THE Los Angeles Clippers will assume the Minnesota Timberwolves for the third time this season on Sunday. LA, who are winless in two tries against them, will be hoping to break through and keep the season series alive. The Clippers will look to earn a road win without Russell Westbrook who has been ruled out indefinitely due to a fractured hand.
Minnesota could also be without Anthony Edwards, who is listed on the injury report as questionable due to left ankle soreness. The All-Star guard played just 19 minutes in the Timberwolves’ 124-120 overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings on Friday due to personal reasons. Karl-Anthony Towns will have to carry a bigger offensive burden if “Ant-Man” is inactive.
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The Clippers try to dig themselves out of a mini-slump when they visit the Timberwolves. After an impressive stretch from mid-December to early February, Los Angeles is struggling. Since February 7, Kawhi Leonard and his teammates are just 4-5. They will look to get out of their bad patch against the team with the best record in the Western Conference.
LA Clippers vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
The Timberwolves will host the Clippers on Sunday at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota starting at 3:30 p.m. ET. Bally Sports North and KTLA are the local networks that will cover the game. Streaming is also available by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.
Basketball fans can also listen to SiriusXM, Wolves App/iHeart Radio and AM 570 KLAC/S:KWKW to follow the action.
Money line: Clippers (-120) vs. Timberwolves (+100)
Spread: Clippers (-1.5) vs. Timberwolves (+1.5)
Total (P/U): Clippers (o219.5 -110) vs. Timberwolves (u219.5 -110)
Editor’s note: Odds may change as the game approaches. The odds listed were consistent with information available at the time of writing.
LA Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Game Preview
The LA Clippers’ offense, which had been dominant for more than two months, suddenly stagnated. During their recent little crisis, they struggled to score points. They won against Memphis Grizzlies on February 23, but were only able to collect 101 points in their victory. Against a team riddled with injuries and relying on linebackers, Los Angeles’ star-studded team struggled to score.
The Clippers will face a team that is significantly more powerful on both ends of the court on Sunday. They better get their touch and shooting rhythm back or end up with another loss.
Without Anthony Edwards early in the second half against the Sacramento Kings on Friday, the Minnesota Timberwolves lost in overtime. Cities of Karl-Anthony scored 19 points but made 17 shots and five free throw attempts to get his total. He’ll have to play much better if “Ant-Man” isn’t available. Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley must also step in to help “KAT” carry the team.
LA Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Starting Lineups
SF – Paul Georges, PF – Kawhi Leonard, PG -James Harden and SG – Terance Mann will start for the Clippers. If Ivica Zubac is cleared to play after missing his team’s last game, he will assume the starting role.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker will replace Anthony Edwards if the superstar is unavailable to play. PF -Jaden McDaniels, VS – Rudy Gobert, VS – Karl-Anthony Towns and PG – Mike Conley are the other starters for the Timberwolves.
Editor’s note: These are projected starting lineups, which could change depending on the availability of players uncertain to play.
LA Clippers vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Betting Tips
Anthony Edwards has a prop 27.5 point plus/minus. The two-time All-Star was on fire for the Minnesota Timberwolves before the early exit against the Kings. In his previous four games, he averaged 31.3 points. If he is cleared to play, he could have another important game on Sunday.
Kawhi Leonard gets a prop of 24.5 points over/under. The cornerstone of the LA Clippers franchise has been dazzling in his last two games despite his team’s offensive struggles. He averaged 26.5 points on 51.4% shooting during that span. Minnesota’s defense, however, is elite. The Timberwolves limited him to 18 points in their last meeting. Leonard might struggle to top his scoring prop, especially if Edwards is available.
LA Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Prediction
The absence or presence of Anthony Edwards will play a big role in the outcome of the match between the LA Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. If he’s not there, Los Angeles could win on the road. Otherwise, the Timberwolves will likely defend their home court.
Los Angeles’ struggling offense will have a tough night against Minnesota’s defense. Edwards has become one of the Timberwolves’ best defenders. The Clippers will have the decisive advantage if he is inactive on Sunday.
