Sports – Arizona.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 219 points with Minnesota set as an 11.5-point favorite.
Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Prediction
In the Suns’ last game, they were defeated by the Toronto Raptors, 115-109. Toronto’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Phoenix. The Raptors had a rate of 5.4 (better than their season average of 12.6), while the Suns posted a mark of 10.1. Troy Daniels was Phoenix’s high scorer with 32 points on 11-for-16 shooting.
The Timberwolves had no trouble getting past the Sacramento Kings in their last game, 119-96. The Timberwolves knocked down 17 of their 20 free throws (85.0 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 9.0 (better than their season average of 12.2). Karl-Anthony Towns was the top scorer from either team with 30 points on 11-for-16 shooting.
The prolific offense of Minnesota will battle against the bottom-tier defense of Phoenix. The Timberwolves currently rank fifth in offensive efficiency, while the Suns are 30th in defensive efficiency. The Timberwolves should have the advantage on that end of the court. Conflicting paces will be on display in this contest. The fast-breaking Suns rank fourth in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Timberwolves rank 21st.
Phoenix heads into the game with records of 9-21 straight up (SU) and 14-15-1 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Suns have a tendency to finish over the total (56.7 percent).
Meanwhile, Minnesota is 17-12 SU and 12-15-2 ATS. Of the Timberwolves’ 29 games, 15 have finished over the total.
Jimmy Butler has averaged 28.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games for Minnesota.
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Timberwolves won the most recent matchup 119-108, covering as 11-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 227 points, which was 6.5 points above the projected point total of 220.5 points. The Timberwolves had a much better turnover percentage (9.1 vs. 14.2) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.2 vs. 27.5). Towns recorded a double-double with 32 points and 12 rebounds.
Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Phoenix is 8-5-1 ATS with 9 overs and 5 unders.
At home, Minnesota is 5-9-1 ATS with 7 overs, 7 unders and 1 push.
Minnesota is 9-2 when they allow below 100 points, while Phoenix is 2-2.
The Suns are 8-13 when they score over 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 15-7.
Minnesota averages 14.7 second chance points per game, which ranks fourth in the league. Phoenix ranks 28th in second chance points allowed per game (14.2).
The Timberwolves rank first in steals allowed per game (6.7) while the Suns rank 24th (8.8).
Minnesota ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (41.0) while Phoenix ranks 26th (46.1).
The Timberwolves rank sixth in points in the paint per game (47.3) while the Suns rank 28th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.8).
Minnesota averages 18.4 points off turnovers per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. Phoenix ranks 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.8).
The Suns rank ninth in blocks per game (5.1) while the Timberwolves rank 26th (3.8).
Minnesota ranks 13th in assists per game (22.8) while Phoenix ranks 29th (20.0).
The Suns average 13.2 fast break points per game, which ranks eighth in the league. The Timberwolves rank 23rd in fast break points allowed per game (13.1).
Phoenix ranks 23rd in three pointers attempted per game (25.6) while Minnesota ranks 28th (22.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Phoenix is 3-2 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
Minnesota is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.8, down from 7.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 106.6 points per game (1.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 101.6 points per game (4.7 below their season average).
