Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs Betting Prediction

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The leagues top scoring defense will be 4-point favorites at home in AT&T Center, when the San Antonio Spurs (39-30) square off against the Minnesota Timberwolves (40-29). The games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 211.5 points and it will air on NBATV at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs ATS Odds

Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Spurs defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 98-93, while the Timberwolves beat the Washington Wizards 116-111.

The Timberwolves had 10 steals and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.569 (above their season average of 0.525). The Spurs, meanwhile, had 10 steals and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.8 (above their season average of 23.1). Dejounte Murray played well for San Antonio with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns played well for Minnesota, recording 37 points and 10 rebounds.

Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams battle. San Antonio currently ranks 29th in possessions per game (96.8) and Minnesota is 23rd (98.0). Furthermore, the Timberwolves rank third in offensive efficiency (112.1), while the Spurs rank third in defensive efficiency (102.6).

Of the Timberwolves 69 games, 38 have finished over the total. Minnesota comes into the contest with records of 40-29 straight up (SU) and 32-34-3 against the spread (ATS).

Contrary to Minnesota, games including the Spurs tend to go under the O/U total (55.1 percent). Moreover, San Antonio owns records of 39-30 SU and 34-31-4 ATS.

Nemanja Bjelica has been playing at a high level as of late for Minnesota, averaging 14.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals over the last five games.

The Timberwolves won the most recent matchup by 12 points to even the season series at one. Towns put up a double-double in the victory with 26 points and 16 rebounds. Minnesota had a much better turnover percentage (6.0 vs. 15.7). San Antonio, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of making free throws (13-15; 86.7 percent). The two teams combined to score 184 points, which was well under the projected point total of 208.5, and Minnesota covered as a 5-point favorite.

Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs Odds Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Spurs, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • The Spurs rank 22nd in fast break points per game (10.1) while the Timberwolves rank 26th (9.6).
  • San Antonio ranks fourth in blocks per game (5.6) while Minnesota ranks 23rd (4.3).
  • The Timberwolves rank fifth in steals per game (8.5) while the Spurs rank 19th (7.5).
  • Minnesota ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (41.7) while San Antonio ranks 15th (42.8).
  • San Antonio averages 22.9 assists per game, which ranks 12th in the league. Minnesota ranks 19th in assists allowed per game (23.8).
  • The Timberwolves rank fifth in points in the paint per game (48.9) while the Spurs rank 21st (43.4).
  • The Timberwolves average 13.9 second chance points per game, which ranks third in the league. The Spurs rank 13th in second chance points allowed per game (12.1).
  • San Antonio ranks 27th in three pointers attempted per game (24.3) while Minnesota ranks 29th (22.3).
  • Minnesota ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.0) while San Antonio ranks 20th (16.2).
  • Minnesota is 16-4 when they allow below 100 points, while San Antonio is 27-10.
  • The Timberwolves are 38-19 when they score more than 100 points, while the Spurs are 31-10.
  • San Antonio is 19-13-1 ATS at home, while Minnesota is 15-18-2 ATS on the road.
  • The total has gone over in 17 of the Spurs 33 home games, while 19 of the Timberwolves 35 road games have gone over.

Betting Trends:

  • The Spurs are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Timberwolves are 2-3.
  • In their last five games, San Antonio has 5 unders, while Minnesota has 3 overs and 2 unders.
  • The Spurs average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 2.9 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Timberwolves have scored an average of 108.2 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 111.0 points per game (3.8 above their season average).