The Minnesota Timberwolves (42-33) challenge the Atlanta Hawks (21-53) at Target Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Southeast.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Prediction
The Hawks are hoping for a better outcome after their 118-99 loss to the Houston Rockets in their last contest. Houston’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Atlanta. The Rockets had a rate of 0.600 (above their season average of 0.553), while the Hawks posted a mark of 0.506. Taurean Prince was the game’s leading scorer with 28 points on 11-for-18 shooting.
In the Timberwolves’ last game, they were beaten by the Memphis Grizzlies, 101-93. Memphis’ effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Minnesota. The Grizzlies had a rate of 0.565 (above their season average of 0.496), while the Timberwolves posted a mark of 0.468 (below their season average of 0.526). Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 15 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in the game.
Minnesota could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their prolific offense goes up against one of the worst defenses in the league. The Timberwolves rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while Atlanta ranks 22nd in defensive efficiency.
Atlanta holds records of 21-53 straight up (SU) and 35-37-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Hawks’ 74 games, 38 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is 42-33 SU and 33-39-3 ATS. Timberwolves games tend to go over the total (56.0 percent).
Andrew Wiggins has averaged 20.4 points and 5.8 rebounds over the last five games for Minnesota.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Towns put up 15 points and 13 rebounds in the first game, in which the Timberwolves lost 105-100, unable to cover as 6.5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 205 points, which was 7.5 points below the projected point total of 212.5 points. The Hawks’ 22.2 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Timberwolves, who had a rate of 16.3.
Atlanta Hawks at Minnesota Timberwolves Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Hawks, ATS Winner – Hawks, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Atlanta is 17-18-2 ATS on the road with 22 unders and 15 overs.
At home, Minnesota is 18-18-1 ATS with 21 overs, 15 unders and 1 push.
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Minnesota is 16-4 and Atlanta is 10-4.
The Hawks are 18-29 when they reach 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 40-22.
Minnesota ranks second in steals allowed per game (6.5) while Atlanta ranks 26th (8.6).
The Timberwolves rank fourth in points in the paint per game (49.0) while the Hawks rank 27th (40.9).
Minnesota ranks second in rebounds allowed per game (41.6) while Atlanta ranks 23rd (44.0).
The Hawks rank 10th in three pointers attempted per game (30.7) while the Timberwolves rank last (22.3).
Minnesota averages 17.5 points off turnovers per game, which ranks seventh in the league. Atlanta ranks 25th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.8).
The Timberwolves rank fourth in second chance points per game (13.7) while the Hawks rank 20th in second chance points allowed per game (12.9).
Minnesota ranks 12th in blocks allowed per game (4.7) while Atlanta ranks 26th (5.5).
The Hawks average 23.6 assists per game, which ranks eighth in the NBA. The Timberwolves rank 22nd in assists allowed per game (24.1).
Atlanta ranks 21st in fast break points per game (10.3) while Minnesota ranks 25th (9.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Atlanta is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Hawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.2, up from 5.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 110.4 points per game (0.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 112.6 points per game (4.9 above their season average).
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