The Minnesota Timberwolves (4-4) visit Golden State to take on the Warriors (8-1) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against exceptional defense. The game can be seen on ESPN at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, November 2, 2018.
Golden State opened as an 11-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 238.5 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors Betting Prediction
The Timberwolves come in on a high note after edging the Utah Jazz in their last contest, 128-125, as 7-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (253) were well over the O/U total of 222. Minnesota made 12 of their 25 three pointers (48.0 percent). Utah, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.8 (above their season average of 20.3). Minnesota was lifted by Derrick Rose, who was the top scorer from either team with 50 points on 19-for-31 shooting.
In the Warriors’ last game, they defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 131-121, covering as 8.5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (252) came in over the O/U total of 241. The Warriors, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.596, had an absurd mark of 0.618 and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.6 (above their season average of 23.3). Stephen Curry was the game’s high scorer with 37 points on 12-for-20 shooting from the field.
The Warriors won two of the three contests against the Timberwolves last season. In the last contest, Minnesota won 109-103. The Timberwolves had a better turnover percentage (7.9 vs. 11.5) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.495 vs. 0.462).
Minnesota holds records of 4-4 straight up (SU) and 4-4 against the spread (ATS). Oddsmakers are known to place the total low when the Timberwolves are involved, as 62.5 percent of their contests have ended over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Golden State is 8-1 SU and 5-4 ATS. Much like Minnesota, Warriors games also have typically finished over the total (66.7 percent).
The high-octane offense of Golden State will go head-to-head against the porous defense of Minnesota. Since the 2017-18 season, the Warriors rank first in offensive efficiency, while the Timberwolves are 27th in defensive efficiency. The Warriors should have the advantage on that side of the ball. Ball security should be an advantage for the Timberwolves. They rank 1st at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.1 percent). Conversely, the Warriors have forced the sixth-fewest turnovers in the NBA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 13.2 percent).
Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors Free Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Warriors, ATS Winner – Warriors, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Each team is strong when holding the opposition to under 100 points, as Minnesota is 20-4 and Golden State is 23-7.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Warriors are 78-17 and the Timberwolves are 49-28.
Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while Golden State ranks 27th (8.5).
The Warriors rank first in blocks per game (7.0) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd (4.4).
Minnesota ranks eighth in second chance points per game (13.4) while Golden State ranks 29th (10.7).
The Warriors rank first in fast break points per game (19.1) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd (10.4).
Golden State averages 28.8 assists per game, which ranks first in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 20th in assists allowed per game (23.9).
The Timberwolves rank sixth in points in the paint per game (49.0) while the Warriors rank 22nd in points allowed in the paint per game (46.9).
Golden State ranks 15th in three pointers attempted per game (29.6) while Minnesota ranks last (23.0).
The Timberwolves rank ninth in points off turnovers per game (16.9) while the Warriors rank 24th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.6).
Minnesota ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (42.4) while Golden State ranks sixth (42.5).
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