The Minnesota Timberwolves (15-35) and the Los Angeles Clippers (36-15) face off at Target Center. The Timberwolves will try to put an end to their 13-game losing streak. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020, and will air on FSN Prime Ticket.
Los Angeles Clippers at Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Odds
The last time the Clippers played, they easily covered the 6.5-point spread against the Miami Heat, 128-111. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were topped by the Atlanta Hawks, 127-120, and failed to cover as 4.5-point underdogs. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Los Angeles game finished 14.5 points over the projected point total of 224.5, while the Minnesota game finished 8 points over the projected point total of 239.
Los Angeles’ effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Miami. The Clippers had a rate of 0.640 (above their season average of 0.526), while the Heat posted a mark of 0.516. Minnesota, meanwhile, forced Atlanta into a turnover percentage of 16.6 (above the 12.7 mark opponents have averaged against Minnesota this season). Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns had a good game, contributing 21 points and 11 rebounds. Paul George was a key piece for Los Angeles with 23 points, 10 assists and five rebounds.
In their two matchups this year, the Clippers have won both. The two teams combined for 224 points in their most recent game, which was under the projected point total of 230. Los Angeles won 118-106, covering as a 10-point favorite. Los Angeles won the rebounding battle. The Clippers had more offensive rebounds (12 vs. 6) and total rebounds (50 vs. 44). Towns recorded a double-double in the loss, with 32 points and 12 rebounds.
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Clippers games, with 28 unders compared to 23 overs. Los Angeles comes into the game with records of 36-15 straight up (SU) and 27-23-1 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Los Angeles, Timberwolves games have finished over the O/U total 54.0 percent of the time. Additionally, Minnesota is 15-35 SU and 17-31-2 ATS.
The offense of Minnesota will go head-to-head against the stingy defense of Los Angeles. The Timberwolves rank 23rd in offensive efficiency, while the Clippers are sixth in defensive efficiency. The Clippers figure to have the edge on that side of the ball. Also, the Clippers, who rank third in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.229), could earn plenty of trips to the line against the Timberwolves, who rank 27th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.220).
Los Angeles Clippers at Minnesota Timberwolves Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Clippers, ATS Winner – Clippers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Clippers rank 10th in points in the paint per game (49.0) while the Timberwolves rank 20th in points allowed in the paint per game (49.1).
- Los Angeles averages 48.2 rebounds per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 29th in rebounds allowed per game (47.5).
- The Clippers average 17.8 points off turnovers per game, which ranks eighth in the league. The Timberwolves rank 25th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.8).
- Los Angeles ranks 12th in fast break points per game (13.9) while Minnesota ranks 27th (10.2).
- Los Angeles averages 14.5 second chance points per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Minnesota ranks 18th in second chance points allowed per game (13.4).
- The Timberwolves average 39.4 three pointers per game, which ranks third in the league. The Clippers rank 27th in three pointers allowed per game (35.4).
- The Clippers average 5.0 blocks per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. The Timberwolves rank 26th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
- Minnesota ranks third in steals per game (8.6) while Los Angeles ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (8.1).
- Minnesota is 2-1 when they allow below 100 points, while Los Angeles is 13-0.
- The Clippers are 34-10 when they score over 100 points, while the Timberwolves are 14-28.
- Los Angeles is 12-12 ATS on the road, while Minnesota is 5-19-1 ATS at home.
- Of the Clippers’ 24 road games, they have 14 unders and 10 overs.
- The Timberwolves have 13 overs and 12 unders in 25 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Los Angeles and Minnesota have both had 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Clippers are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 0-5.
- During their last five games, the Clippers have scored an average of 113.8 points per game (1.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 108.6 points per game (0.9 below their season average).
- The Timberwolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 7.2, up from 3.9 for the season.
