The Minnesota Timberwolves (13-9) visit Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder (8-12) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against exceptional defense. The game can be seen on NBATV at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 1, 2017.
Oklahoma City is a 5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 211 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder Free Prediction
The Timberwolves will be hoping for similar success after thoroughly outplaying the New Orleans Pelicans in their last outing, 120-102. The Timberwolves knocked down 17 of their 19 free throws (89.5 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 25.8). With 28 points on 10-for-18 shooting, Andrew Wiggins was the top scorer from either team.
The last time the Thunder played, they fell to the Orlando Magic, 121-108. Orlando couldn’t miss, shooting 59.2 percent from the field. Oklahoma City, on the other hand, had a field goal percentage of 39.6. Russell Westbrook had a solid game for Oklahoma City, leading the team in scoring with 37 points on 11-for-23 shooting.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams face off. Oklahoma City currently ranks 21st in possessions per game (98.9) and Minnesota is 23rd (98.7). Additionally, the Timberwolves rank fifth in offensive efficiency (109.2), while the Thunder rank third in defensive efficiency (101.1).
Minnesota comes into the game with records of 13-9 straight up (SU) and 9-11-2 against the spread (ATS). There does not appear to be a trend for games involving the Timberwolves in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City owns records of 8-12 SU and 7-12-1 ATS. Of the Thunder’s 20 games, 13 have finished under the total.
Westbrook has averaged 25.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 10.0 assists and 2.2 steals over the last five games for Oklahoma City.
The Timberwolves have emerged victorious in both contests against the Thunder this year, including a close 119-116 victory the last time these teams met. Minnesota covered as a 2-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 235 points, which was 17 points above the projected point total of 218 points. Minnesota out-rebounded Oklahoma City. The Timberwolves had 17 offensive rebounds and 44 total rebounds, while the Thunder had 11 and 35, respectively. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 33 points and 19 rebounds.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Timberwolves, ATS Winner – Timberwolves, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Minnesota is 5-5-1 ATS on the road with 6 overs and 5 unders.
At home, Oklahoma City is 5-3-1 ATS with 6 unders and 3 overs.
Minnesota is 7-1 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Oklahoma City is 7-4.
The Timberwolves are 12-5 when they reach 100 points, while the Thunder are 7-5.
Minnesota ranks sixth in points in the paint per game (47.2) while Oklahoma City ranks 27th (39.6).
The Thunder average 21.2 points off turnovers per game, which ranks first in the league. The Timberwolves rank 22nd in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.2).
Oklahoma City averages 13.8 fast break points per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Minnesota ranks 27th in fast break points allowed per game (13.6).
The Thunder rank ninth in three pointers attempted per game (31.2) while the Timberwolves rank 29th (23.0).
Oklahoma City ranks 12th in blocks per game (4.9) while Minnesota ranks 25th (3.5).
The Thunder rank fifth in second chance points per game (13.9) while the Timberwolves rank 13th in second chance points allowed per game (11.6).
Minnesota ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (40.9) while Oklahoma City ranks 11th (42.8).
The Timberwolves rank fifth in steals allowed per game (7.1) while the Thunder rank 12th (7.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Minnesota is 1-3-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Oklahoma City is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Timberwolves’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.0, up from 0.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Thunder have scored an average of 100.4 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 104.4 points per game (5.2 above their season average).
