The Minnesota Timberwolves (27-16) will attempt to extend their six-game home winning streak in a matchup against the New York Knicks (19-22) at Target Center. The game will air on MSG Network at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, January 12, 2018.
New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Prediction
The Knicks are trying to rebound after their 122-119 loss to the Chicago Bulls in their last outing. Converting at the free throw line was one of Chicago’s biggest strengths. They were 17-20 (85.0 percent), while the Knicks were just 13-21 (61.9 percent). Michael Beasley was New York’s leading scorer with 26 points on 10-for-22 shooting.
In the Timberwolves’ last matchup, they were victorious over the Oklahoma City Thunder, 104-88. The Timberwolves forced 19 turnovers and held the Thunder to an effective field goal percentage of 0.443 (below their season average of 0.514). Jimmy Butler led Minnesota in scoring with 26 points on 7-for-13 shooting.
Minnesota should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Minnesota ranks second in the NBA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.6 percent), while New York forces the ninth-fewest turnovers (13.6 percent). Additionally, the Knicks, who rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (25.5 percent), will square off against the Timberwolves, who rank 23rd in defensive rebounding percentage (76.5 percent).
New York comes into the contest with records of 19-22 straight up (SU) and 22-19 against the spread (ATS). Of the Knicks’ 41 games, 21 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Minnesota owns records of 27-16 SU and 20-21-2 ATS. Timberwolves games have finished over the projected point total 48.8 percent of the time.
After the Knicks won both meetings against the Timberwolves last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, New York won 118-114. New York made good use of their 30 trips to the free throw line, making 24 of them (80.0 percent). Minnesota, on the other hand, was 22-24 (91.7 percent).
New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Knicks, ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
New York is 7-11 ATS on the road with 9 unders, 8 overs and 1 push.
Minnesota is 9-12-1 ATS at home with 11 unders, 10 overs and 1 push.
New York is 9-1 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Minnesota is 14-4.
When scoring above 100 points, the Knicks are 18-11 and the Timberwolves are 25-8.
Minnesota ranks third in steals per game (9.0) while New York ranks 24th (7.0).
The Timberwolves average 18.7 points off turnovers per game, which ranks third in the league. The Knicks rank 24th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.4).
New York ranks third in points allowed in the paint per game (40.4) while Minnesota ranks 16th (45.2).
The Timberwolves average 14.1 second chance points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Knicks rank 18th in second chance points allowed per game (12.9).
Minnesota ranks 19th in three pointers allowed per game (29.2) while New York ranks 29th (31.4).
The Timberwolves rank 19th in fast break points per game (10.0) while the Knicks rank 29th (6.6).
New York averages 22.5 assists per game, which ranks 17th in the league. Minnesota ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (23.8).
The Timberwolves are second in the league with 41.2 rebounds allowed per game while the Knicks are fifth with 41.5 rebounds allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, New York is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Minnesota is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Knicks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.0, up from 0.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 105.6 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 94.8 points per game (9.9 below their season average).
