The Minnesota Timberwolves (32-22) welcome the Milwaukee Bucks (27-22) to Target Center as they look to continue their 10-game home winning streak. The game can be seen on Fox Sports Net Wisconsin at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 1, 2018.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Prediction
The last time the Bucks played, they topped the Philadelphia 76ers, 107-95. Milwaukee’s 9.1 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Philadelphia, who had a mark of 13.2. The Bucks’ mark was better than their season average of 12.5. Milwaukee was lifted by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was the game’s high scorer with 31 points on 10-for-22 shooting.
The Timberwolves were beaten by the Toronto Raptors in their last matchup, 109-104. Toronto made good use of their 26 trips to the free throw line, making 22 of them (84.6 percent). Minnesota, meanwhile, was just 15-24 (62.5 percent). Minnesota’s Jimmy Butler had a good game, leading both teams in scoring with 25 points on 9-for-17 shooting.
Minnesota could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense faces off against one of the worst defenses in the NBA. The Timberwolves currently rank third in offensive efficiency, while Milwaukee ranks 22nd in defensive efficiency.
Milwaukee holds records of 27-22 straight up (SU) and 22-22-5 against the spread (ATS). Of the Bucks’ 49 games, 26 have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Minnesota owns records of 32-22 SU and 26-25-3 ATS. Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of Timberwolves games, with 27 overs compared to 26 unders.
Khris Middleton and John Henson have played well over the last five games for Milwaukee. Middleton has averaged 24.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Not to be outdone, Henson has put up 11.0 points and 6.6 rebounds a game during that span.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Timberwolves lost 102-96, unable to cover as 4-point underdogs. Karl-Anthony Towns had 22 points and five rebounds. The game finished with a total of 198 points, which was 14.5 points below the projected point total of 212.5 points. The Bucks’ 20.6 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Timberwolves, who had a mark of 17.1.
Milwaukee Bucks at Minnesota Timberwolves Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Bucks, ATS Winner – Bucks, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Milwaukee is 12-9-2 ATS with 13 overs, 9 unders and 1 push.
At home, Minnesota is 13-12-1 ATS with 13 overs, 12 unders and 1 push.
In games where they allow less than 100 points, Minnesota is 15-4 and Milwaukee is 12-3.
When scoring above 100 points, the Bucks are 23-12 and the Timberwolves are 30-13.
Minnesota ranks second in second chance points per game (14.5) while Milwaukee ranks 29th (9.8).
The Bucks rank first in fast break points allowed per game (8.2) while the Timberwolves rank 24th (13.3).
Minnesota averages 48.0 points in the paint per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Milwaukee ranks 18th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.3).
The Bucks average 22.6 assists per game, which ranks 13th in the league. The Timberwolves rank 23rd in assists allowed per game (24.2).
Milwaukee ranks third in blocks allowed per game (3.9) while Minnesota ranks 11th (4.7).
The Timberwolves rank 22nd in rebounds per game (41.7) while the Bucks rank last (38.7).
Milwaukee ranks fifth in steals per game (8.6) while Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.4).
The Timberwolves rank third in points off turnovers per game (18.5) while the Bucks rank seventh (17.6).
Milwaukee ranks 26th in three pointers attempted per game (24.6) while Minnesota ranks 29th (22.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Milwaukee is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Minnesota is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Bucks have outscored opponents by an average of 6.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Milwaukee has lost by an average of 0.2 points.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 108.4 points per game (0.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 112.0 points per game (6.0 above their season average).
