The Minnesota Timberwolves will travel to Talking Stick Resort Arena to take on the Phoenix Suns. Action starts at 10:00 pm ET on Monday, Mar. 14 and can be seen on FAZ and FNo.
The Suns were beaten by the Warriors 123-116 on Saturday. Brandon Knight was the team’s high scorer with 30 points. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are coming off a 99-96 win over the Thunder on Friday. Gorgui Dieng led the team in scoring with 25 points on 7-for-12 shooting.
Over the last five games, Devin Booker has taken his game to another level for the Suns. During that stretch, he has averaged 25.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 1.6 three-pointers. Karl-Anthony Towns has been hot for the Timberwolves. In the same five-game span, he is averaging 22.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.8 blocks.
The aggressive Timberwolves offense may see plenty of chances from the free throw line in this one. They rank second in the league at getting to the stripe (free throw attempt rate of 33.5), while Phoenix gets whistled quite a bit (giving up a 30th-ranked free throw attempt rate of 32.4).
The two teams have split their matchups this season. The Timberwolves had the upper hand in the most recent game, a blowout 117-87 win. Andrew Wiggins was a standout player in the game, producing 18 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
The Suns look to improve upon their records of 17-49 Straight Up (SU) and 26-40 Against The Spread (ATS). They have a record of 17-49 SU and 26-40 ATS versus the Western Conference.
In the other locker room, the Timberwolves have a record of 30-35-1 ATS and 21-45 SU. Minnesota has records of 21-45 SU and 30-35-1 ATS against the West. The Timberwolves get to the line and convert their free throws at a high volume, leading the league with 1,426 made (21.0 per game).
Minnesota won the last meeting this season between these two teams, but the Suns still lead the head-to-head record, 6-4 SU, over the last 10 matchups. However, with a 5-4-1 record, the Timberwolves have the advantage ATS.
Predictions: SU Winner – Min
Notes
Minnesota’s offense and Phoenix’s defense are well matched, ranking zeroth in points per game and points allowed per game respectively. Minnesota scores an average of 0.0 points per game, while Phoenix gives up 0.0 points per game.
Minnesota and Phoenix are well matched, ranking zeroth in points per away game and points allowed at home respectively. Minnesota puts up an average of 0.0 points on the road, while Phoenix gives up 0.0 points at home on average.
The Suns have an even 7-7 record in games where they allow fewer than 100 points. The Timberwolves don’t do well when they score under 100 points, earning a 5-24 record on the season.
Phoenix is an underachieving 10-42 when it gives up 100 or more points. Minnesota has a 16-21 record when it hits the century mark.
The Suns have an offensive rating of 100.3 (ranked 28th). The Timberwolves rank 27th for their defensive rating of 107.7.
The Phoenix Suns average 100.4 possessions per game and 1.003 points per possession, while the Minnesota Timberwolves earn fewer possessions (97.1) but more points per possession (1.043).
Phoenix has an average effective field goal percentage of 49.0%. Minnesota is an abysmal 10-37 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
The Phoenix Suns average 25.0 three point attempts per game, while the Minnesota Timberwolves attempt 15.0 per game. When attempting 25 or more three pointers in a game, Phoenix is a subpar 9-28, while Minnesota is an even 1-1.
Phoenix has an assist to turnover ratio of 1.28 this season (ranked 29th). Minnesota ranks higher with an A/TO of 1.58 (ranked 16th).
The Phoenix Suns rebound 43.6 times per game and are ranked 16th. Ranked 25th, the Minnesota Timberwolves rebound 42.0 times per game.
The Minnesota Timberwolves rank 19th in offensive rebounding, while the Phoenix Suns rank 21st in defensive rebounding.
Phoenix has forced an average turnover percentage of 14.2% this season. Minnesota has an underachieving 9-29 record when its TOV% is 14.2% or higher.
