Orlando Magic at Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Prediction 01/04/19

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The Minnesota Timberwolves (17-21) will be 6-point favorites at home in the Target Center when they clash against the Orlando Magic (17-20). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 212 points and it will air on Fox Sports – North at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, January 4, 2019.

Orlando Magic at Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Odds

In the Magic’s last contest, they had no trouble getting past the Chicago Bulls, 112-84, comfortably covering as 1-point favorites. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, were beaten by the Boston Celtics, 115-102, and were unable to cover as 6-point underdogs. The Orlando game finished 3.5 points under the projected point total of 199.5, while the Minnesota game finished 2 points over the projected point total of 215.

Orlando played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.171 (above their season average of 0.164) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.651 (above their season average of 0.506). For those same stats, Chicago was 0.058 and 0.459, respectively. Minnesota, on the other hand, held Boston to an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.3 (below their season average of 22.6). Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns had a good game, contributing 28 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Nikola Vucevic played a key role for Orlando with 22 points and 12 rebounds.

This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Magic won the last game 108-102. Orlando’s 0.189 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Minnesota, who had a rate of 0.092. This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.

Magic matchups have a tendency to go under the total (59.5 percent). Orlando heads into the game with records of 17-20 straight up (SU) and 19-16-2 against the spread (ATS).

Games including the Timberwolves have no tendency in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Further, Minnesota is 17-21 SU and 19-19 ATS.

Towns has been playing at a high level as of late for Minnesota, averaging 26 points,15.6 rebounds,5.6 assists,3.0 blocks over the last five games.

There’s a decent chance that Orlando struggles to create turnovers. Minnesota ranks third in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.4 percent), while Orlando forces the 18th-most turnovers (13.4 percent).

Orlando Magic at Minnesota Timberwolves Free Pick

NBA Pick: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Magic, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Timberwolves rank 22 in rebounds per game (44) while the Magic rank 25 (42.972972972972975).
  • Minnesota ranks third in steals per game (9.2) while Orlando ranks 26th (6.7).
  • The Magic rank ninth in assists allowed per game (23.3) while the Timberwolves rank 28th (25.8).
  • Minnesota ranks 13th in points in the paint per game (48.8) while Orlando ranks 29th (41.4).
  • Orlando averages 5.513513513513513 blocks per game, which ranks 10 in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 16 in blocks allowed per game (5.184210526315789).
  • The Magic rank fifth in three pointers allowed per game (28.8) while the Timberwolves rank 26th (33.4).
  • The Timberwolves rank 13 in fast break points per game (13.578947368421053) while the Magic rank 27 (9.972972972972974).
  • Orlando ranks fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.6) while Minnesota ranks 24th (14.5).
  • Orlando is 8-2 when they allow below 100 points, while Minnesota is 7-0.
  • In games where they score above 100 points, the Magic are 13-8 and the Timberwolves are 17-15.
  • Minnesota is 11-7 ATS at home, while Orlando is 11-5-2 ATS on the road.
  • Of the Magic’s 18 road games, they have 12 unders and 6 overs.
  • The Timberwolves have 10 overs and 8 unders in 18 home games.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Magic are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 2-3.
  • In their last five games, Orlando has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Minnesota has 5 overs.
  • During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 111.4 points per game (7.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 105.0 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
  • The Timberwolves have outscored opponents by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Minnesota has lost by an average of 0.4 points.