The Minnesota Timberwolves (37-26) will try to put an end to their seven-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Sacramento Kings (18-41) at Golden 1 Center. The game will air on NBATV at 10 p.m. ET on Monday, February 26, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 215.5 points with Minnesota opening as a 6-point favorite.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Sacramento Kings Free Prediction
The Timberwolves will be looking for a similar outcome after dismantling the Chicago Bulls in their last outing, 122-104. The Timberwolves held the Bulls to an offensive rebounding percentage of 8.9 (below their season average of 19.8) and had a turnover percentage of 9.4 (better than their season average of 10.9). Minnesota rallied around Jeff Teague, who was the game’s high scorer with 25 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
In the Kings’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Los Angeles Lakers, 113-108. Los Angeles’ free throw rate was their largest strength over Sacramento. The Lakers had a rate of 0.154 (below their season average of 0.180), while the Kings posted a mark of 0.117 (below the 0.192 mark opponents have averaged against Los Angeles this season). Sacramento’s Willie Cauley-Stein put up 18 points and 15 rebounds in the game.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams square off. Sacramento ranks 26th in possessions per game (97.2) and Minnesota is 23rd (98.0). Moreover, the Timberwolves’ third-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 112.1) will attempt to exploit the Kings’ 29th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 110.8).
Minnesota heads into the game with records of 37-26 straight up (SU) and 29-31-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Timberwolves’ 63 games, 34 have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Sacramento owns records of 18-41 SU and 26-30-3 ATS. Of the Kings’ 59 games, 32 have finished over the O/U total.
Teague has averaged 16.8 points, 6.6 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Minnesota.
The Timberwolves have emerged victorious in both games against the Kings this year, including a 111-106 victory in their last matchup. Minnesota was unable to cover as a 13-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 217 points, which was 7 points above the projected point total of 210 points. The Timberwolves knocked down 28 of their 32 free throws (87.5 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.561 vs. 0.534). Karl-Anthony Towns was the game’s leading scorer with 29 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Sacramento Kings Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Kings, ATS Winner – Kings, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Minnesota is 13-16-2 ATS on the road with 16 overs and 15 unders.
At home, Sacramento is 11-16 ATS with 16 overs and 11 unders.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Sacramento is 11-4 and Minnesota is 16-4.
The Timberwolves are 35-17 when they score above 100 points, while the Kings are 13-16.
Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.3) while Sacramento ranks 20th (8.0).
The Timberwolves rank fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.1) while the Kings rank 23rd (15.3).
Minnesota ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (41.5) while Sacramento ranks 20th (43.7).
The Timberwolves rank third in second chance points per game (14.2) while the Kings rank 18th (11.8).
Minnesota ranks 12th in assists per game (22.8) while Sacramento ranks 25th (21.4).
The Timberwolves rank 20th in three pointers allowed per game (30.0) while the Kings rank 29th (32.1).
Minnesota ranks 23rd in blocks per game (4.3) while Sacramento ranks 26th (4.0).
The Kings rank 17th in points in the paint per game (43.4) while the Timberwolves rank 20th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.8).
Sacramento ranks 22nd in fast break points per game (9.8) while Minnesota ranks 25th (9.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Minnesota is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Sacramento is 4-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Timberwolves have been outscored by an average of 1.0 point in their last five games. For the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 2.8 points.
During their last five games, the Kings have scored an average of 105.2 points per game (6.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 108.6 points per game (1.7 above their season average).
