The Phoenix Suns (12-22) go head-to-head with the Minnesota Timberwolves (19-13) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 23, 2017, and will air on Fox Sports – Arizona.
Minnesota opened as a 7.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 216 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Prediction
In the Timberwolves’ last matchup, they defeated the Denver Nuggets, 112-104. Minnesota forced the Nuggets into a turnover percentage of 20.3 (above their season average of 13.6). Denver, on the other hand, did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (19-24; 79.2 percent). Minnesota was lifted by Karl-Anthony Towns, who led the team in scoring with 25 points on 11-for-16 shooting.
The Suns edged the Memphis Grizzlies in their last matchup, 97-95. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Phoenix’s largest strengths. They made 27 trips to the line, while Memphis went 16 times. T.J. Warren was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
Conflicting styles will be on display in this battle. Phoenix has preferred to play up-tempo (third in possessions per game), while Minnesota has been more methodical (21st in possessions per game). Additionally, the Timberwolves’ fifth-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 109.8) will clash against the Suns’ 27th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 109.0).
Minnesota holds records of 19-13 straight up (SU) and 13-17-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Timberwolves’ 32 games, 17 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Phoenix is 12-22 SU and 17-16-1 ATS. A little over half of Suns games have finished over the O/U total.
Towns and Jimmy Butler have played at a high level over the last five games for Minnesota. Towns has averaged 24.2 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. Not to be outdone, Butler has put up 25.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.0 steals a game during that span.
The Suns have won two out of three against the Timberwolves this season, including a close two-point victory the last time these teams met. Phoenix covered as a 12-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 214 points, which was just 3.5 points below the projected point total of 217.5 points. The Suns made 31 of their 35 free throws (88.6 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (38.2 vs. 20.4). Towns had a double-double in the loss with 28 points and 11 rebounds.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Phoenix Suns Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Minnesota is 8-6-1 ATS with 9 overs and 6 unders.
At home, Phoenix is 7-10 ATS with 8 overs, 8 unders and 1 push.
Phoenix is 4-2 when they allow under 100 points, while Minnesota is 9-2.
The Timberwolves are 17-8 when they reach the century mark, while the Suns are 9-13.
Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.6) while Phoenix ranks 27th (8.6).
The Timberwolves average 14.5 second chance points per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. The Suns rank 28th in second chance points allowed per game (14.1).
Minnesota ranks sixth in points in the paint per game (47.4) while Phoenix ranks 27th in points allowed in the paint per game (48.8).
The Timberwolves rank sixth in rebounds allowed per game (41.3) while the Suns rank 27th (45.7).
Minnesota averages 18.6 points off turnovers per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Phoenix ranks 25th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.5).
The Timberwolves rank 11th in assists per game (22.8) while the Suns rank 29th (20.1).
Phoenix averages 13.3 fast break points per game, which ranks eighth in the league. Minnesota ranks 25th in fast break points allowed per game (13.0).
The Suns rank 11th in blocks per game (4.9) while the Timberwolves rank 25th (3.8).
Phoenix ranks 21st in three pointers attempted per game (25.9) while Minnesota ranks 27th (22.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Minnesota is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Timberwolves’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.8, up from 1.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 101.2 points per game (4.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 103.0 points per game (9.8 below their season average).
