Offense meets defense when the Minnesota Timberwolves (44-33) welcome the Utah Jazz (43-33) to Target Center. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 1, 2018.
Utah Jazz vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Prediction
The last time the Jazz played, they topped the Memphis Grizzlies, 107-97. The Jazz had a better free throw rate (0.203 vs. 0.123) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.622 (above their season average of 0.522). Utah rallied around Joe Ingles, who had 17 points, 10 assists and five rebounds.
The Timberwolves won a close one over the Dallas Mavericks in their last outing, 93-92. Making free throws was one of Minnesota’s largest strengths. They were 15-17 (88.2 percent), while the Mavericks were just 5-7 (71.4 percent). With 21 points and 20 rebounds, Karl-Anthony Towns put together a good outing for Minnesota.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the prolific offense of Minnesota (fourth in the league with an offensive efficiency of 111.8) takes on the elite defense of Utah (second in the league with a defensive efficiency of 102.5).
Utah comes into the game with records of 43-33 straight up (SU) and 39-37 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Jazz’s games have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Minnesota is 44-33 SU and 34-40-3 ATS. Vegas has a tendency to set the total low when the Timberwolves are involved, as 43 of their 76 games have finished over the total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Donovan Mitchell (25.6 points, 4.6 assists and 2.2 steals) has been stellar for the Jazz while Towns (28.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.8 blocks) has made great contributions to the Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves have won two out of three against the Jazz this season, but fell short the last time these two teams met, 116-108. Minnesota covered as an 8-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 224 points, which was 15 points above the projected point total of 209 points. Utah won the rebounding battle. The Jazz had more offensive rebounds (11 vs. two), defensive rebounds (34 vs. 25) and total rebounds (45 vs. 27). Rudy Gobert put up a double-double in the victory with 26 points and 16 rebounds.
Utah Jazz vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah is 19-19 ATS on the road with 21 overs, 16 unders and 1 push.
Minnesota is 19-18-1 ATS at home with 22 overs, 15 unders and 1 push.
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Utah is 30-7 and Minnesota is 17-4.
When scoring above 100 points, the Timberwolves are 41-22 and the Jazz are 34-12.
Minnesota ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while Utah ranks 23rd (8.3).
The Jazz rank first in assists allowed per game (20.0) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd (24.1).
Utah ranks second in fast break points allowed per game (9.8) while Minnesota ranks 22nd (13.1).
The Jazz rank first in points allowed in the paint per game (41.6) while the Timberwolves rank 19th (45.7).
Utah ranks 13th in three pointers attempted per game (29.5) while Minnesota ranks last (22.4).
The Jazz rank second in second chance points allowed per game (10.8) while the Timberwolves rank 19th (12.9).
Minnesota averages 17.5 points off turnovers per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Utah ranks 17th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.5).
The Timberwolves are second in the NBA with 41.6 rebounds allowed per game while the Jazz are third with 41.8 rebounds allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Utah is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Jazz’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.8, up from 3.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 105.6 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.2 points per game (1.3 below their season average).
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