The Minnesota Timberwolves (40-31) meet the Los Angeles Clippers (37-32) at Target Center. The game will air on Fox Sports – North at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 20, 2018.
Minnesota is a 3-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 227.5 points.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Prediction
The last time the Clippers played, they were beaten by the Portland Trail Blazers, 122-109. Portland’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Los Angeles. The Trail Blazers had a rate of 21.1 (below their season average of 23.0), while the Clippers posted a mark of 17.0 (below their season average of 23.0). Los Angeles’ Montrezl Harrell had a good game, finishing with 24 points and seven rebounds.
The Timberwolves fell to the Houston Rockets in their last outing, 129-120. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Houston’s largest strengths. They made 36 trips to the line, while Minnesota went 26 times. With 23 points on 5-for-11 shooting, Jeff Teague was Minnesota’s leading scorer.
The offensive glass could be a major edge for Minnesota in this battle. The Timberwolves are among the league’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking fourth in offensive rebounding percentage at 24.8 percent. Meanwhile, Los Angeles ranks 27th in the NBA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 76.1 percent.
Los Angeles comes into the contest with records of 37-32 straight up (SU) and 37-31-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Clippers’ 69 games, 37 have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is 40-31 SU and 32-36-3 ATS. Of the Timberwolves’ 71 games, 40 have finished over the total.
Teague has averaged 15.4 points, 6.6 assists and 1.8 steals over the last five games for Minnesota.
The Timberwolves have emerged victorious in all three matchups against the Clippers this year, including an eight-point victory the last time these teams met. Minnesota covered as a 2-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 244 points, which was 24.5 points above the projected point total of 219.5 points. The Timberwolves made 33 of their 39 free throws (84.6 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.0 vs. 21.6). Despite the loss, Blake Griffin put up a triple-double with 32 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds.
Los Angeles Clippers at Minnesota Timberwolves Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Clippers, ATS Winner – Clippers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Los Angeles is 21-12-1 ATS on the road with 17 overs and 17 unders.
Minnesota is 17-17-1 ATS at home with 20 overs, 14 unders and 1 push.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Los Angeles is 11-2 and Minnesota is 16-4.
The Clippers are 35-21 when they reach the century mark, while the Timberwolves are 38-21.
Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.4) while Los Angeles ranks 26th (8.5).
The Timberwolves rank third in second chance points per game (14.0) while the Clippers rank 24th in second chance points allowed per game (13.4).
Minnesota ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (41.5) while Los Angeles ranks 21st (43.9).
The Clippers average 51.2 points in the paint per game, which ranks third in the NBA. The Timberwolves rank 19th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.8).
Los Angeles ranks 10th in fast break points per game (13.4) while Minnesota ranks 26th (9.5).
The Timberwolves rank 11th in blocks allowed per game (4.7) while the Clippers rank 25th (5.4).
Minnesota ranks sixth in points off turnovers per game (17.7) while Los Angeles ranks 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.1).
The Clippers rank 19th in three pointers attempted per game (28.0) while the Timberwolves rank last (22.2).
Minnesota ranks 16th in assists per game (22.7) while Los Angeles ranks 23rd in assists allowed per game (24.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Los Angeles is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Minnesota is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Clippers have been outscored by an average of 2.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Los Angeles has defeated opponents by an average of 1.0 point.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 111.0 points per game (1.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 115.4 points per game (7.8 above their season average).
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