The Minnesota Timberwolves (40-29) travel to San Antonio to take on the Spurs (39-30) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against superb defense. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018, and will air on NBATV.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 211.5 points with San Antonio set as a 4-point favorite.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs Free Prediction
The last time the Timberwolves played, they topped the Washington Wizards, 116-111. Minnesota’s 9.5 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Washington, who had a mark of 10.6. The Timberwolves’ mark was better than their season average of 10.9. With 37 points on 13-for-17 shooting, Karl-Anthony Towns was the top scorer from either team.
The Spurs defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in their last contest, 98-93. The Spurs had 10 steals and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.8 (above their season average of 23.1). With 18 points and 12 rebounds, San Antonio’s Dejounte Murray had a solid game.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams clash. San Antonio ranks 29th in possessions per game (96.8) and Minnesota is 23rd (98.0). Also, the third-ranked offense of the Timberwolves (offensive efficiency of 112.1) will go head-to-head against the third-ranked defense of the Spurs (defensive efficiency of 102.6).
Minnesota holds records of 40-29 straight up (SU) and 32-34-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Timberwolves are involved, as 38 of their 69 games have ended over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, San Antonio is 39-30 SU and 34-31-4 ATS. Unlike Minnesota, games involving the Spurs tend to go under the projected point total (55.1 percent).
Nemanja Bjelica has averaged 14.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals over the last five games for Minnesota.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Timberwolves won the most recent matchup 98-86, covering as 5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 184 points, which was 24.5 points below the projected point total of 208.5 points. The Timberwolves’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Spurs. Minnesota had a rate of 6.0, while San Antonio posted a mark of 15.7. Towns put up a double-double in the victory with 26 points and 16 rebounds.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs Free Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Spurs, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Minnesota is 15-18-2 ATS with 19 overs and 16 unders.
San Antonio is 19-13-1 ATS at home with 17 overs and 16 unders.
San Antonio is 27-10 when they allow under 100 points, while Minnesota is 16-4.
When scoring above 100 points, the Timberwolves are 38-19 and the Spurs are 31-10.
San Antonio ranks fourth in blocks per game (5.6) while Minnesota ranks 23rd (4.3).
The Timberwolves rank fifth in points in the paint per game (48.9) while the Spurs rank 21st (43.4).
Minnesota ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.0) while San Antonio ranks 20th (16.2).
The Timberwolves rank fifth in steals per game (8.5) while the Spurs rank 19th (7.5).
Minnesota ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (41.7) while San Antonio ranks 15th (42.8).
The Timberwolves average 13.9 second chance points per game, which ranks third in the league. The Spurs rank 13th in second chance points allowed per game (12.1).
San Antonio averages 22.9 assists per game, which ranks 12th in the league. Minnesota ranks 19th in assists allowed per game (23.8).
The Spurs rank 22nd in fast break points per game (10.1) while the Timberwolves rank 26th (9.6).
Neither of these teams shoot many threes. San Antonio is 27th in the league with 24.3 three pointers per game while Minnesota is 29th with 22.3 threes per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Minnesota is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
San Antonio is 3-2 ATS with 5 unders over their last five games.
The Timberwolves have been outscored by an average of 2.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 2.7 points.
During their last five games, the Spurs have scored an average of 100.0 points per game (2.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 97.6 points per game (1.7 below their season average).
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