The Minnesota Timberwolves (16-11) take on the Philadelphia 76ers (13-13) at Target Center. The game starts at 9:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, and will air on ESPN.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Prediction
In the 76ers’ last contest, they were topped by the New Orleans Pelicans, 131-124. New Orleans’ 0.669 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Philadelphia, who had a mark of 0.505. The Pelicans’ mark was above their season average of 0.545. Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons had a solid game, finishing with 27 points, 10 assists and five rebounds.
The Timberwolves beat the Dallas Mavericks in their last game, 97-92. The Timberwolves made 18 of their 23 free throws (78.3 percent) and held the Mavericks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.3 (below the 23.6 mark opponents have averaged against Minnesota this season). Karl-Anthony Towns was the game’s leading scorer with 28 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
The aggressive Minnesota offense could be living from the free throw line in this showdown. The Timberwolves rank third in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.234, while Philadelphia ranks 28th in FTA rate allowed (0.236). It will also be a showdown of conflicting styles as the up-and-down 76ers rank fourth in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Timberwolves rank 24th.
Philadelphia comes into the contest with records of 13-13 straight up (SU) and 15-11 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been spot on when predicting totals of 76ers games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Meanwhile, Minnesota owns records of 16-11 SU and 11-14-2 ATS. Timberwolves games have a slight tendency to go over the projected point total (48.1 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. J.J. Redick (18.8 points and 3.4 assists) has been stellar for the 76ers while Jimmy Butler (24.6 points, 5.4 assists and 1.8 steals) has made solid contributions to the Timberwolves.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last game, the 76ers won 93-91. The 76ers had a better offensive rebounding percentage (24.0 vs. 20.0) and had a better turnover percentage (14.3 vs. 15.8).
Philadelphia 76ers at Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Philadelphia is 7-6 ATS with 8 overs and 5 unders.
Minnesota is 4-8-1 ATS at home with 7 unders, 5 overs and 1 push.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Minnesota is 8-2 and Philadelphia is 4-0.
The Timberwolves are 14-6 when they reach the century mark, while the 76ers are 12-8.
Minnesota ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while Philadelphia ranks 27th (8.9).
The 76ers rank third in assists per game (25.9) while the Timberwolves rank 24th in assists allowed per game (24.2).
Minnesota averages 14.6 second chance points per game, which ranks third in the NBA. Philadelphia ranks 22nd in second chance points allowed per game (13.2).
The 76ers rank first in rebounds per game (48.7) while the Timberwolves rank 19th (42.3).
Philadelphia ranks 11th in blocks per game (5.0) while Minnesota ranks 28th (3.5).
The 76ers rank fifth in points in the paint per game (47.5) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd in points allowed in the paint per game (45.8).
Minnesota ranks 10th in points off turnovers per game (17.9) while Philadelphia ranks 25th (15.7).
The 76ers rank 16th in three pointers attempted per game (29.7) while the Timberwolves rank 28th (22.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Minnesota is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The 76ers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.2, up from 0.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 104.2 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 102.2 points per game (4.1 below their season average).
