The Minnesota Timberwolves (4-5) and the Portland Trail Blazers (6-3), who both like to play fast, will face off at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 4, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – North.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Portland Trail Blazers Betting Prediction
The last time the Timberwolves played, they were beaten by the Golden State Warriors, 116-99, and were unable to cover as 10.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (215) finished well under the projected point total of 243.5. Golden State’s 27.9 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Minnesota, who had a mark of 14.0. The Warriors’ mark was above their season average of 23.9, while the Timberwolves’ was below their season average of 26.4. Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns played well, contributing 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Trail Blazers lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in their last matchup, 114-110, despite being 8-point favorites. The game’s total points (224) were under the projected point total of 229.5. Los Angeles’ effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Portland. The Lakers had a rate of 0.570 (above their season average of 0.550), while the Trail Blazers posted a mark of 0.452 (below their season average of 0.542). With 30 points on 10-for-23 shooting, Damian Lillard was the top scorer from either team.
These two teams split four games last season. In the last game, the Trail Blazers won 108-99. The Trail Blazers had a much better turnover percentage (6.9 vs. 13.7) and had a better free throw rate (0.293 vs. 0.224).
Minnesota holds records of 4-5 straight up (SU) and 4-5 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to set the total low when the Timberwolves are involved, as five of their nine games have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Portland owns records of 6-3 SU and 6-2 ATS. Similarly to Minnesota, Trail Blazers games also have a tendency to finish over the O/U total (75.0 percent).
Portland could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their high-powered offense faces off against one of the worst defenses in the league. Since last season, the Trail Blazers rank third in offensive efficiency, while Minnesota ranks 28th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Timberwolves rank second in turnover percentage (12.0 percent), while the Trail Blazers rank 30th in opponents’ turnover percentage (12.5 percent).
Minnesota Timberwolves at Portland Trail Blazers ATS Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Portland is 28-8 when they allow under 100 points, while Minnesota is 20-4.
The Timberwolves are 49-28 when they score more than 100 points, while the Trail Blazers are 50-24.
Portland averages 45.8 rebounds per game, which ranks first in the league. Minnesota ranks last in rebounds allowed per game (42.6).
The Timberwolves average 4.4 blocks per game, which ranks third in the NBA. The Trail Blazers rank last in blocks allowed per game (5.3).
Minnesota ranks first in steals per game (8.3) while Portland ranks 27th (6.9).
The Timberwolves average 10.3 fast break points per game, which ranks third in the league. The Trail Blazers rank 25th in fast break points allowed per game (11.8).
Portland averages 28.6 three pointers per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Minnesota ranks 29th in three pointers allowed per game (30.7).
The Timberwolves rank eighth in second chance points per game (13.3) while the Trail Blazers rank 28th in second chance points allowed per game (11.9).
Portland ranks 11th in points in the paint per game (43.8) while Minnesota ranks 28th in points allowed in the paint per game (46.2).
The Trail Blazers rank fourth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.9) while the Timberwolves rank 21st (15.3).
Portland ranks 11th in assists allowed per game (20.7) while Minnesota ranks 27th (23.9).
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