The Minnesota Timberwolves (44-21) continue a six-game road trip by facing the LA Clippers (41-22). Minnesota – without Karl-Anthony Towns as he recovers from a torn meniscus – has struggled of late, losing its last two games against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Sometimes staying in Los Angeles for several days like the Timberwolves do is a bad sign for teams, but, given their health, having some rest could help them in terms of Timberwolves vs Clippers betting.
Tyronn Lue’s team has just lost 124-117 against Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, a game in which Paul George and Kawhi Leonard did not play because it was the second half of a back-to-back game. Still, the Clippers fought hard with Milwaukee as Los Angeles got big performances from Norman Powell, Terance Mann and Amir Coffey.
They should have George and Leonard back tonight and they will be needed against Anthony Edwards who will likely light up the game. NBA scores today.
LA won the last meeting, a typically weak affair 89-88 in Southern California. Expect there to be a lot more scoring today. THE Timberwolves vs Clippers betting lines having the Clippers as comfortable 6.5 point favorites with a total of 215 points. The Clippers are -255 on the moneyline. How to bet on this game? Let’s break it down.
Injuries galore
This is a crucial game for the Western Conference standings, as Los Angeles Clippers are just two games behind the Timberwolves for the No. 3 seed. Additionally, with Minnesota currently leading the season series 2-1, tonight’s game could either give Minnesota a three-game lead and give the Timberwolves the tiebreaker against Los Angeles, or close the gap to one game and tie the season series.
The three previous meetings between these teams this season have failed, which is of note for tonight’s match. Granted, NBA Injuries didn’t affect these games as much as tonight’s.
Towns is out for the Timberwolves and Russell Westbrook (fractured left hand) is out for the Clippers. Also, Rudy Gobert (hamstring) missed the Timberwolves’ last game against the Lakers, and he is questionable tonight.
Considering how the Lakers’ Anthony Davis had a thermonuclear game on Sunday with Naz Reid and Luka Garza being Minnesota’s only bigs – he had 27 points, 25 rebounds, 5 assists, 7 steals and three blocks – could mean the underlying trend is in danger. Look for Ivica Zubac, Daniel Theis and Mason Plumlee to treat you if Gobert is out.
If he plays, the unders look great. It helps that the score is 25-36-2 in Clippers games this season, thanks to Los Angeles’ improved defense from last year. Also, Minnesota Timberwolves is first in defensive rating, but that is largely due to the presence of Gobert.
Leonard and George together means trouble
There was never any doubt about the Clippers’ talent, especially after James Harden fit in so well following his trade with Philadelphia 76ers. The question is whether everyone can be healthy at the same time.
So far, the three main players have managed to stay mostly on the court and, at least when Leonard and George play together, the results have been excellent.
The Clippers are 32-17 when playing together this season and, at the moment, it looks like they will each be available tonight. This is one of the main reasons why the Timberwolves vs. Clippers betting lines are so one-sided in Los Angeles’ favor.
Both Leonard and George are listed as questionable on the injury report, but that’s something the Clippers typically do after players miss the previous game. They should be ready to play as Leonard and George missed Sunday’s game due to back-to-back rest in the second half.
Minnesota is – as a whole – well equipped to defend a team like the Clippers. However, without Towns and Gobert, it is very difficult for them to stop NBA teams to get into the paint and score at will. Add in Los Angeles’ 38.7% shooting from three (second best in the NBA), and the Timberwolves will be stretched thin on defense trying to stop all of Los Angeles’ talent.
Edwards needs to be more efficient
If the Timberwolves want to have a chance in this one so they can solidify their place in the NBA Fconference isnce rankingthey’ll need Edwards to get his game back. He’s really struggled with his effectiveness in Minnesota’s last two losses, as he’s had to shoulder an increased offensive burden in Towns’ absence.
Against the the Los Angeles Lakershe ended up having a good game overall, but shot just 10 of 23 from the field and 2 of 9 from three and was even worse against Cleveland (7 of 27 from the field and 0 of 7 from field). three).
Edwards will always be a high-volume shooter, but part of what has made him a superstar is his improved ability to make sound shooting decisions. He also refined his perimeter shot to make it more consistent.
The key for him here is realizing that while he has to run the offense, he also has to engage the supporting players around him.
His playing ability has improved each year in the league, but he can slip back into bad habits when things aren’t going well. You can’t do that against a disciplined and talented Clippers team.
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