The Minnesota Timberwolves (10-19) head to Golden 1 Center to square off with the Sacramento Kings (12-18). The Timberwolves will try to snap their 11-game losing streak. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 26, 2019, and will air on NBC Sports – California.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Sacramento Kings Betting Odds
Both teams failed to cover as underdogs in their last matchup. The Kings (6-point underdogs) were defeated by the Houston Rockets, 113-104, while the Timberwolves (1-point underdogs) fell to the Golden State Warriors, 113-104. The Sacramento game finished 13 points under the projected point total of 230, while the Minnesota game finished 3.5 points under the projected point total of 220.5.
Minnesota forced Golden State into a turnover percentage of 16.1 (above their season average of 12.5) while Sacramento held Houston to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.6 (below their season average of 24.2). Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox had a solid performance, contributing 31 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Jordan McLaughlin played a pivotal role for Minnesota with 19 points.
This series was highly contested last year. Each won two of the four games played against each other last season. The Timberwolves won the most recent matchup 112-105. Minnesota’s 0.554 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Sacramento, who had a rate of 0.437. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Timberwolves games have typically finished over the O/U total (55.2 percent). Minnesota comes into the contest with records of 10-19 straight up (SU) and 10-17-2 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Minnesota, Kings games have a tendency to go under the O/U total (60.0 percent). Moreover, Sacramento owns records of 12-18 SU and 16-14 ATS.
Contrasting paces will be on display in this showdown. Minnesota has preferred to play fast (third in possessions per game), while Sacramento has been more methodical (29th in possessions per game).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Sacramento Kings Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Timberwolves rank fourth in three pointers attempted per game (38.5) while the Kings rank 13th (34.5).
- Sacramento ranks third in second chance points allowed per game (11.7) while Minnesota ranks 29th (15.1).
- The Timberwolves rank fifth in blocks per game (6.1) while the Kings rank 24th (4.5).
- Sacramento ranks 16th in points off turnovers per game (17.3) while Minnesota ranks 27th (15.1).
- Minnesota ranks 10th in steals per game (8.1) while Sacramento ranks 19th in steals allowed per game (8.1).
- The Timberwolves rank sixth in points in the paint per game (49.6) while the Kings rank last (43.1).
- The Kings rank first in fast break points allowed per game (10.6) while the Timberwolves rank 11th (12.8).
- Sacramento ranks fifth in rebounds allowed per game (42.4) while Minnesota ranks 26th (47.2).
- Sacramento is 6-2 when they allow under 100 points, while Minnesota is 1-0.
- The Kings are 11-12 when they score above 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 10-14.
- Minnesota is 8-7-1 ATS on the road, while Sacramento is 5-7 ATS at home.
- The total has gone under in 8 of the Kings’ 12 home games, while 9 of the Timberwolves’ 16 road games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Timberwolves are 1-3-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Kings are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Minnesota has 4 unders and 1 over, while Sacramento has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Timberwolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.0, up from 4.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Kings have scored an average of 105.2 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 108.0 points per game (0.0 below their season average).
