The Minnesota Timberwolves (6-3) will be at home in Target Center when they clash with the Charlotte Hornets (5-4). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 216.5 points with Minnesota set as a 5.5-point favorite. Action starts at at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 5, 2017, and it can be seen on Fox Sports Carolina.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Free Preview
In the Hornets’ last outing, they fell to the San Antonio Spurs, 108-101. With 27 points on 10-for-15 shooting, Jeremy Lamb was the game’s high scorer. San Antonio had an effective field goal percentage of 0.524 (above their season average of 0.464). Charlotte, on the other hand, held the Spurs to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.7 (below their season average of 27.6).
In the Timberwolves’ last game, they defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 112-99. With 31 points on 11-for-18 shooting, Karl-Anthony Towns was the top scorer from either team. Minnesota played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.203 (below their season average of 0.240) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.4 (above their season average of 25.1). For those same stats, Dallas was 0.105 and 15.6, respectively.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the league’s top rebounding teams clash. The Timberwolves rank fifth in offensive rebounding percentage (27.1 percent), while Charlotte ranks second in defensive rebounding percentage (79.8 percent) since the 2016-17 season. Moreover, the Hornets rank fourth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.229), while the Timberwolves rank second in opponents’ FTA rate (0.206).
Charlotte games have finished under 55.6 percent of the time, while games featuring Minnesota have finished over 66.7 percent of the time. The Timberwolves have the better straight up (SU) record (6-3 vs. 5-4), but the Hornets hold the substantial advantage against the spread (ATS) (5-4 vs. 3-4-1).
Each team won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the most recent game, the Hornets won 115-108. The Hornets played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.7 and a ridiculous effective field goal percentage of 0.606. For those same stats, the Timberwolves put up marks of 15.5 and 0.511, respectively.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Timberwolves rank sixth in steals per game (8.0) while the Hornets rank 27th (6.8).
- Charlotte ranks fifth in second chance points allowed per game (11.3) while Minnesota ranks 21st (13.4).
- Minnesota ranks eighth in assists per game (23.6) while Charlotte ranks 29th (22.6).
- Charlotte ranks 17th in blocks per game (4.7) while Minnesota ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (5.1).
- Minnesota is 19-7 when they allow below 100 points, while Charlotte is 23-4.
- The Timberwolves are 32-34 when they score above 100 points, while the Hornets are 34-28.
- The Timberwolves rank fourth in points in the paint per game (46.1) while the Hornets rank 22nd (40.1).
- Minnesota ranks third in points off turnovers per game (17.1) while Charlotte ranks 29th (14.8).
- The Hornets rank first in rebounds per game (44.2) while the Timberwolves rank 24th (42.3).
- The Timberwolves rank 12th in three pointers allowed per game (27.0) while the Hornets rank 26th (31.6).
- Charlotte ranks sixth in fast break points allowed per game (12.5) while Minnesota ranks 28th (14.1).
