Offense meets defense when the Minnesota Timberwolves (29-18) welcome the Toronto Raptors (31-13) to Target Center. The game can be seen on The Sports Network at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 215.5 points with Minnesota set as a 3-point favorite.
Toronto Raptors at Minnesota Timberwolves Free Prediction
In the Raptors’ last contest, they beat the San Antonio Spurs, 86-83. Toronto held the Spurs to an effective field goal percentage of 0.368 (below their season average of 0.511). San Antonio, on the other hand, did a great job of converting from the free throw line (16-20; 80.0 percent). Toronto was led by DeMar DeRozan, who finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
The Timberwolves got blown out by the Houston Rockets in their last contest, 116-98. Houston’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Minnesota. The Rockets had a rate of 25.6 (above their season average of 22.6), while the Timberwolves posted a mark of 19.0 (below their season average of 25.0). With 22 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks, Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns had a solid game.
This showdown pits one of the NBA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Minnesota ranks third in offensive efficiency and Toronto is third in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Raptors rank fourth in turnover percentage (12.9 percent), while the Timberwolves rank first in opponents’ turnover percentage (15.8 percent).
Toronto heads into the game with records of 31-13 straight up (SU) and 24-19 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Raptors games, with 23 overs compared to 20 unders.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is 29-18 SU and 22-23-2 ATS. Just over half of Timberwolves games have finished over the projected point total.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Timberwolves won the last matchup 112-109. The Timberwolves made 27 of their 30 free throws (90.0 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (7.9 vs. 12.9).
Toronto Raptors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Raptors, ATS Winner – Raptors, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Toronto is 13-11 ATS on the road with 13 overs and 11 unders.
Minnesota is 11-12-1 ATS at home with 12 overs, 11 unders and 1 push.
Minnesota and Toronto are both 14-4 when they hold opponents under 100 points.
The Raptors are 28-7 when they score more than 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 27-9.
Toronto ranks fifth in three pointers attempted per game (31.8) while Minnesota ranks 29th (22.6).
The Raptors rank second in blocks per game (5.9) while the Timberwolves rank 23rd (4.3).
Minnesota ranks third in second chance points per game (14.3) while Toronto ranks 24th in second chance points allowed per game (13.6).
The Timberwolves average 48.0 points in the paint per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Raptors rank 22nd in points allowed in the paint per game (45.9).
Toronto ranks eighth in fast break points per game (13.6) while Minnesota ranks 19th in fast break points allowed per game (12.3).
The Raptors rank first in points off turnovers per game (19.0) while the Timberwolves rank 11th in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.6).
Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while Toronto ranks 10th (7.4).
The Raptors average 22.6 assists per game, which ranks 13th in the league. The Timberwolves rank 21st in assists allowed per game (23.7).
Minnesota ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (41.3) while Toronto ranks 11th (42.5).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Toronto is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Minnesota is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Raptors’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.8, down from 7.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 108.4 points per game (0.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 104.6 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
