The Los Angeles Clippers travel to the Target Center to battle the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday afternoon. Here’s a Timberwolves vs Clippers Prediction. This article will include a Timberwolves vs Clippers Pick.
Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Clippers have been in great form as they’ve won 11 of their last 15 games overall and they will be eager to keep it going after sneaking past the Kings in a 114-111 road win on Friday. Kawhi Leonard led the team with 31 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, John Collins added 22 points on eight of 12 shooting while Brook Lopez chipped in with 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. As a team, the Clippers shot 52 percent from the field and nine of 21 from the 3-point line as they really struggled for offense to start the game and managed just 17 points in the first quarter. But they slowly worked their way back into the contest before they went on a decisive 21-7 run in the fourth quarter to take an 11-point lead, which was just enough to survive a late rally from the Kings.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been in pretty good form lately as they’ve won five of their last seven games overall. They will be hoping to bounce back here after getting beaten by the Pelicans in a 119-115 loss on Friday. Anthony Edwards led the team with 35 points on 11 of 22 shooting, Julius Randle added 24 points with eight rebounds and seven assists while Bones Hyland chipped in with 20 points off the bench. As a team, the Timberwolves shot 42 percent from the field and 13 of 40 from the 3-point line as they exploded for 38 points in the second quarter to take an early 18-point lead. But they allowed the Pelicans to hang around, and it cost them in the fourth quarter as the Pelicans went on a pivotal 13-2 run to steal the game away at the end.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won each of their last nine Sunday games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Clippers have lost each of their last six games against Northwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games against Northwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in six of their last seven games following a home loss.
Why the Los Angeles Clippers will win
- The Clippers have won each of their last four games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
- The Timberwolves have lost 12 of their last 13 day games following a home loss.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of the last seven games between the Clippers and Timberwolves.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight home games against teams that held a losing record.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last six home games against Pacific Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of the Clippers’ last eight games at Target Center have gone UNDER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Rudy Gobert ranks 1st amongst qualified players for FG% (69.6%) this season.
- Anthony Edwards has scored 25+ points in five consecutive appearances – longest active streak of any player in the league.
Los Angeles Clippers Player Facts
- Kawhi Leonard ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for steals per game (2.0) this season.
- John Collins ranks 1st amongst qualified Centers for 3P% (43.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Timberwolves have used only six different starting fives this season – fewest in the league.
- The Timberwolves rank 2nd in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.9).
- The Clippers rank 30th in the league for assists per game this season (23.5).
- The Clippers rank 1st in the league for free throw percentage this season (83.5%).
Timberwolves vs Clippers Prediction
The Clippers are still missing Isaiah Jackson, Bennedict Mathurin, and Darius Garland, while the Timberwolves are keeping an eye on Julian Phillips, who is questionable for this one. These teams last met on Dec. 6 and it was the Timberwolves who won by 109-106 at home. The line would’ve been much shorter if these teams met just before the Clippers made all their trades, but as it stands, the Timberwolves are heavy favorites at home against a shorthanded Clippers team. They have yet to test out their new players. The line seems high, but I think the Timberwolves come away with the win and cover in this spot.