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Timberwolves Look to Make Blazers Second Straight Victim

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NBA online betting action is back in full swing after the All Star break, and Saturday night has plenty of games on which to wager.  Let’s break down the Trail Blazers-Timberwolves game set to tip-off at 8 p.m. EST.

Portland is currently -4.5 point favorites, with an over/under set at 233 in our NBA odds.

Portland Trail Blazers
Kim Klement - Pool/Getty Images/AFP

Trail Blazers

Portland is n the thick of it once again in a loaded Western Conference, at 21-15 — good for sixth place.

The team is led by All-Star Damian Lillard, who has been red-hot the last few months en route to a 29.8 points per game average.

With fellow guard CJ McCollum out due to injury, Gary Trent has stepped up, averaging 15.3 points per game and shooting 40% from three.

Portland lost its first game back from the break to Phoenix on Thursday, 127-121.

The Suns have been one of the best teams in basketball, and Portland couldn’t keep up with Devin Booker (35 points).

Lillard tried — scoring 30 of his own, and was aided by center Enes Kanter’s 16 points and 11 boards.

On the season, Portland is 19-17 against the spread and 20-16 against the overs.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota has had another disappointing season, which finds it in the basement of the Western Conference at 8-29.

Things did start well for the Timberwolves in their first game back, downing the New Orleans Pelicans 135-105 and snapping a nine-game losing streak.

Rookie Anthony Edwards was the highest-scoring starter, dropping 27 on 10-of-22 shooting, tacking on three steals in the effort. It was guard Jaylen Nowell who stole the show. He finished with 28 points off the bench on 11-of-13 from the field. 

The bench in general thrived, with forward Jaden McDaniels chipping in 20, and all four main bench players having a +/- mark over +22.

The Timberwolves are led by center Karl-Anthony Towns, averaging 21.6 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game, 3.8 assists, and nearly two blocks.

The supporting cast is led by Edwards, averaging 15 points per game. Malik Beasley is also averaging 20 points per game but is currently suspended, and D’Angelo Russell too is near that mark, but currently injured.

Minnesota is 15-21-1 against the spread this season and 19-18 against the over.

Betting Pick 

When studying how these teams match up, there’s reason to believe it will be a high-scoring affair.

The Timberwolves should find ways to score. They lead the NBA in pace, while Portland’s defense is a bottom-five unit. 

Minnesota’s defense is also a bottom-five unit. It will be tasked with shutting down Portland’s offense, which has been humming and is in the top-ten of many major statistical team categories.

With advantages for both offenses, the preferred pick here is the over, currently set at 233 points.

Adding to the appeal of the over is Portland lacking a physical center to slow down Towns. And Minnesota lacks a guard who can match up on Lillard. Both stars should shine bright.

For the game, give me Portland to win and cover the spread. The Timberwolves’ offense is not efficient and should have trouble keeping up with the Trail Blazers scoring output. Portland is currently 11th in the NBA in points per game, at 114.7. Meanwhile Minnesota is the third-most generous defense, allowing an average of 116.7 per game.

Remember, Minnesota is last in the West, while Portland is right in the middle of the playoff race. If you’re betting on this game, stick with the Trail Blazers in this one.

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