The Minnesota Timberwolves (4-6) look to end their five-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers (5-4) at Staples Center. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Monday, November 5, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – North.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers Free Prediction
The Timberwolves were unable to cover as 10.5-point underdogs in their 111-81 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in their last outing. The game’s combined points (192) came in well under the projected point total of 243.5. Portland’s 40.5 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Minnesota, who had a rate of 21.0. The Trail Blazers’ mark was above their season average of 24.7. Karl-Anthony Towns was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points on 7-for-13 shooting.
In the Clippers’ last game, they dismantled the Orlando Magic, 120-95, easily covering as 3.5-point favorites. The total points for the game (215) finished under the projected point total of 219.5. The Clippers knocked down 25 of their 33 free throws (75.8 percent) and held the Magic to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.7 (below their season average of 22.3). Lou Williams was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the field.
The Timberwolves won all four contests against the Clippers last season. In the most recent contest, Minnesota won 123-109. Minnesota was lights out from beyond the arc (10-25; 40.0 percent). Los Angeles, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (24.4 vs. 16.7).
Minnesota holds records of 4-6 straight up (SU) and 4-5 against the spread (ATS). Timberwolves games have typically gone over the total (55.6 percent).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles owns records of 5-4 SU and 5-4 ATS. Clippers games also have typically gone over the total (55.6 percent).
Towns has averaged 19.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.4 steals over the last five games for Minnesota.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Los Angeles offense. Dating back to last season, Los Angeles ranks 21st in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.1 percent), while the disruptive defense of Minnesota has forced the ninth-most turnovers in the league (14.4 percent).
Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Clippers Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Clippers, ATS Winner – Clippers, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Los Angeles is 15-2 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Minnesota is 20-4.
The Clippers are 45-30 when they reach 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 49-28.
Minnesota ranks first in steals per game (8.3) while Los Angeles ranks 24th in steals allowed per game (8.5).
The Clippers average 52.3 points in the paint per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Timberwolves rank 26th in points allowed in the paint per game (46.3).
Los Angeles averages 13.7 second chance points per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. Minnesota ranks last in second chance points allowed per game (13.6).
The Timberwolves average 10.4 fast break points per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Clippers rank 24th in fast break points allowed per game (15.4).
Los Angeles ranks 11th in rebounds allowed per game (43.7) while Minnesota ranks 28th (42.8).
The Timberwolves rank fifth in blocks per game (4.4) while the Clippers rank 21st in blocks allowed per game (5.7).
Los Angeles ranks 10th in three pointers allowed per game (29.9) while Minnesota ranks 26th (30.7).
The Clippers rank 22nd in points off turnovers per game (15.8) while the Timberwolves rank 28th (16.9).
Los Angeles ranks 19th in assists per game (22.3) while Minnesota ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (23.9).
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