The Minnesota Timberwolves (4-8) will try to put an end to their seven-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Sacramento Kings (6-5) at Golden 1 Center. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, November 9, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports North Plus.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Sacramento Kings Betting Prediction
Although the Timberwolves were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers in their last game, 114-110, they were able to cover as 6-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (224) finished well under the O/U total of 239. Los Angeles’ free throw rate was their largest strength over Minnesota. The Lakers had a rate of 0.121 (below their season average of 0.176), while the Timberwolves posted a mark of 0.088 (below their season average of 0.224). Taj Gibson had a good outing for Minnesota, recording 16 points and 11 rebounds.
The last time the Kings took the court, they lost to the Toronto Raptors, 114-105. They were not able to cover as 8.5-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (219) finished under the projected point total of 232.5. Toronto’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Raptors had 13 offensive rebounds and 53 total rebounds, while the Kings had six and 31, respectively. With 24 points and eight rebounds, Willie Cauley-Stein had a good performance for Sacramento.
After the Timberwolves won all three matchups against the Kings last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last contest, Minnesota won 118-100. The Timberwolves made 33 of their 36 free throws (91.7 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.8 vs. 18.6).
Minnesota heads into the contest with records of 4-8 straight up (SU) and 5-7 against the spread (ATS). Oddsmakers tend to set the total high when the Timberwolves are playing, as seven of their 12 games have gone under the total.
Meanwhile, Sacramento owns records of 6-5 SU and 7-4 ATS. Contrary to Minnesota, games featuring the Kings tend to go over the total (63.6 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Karl-Anthony Towns (21.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.6 steals) has been great for the Timberwolves while Buddy Hield (23.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists) has made solid contributions to the Kings.
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Sacramento should have a substantial edge. The elite Kings offense ranks fourth in the league in that metric at 0.553, while the suspect Minnesota defense is ranked 26th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.543). Furthermore, the Timberwolves rank second in turnover percentage (11.9 percent), while the Kings rank fourth in opponents’ turnover percentage (15.6 percent).
Minnesota Timberwolves at Sacramento Kings Betting Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Kings, ATS Winner – Kings, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Minnesota is 2-5 ATS on the road with 5 unders and 2 overs.
Sacramento is 3-1 ATS at home with 3 unders and 1 over.
In contests where they hold opponents under 100 points, Minnesota is 1-0 and Sacramento is 2-0.
The Kings are 5-5 when they score over 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 4-5.
Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.1) while Sacramento ranks 24th (8.5).
The Kings rank third in points in the paint per game (56.9) while the Timberwolves rank 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (51.2).
Sacramento ranks third in points off turnovers per game (20.8) while Minnesota ranks 24th (15.3).
The Kings rank sixth in assists per game (25.5) while the Timberwolves rank 23rd in assists allowed per game (25.8).
Minnesota averages 14.4 second chance points per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Sacramento ranks 24th in second chance points allowed per game (16.0).
The Timberwolves rank seventh in fast break points per game (16.4) while the Kings rank 22nd in fast break points allowed per game (16.3).
Minnesota ranks fourth in blocks per game (6.3) while Sacramento ranks 18th (4.7).
The Kings rank 17th in rebounds per game (44.5) while the Timberwolves rank 27th in rebounds allowed per game (50.1).
Minnesota ranks 18th in three pointers attempted per game (30.6) while Sacramento ranks 26th in three pointers allowed per game (37.4).
Bettings Trends:
In its last five outings, Minnesota is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Sacramento is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Timberwolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 11.8, up from 6.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Kings have scored an average of 118.0 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 117.0 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
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