The Minnesota Timberwolves (42-31) and their outstanding offense head to Philadelphia as 6-point underdogs to play the 76ers (41-30) and their exceptional defense. The games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 222 points and action begins at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 24, 2018.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Philadelphia 76ers ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The 76ers dismantled the Orlando Magic 118-98, while the Timberwolves defeated the New York Knicks 108-104.
The Timberwolves made 28 of their 32 free throws (87.5 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.533 (above their season average of 0.527). Philadelphia, meanwhile, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (below their season average of 25.6) and a free throw rate of 0.213 (above their season average of 0.205). Orlando recorded marks of 13.5 and 0.154, respectively, for those same stats. Ben Simmons had a solid performance for Philadelphia, putting up six points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Minnesota, meanwhile, was lifted by Karl-Anthony Towns, who finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds.
The offensive glass could be a major edge for Philadelphia in this matchup. The 76ers currently rank third in offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 percent), while Minnesota ranks 28th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.0 percent). Furthermore, the Timberwolves third-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 112.3) will go head-to-head against the 76ers fourth-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 103.6).
Vegas tends to place the total low when the Timberwolves are involved, as 56.9 percent of their games have finished over the total. Minnesota holds records of 42-31 straight up (SU) and 33-36-3 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the total of 76ers games, with 36 overs compared to 35 unders. Moreover, Philadelphia is 41-30 SU and 40-31 ATS.
The Timberwolves Jeff Teague has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 16.4 points, 9.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Simmons has averaged 13.6 points, 11.6 assists, 10.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals during that same time frame for the 76ers.
In their first matchup this season, Joel Embiid led the 76ers to a 118-112 win. He recorded a double-double with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Philadelphia covered as a 5-point underdog and the two teams combined for 230 points, which was well over the projected point total of 215. Philadelphia did a great job of getting and making free throws (27-32; 84.4 percent). Minnesota, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (7.7 vs. 20.3).
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Philadelphia 76ers Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – 76ers, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The 76ers rank 14th in three pointers attempted per game (29.4) while the Timberwolves rank last (22.2).
- Minnesota ranks second in steals allowed per game (6.4) while Philadelphia ranks last (8.8).
- The 76ers rank first in points allowed in the paint per game (41.7) while the Timberwolves rank 20th (45.8).
- Philadelphia ranks fourth in second chance points per game (13.6) while Minnesota ranks 22nd in second chance points allowed per game (13.0).
- Philadelphia averages 26.2 assists per game, which ranks third in the NBA. Minnesota ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (24.0).
- The Timberwolves rank sixth in points off turnovers per game (17.6) while the 76ers rank last in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.0).
- The 76ers rank fifth in fast break points allowed per game (10.3) while the Timberwolves rank 23rd (13.0).
- Philadelphia ranks first in rebounds per game (46.8) while Minnesota ranks 23rd (41.8).
- Minnesota is 16-4 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Philadelphia is 18-0.
- When reaching the century mark, the 76ers are 38-18 and the Timberwolves are 40-21.
- Minnesota is 15-19-2 ATS on the road, while Philadelphia is 22-11 ATS at home.
- The Timberwolves have 20 overs and 16 unders in 36 road games.
- The 76ers have 18 unders and 15 overs in 33 home games.
Betting Trends:
- In their last five games, Minnesota and Philadelphia are both 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Timberwolves have been outscored by an average of 0.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 2.4 points.
- During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 116.6 points per game (8.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 104.6 points per game (0.9 below their season average).
