Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers ATS Prediction 12/08/19

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The Minnesota Timberwolves (10-11) will have their chance to upend the league’s top team when they square off with the Los Angeles Lakers (20-3) at the Staples Center. The game begins at 9:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 8, 2019.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds

The Lakers hope to maintain momentum after comfortably covering the 4.5-point spread against the Portland Trail Blazers in their last contest, 136-113. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 139-127, and were unable to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Los Angeles game went 24 points over the projected point total of 225, while the Minnesota game went 49 points over the projected point total of 217.

Los Angeles played a nearly flawless contest. They had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.641 (above their season average of 0.543) and a free throw rate of 0.318 (above their season average of 0.183). For those same stats, Portland recorded marks of 0.512 and 0.291, respectively. Minnesota, meanwhile, had an effective field goal percentage of 0.589 (above their season average of 0.507). Los Angeles’ Anthony Davis had a good game, putting up 39 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns fueled Minnesota with 30 points, eight assists and five rebounds.

The Timberwolves held the advantage in this series last year, taking three out of four games. In the last game, Minnesota won 120-105. Minnesota was effective at getting and making free throws. The Timberwolves made 22 of their 25 free throws (88.0 percent), while the Lakers were just 9-14 (64.3 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

Timberwolves matchups have a tendency to go over the total (57.1 percent). Minnesota comes into the game with records of 10-11 straight up (SU) and 9-11-1 against the spread (ATS).

Contrary to Minnesota, Lakers games have typically gone under the total (56.5 percent). Moreover, Los Angeles owns records of 20-3 SU and 14-9 ATS.

Los Angeles could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they go head-to-head against one of the NBA’s worst offenses. The Lakers currently rank fourth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.497), while Minnesota is 23rd in effective field goal percentage (0.511).

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers Pick

Free Pick: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Lakers rank fourth in assists per game (26.4) while the Timberwolves rank 17th (23.7).
  • Los Angeles ranks second in second chance points per game (15.4). Minnesota ranks 27th in second chance points allowed per game (14.8).
  • The Timberwolves rank fourth in three pointers attempted per game (39.2) while the Lakers rank 24th (30.0).
  • Los Angeles ranks first in blocks allowed per game (3.3) while Minnesota ranks 19th (5.5).
  • Los Angeles ranks fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.6) while Minnesota ranks 19th (49.4).
  • The Lakers rank third in fast break points per game (17.8) while the Timberwolves rank 28th (9.7).
  • The Lakers rank seventh in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while the Timberwolves rank 25th (15.5).
  • Minnesota ranks eighth in steals per game (8.2) while Los Angeles ranks 20th in steals allowed per game (8.1).
  • Los Angeles ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (42.1) while Minnesota ranks 25th (47.4).
  • Los Angeles is 8-0 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Minnesota is 1-0.
  • In games where they score over 100 points, the Timberwolves are 10-7 and the Lakers are 17-3.
  • Minnesota is 7-4 ATS on the road, while Los Angeles is 7-4 ATS at home.
  • The Timberwolves have 7 overs and 4 unders in 11 road games.
  • The Lakers have 7 unders and 4 overs in 11 home games.

Bettings Trends:

  • The Lakers are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 2-3.
  • In their last five games, Los Angeles has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Minnesota has 3 overs and 2 unders.
  • The Lakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.0, up from 9.6 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 117.2 points per game (2.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 117.8 points per game (1.9 above their season average).