The Dallas Mavericks (0-1), 2.5-point underdogs, get their home schedule started at American Airlines Center against the Minnesota Timberwolves (1-1). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 216 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports North Plus at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 20, 2018.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks Betting Odds
The last time the Timberwolves played, they covered the 2.5-point spread against the Cleveland Cavaliers, 131-123. The Mavericks, on the other hand, were dismantled by the Phoenix Suns, 121-100, and failed to cover as 2.5-point underdogs. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Minnesota game went 42 points over the projected point total of 212, while the Dallas game went 8.5 points over the projected point total of 212.5.
Minnesota dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.379 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.563. Cleveland recorded marks of 0.269 and 0.527, respectively, for those same stats. Dallas, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (8.5 vs. 11.1). Dallas received a boost from DeAndre Jordan, who put up 11 points and 12 rebounds. Jimmy Butler, meanwhile was a key piece for Minnesota with 33 points and seven rebounds.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Dallas ranks 26th in possessions per game (97.7) and Minnesota is 22nd (98.2) since the 2017-18 season.
The Timberwolves are 48-36 straight up (SU) since last season, but are just 37-46 against the spread (ATS). Games involving Minnesota have had a tendency to finish over the O/U total since last season (53.0 percent).
Meanwhile, the Mavericks, are 24-59 SU and 43-39-1 ATS since last season. Dallas’ games have had a tendency to go under the projected point total over that same stretch (56.6 percent).
The Timberwolves dominated this series last year, winning all four games. In the most recent contest, Minnesota won 93-92. Minnesota did a terrific job of making free throws (15-17; 88.2 percent). Dallas, meanwhile, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.506 vs. 0.470).
Minnesota Timberwolves at Dallas Mavericks Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Timberwolves rank 24th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Mavericks rank 29th (3.8).
- Dallas ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (32.8) while Minnesota ranks last (22.4).
- The Timberwolves rank seventh in points off turnovers per game (17.1) while the Mavericks rank 28th (14.6).
- Minnesota ranks eighth in second chance points per game (13.3) while Dallas ranks 29th (10.4).
- Minnesota ranks 20th in fast break points allowed per game (12.6) while Dallas ranks 26th (14.3).
- The Timberwolves rank fourth in points in the paint per game (49.3) while the Mavericks rank last (39.0).
- The Timberwolves rank first in steals allowed per game (6.4) while the Mavericks rank eighth (7.2).
- Dallas averages 22.7 assists per game, which ranks 15th in the league. Minnesota ranks 20th in assists allowed per game (23.8).
- Minnesota ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (42.0) while Dallas ranks 25th (45.7).
- Dallas is 16-13 when they allow less than 100 points, while Minnesota is 19-4.
- When scoring more than 100 points, the Mavericks are 18-29 and the Timberwolves are 46-26.
