The Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves meet Sunday in NBA action at the Target Center. Here’s a Timberwolves vs. Raptors Prediction. This article will include a Timberwolves vs. Raptors Pick.
Toronto Raptors Betting Preview
The Toronto Raptors beat the Bulls and Wizards, and they play the Magic next. The Raptors have won 9 of their last 14 games.
The Toronto Raptors are averaging 123.5 points on 44.2 percent shooting and allowing 97 points on 34.8 percent shooting. Scottie Barnes is averaging 25.5 points and 10 rebounds, while RJ Barrett is averaging 21.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard is the third double-digit scorer, and Immanuel Quickley is dishing 6.5 assists. The Toronto Raptors are shooting 26.2 percent from beyond the arc and 80.6 percent from the free-throw line. The Toronto Raptors are allowing 21.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 52 rebounds per game.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Heat and Magic, and they play the Cavs next. The Timberwolves have won 5 of their last 6 games.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are averaging 123 points on 44.9 percent shooting and allowing 99.5 points on 46.1 percent shooting. Anthony Edwards is averaging 30 points and 7 rebounds, while LaMelo Ball is averaging 16.5 points and 5.5 assists. Jaden McDaniels is the third double-digit scorer, and Ayo Dosunmu is grabbing 6 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves are shooting 40.2 percent from beyond the arc and 59.3 percent from the free-throw line. The Minnesota Timberwolves are allowing 22.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 56.5 rebounds per game.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won each of their last 12 home openers against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Raptors have lost each of their last 12 games as road underdogs.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as favorites.
- The Raptors have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as road underdogs.
Why the Toronto Raptors will win
- The Timberwolves have lost each of their eight previous games on the first leg of a back-to-back against the Raptors.
- The Raptors have won 14 of their last 22 games as road underdogs against Northwest Division opponents following a win.
- The Raptors have covered the spread in each of their last 11 games as road underdogs against Northwest Division opponents following a win.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight home games against Eastern Conference opponents after winning as underdogs.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last eight games on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Raptors’ last six road games following a road win have gone UNDER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Anthony Edwards ranks 1st amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per game (5.5) this season.
- Ayo Dosunmu ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for assist-to-turnover ratio (12.0) this season.
Toronto Raptors Player Facts
- Kawhi Leonard ranks T1st amongst qualified players for FT% (100.0%) this season.
- Scottie Barnes ranks T1st amongst qualified players for FT% (100.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Timberwolves rank 1st in the league for rebounds per game this season (56.5).
- The Timberwolves rank 1st in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (19.5).
- The Raptors rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+26.5).
- The Raptors rank T1st in the league for steals per game this season (13.5).
Timberwolves vs Raptors Prediction
The Raptors and this defense in the underdog role is appealing, as they’ll be in every game this season. However, the Timberwolves are rolling offensively and have the horses to test these new-look Raptors. It’s also the home opener for these exciting Timberwolves, and you know the crowd will show up to see it. Give me a full bucket or two, and maybe I’d give the Raptors a real look, but just under, I’m going to side with the Timberwolves on their home court.