Timberwolves vs. Blazers Prediction
Saturday’s NBA schedule closes out with a an intriguing game of Western Conference contenders as the Portland Trail Blazers host the Minnesota Timberwolves at 10PM ET. Which team has the edge tonight?
713 Los Angeles Lakers at 714 Memphis Grizzlies
Saturday, December 8, 2018
10PM ET – Moda Center
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NBA Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Blazers are the slight favorite at home, as they are getting odds of -2 points against the T’Wolves. The over/under total for the contest is set at 218 points. The public betting currently has 77 percent going on Portland at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Minnesota finding its stride
The Timberwolves have won six of their last seven games following a 121-104 win over Charlotte on Wednesday. They have also covered the spread in six of their last seven. Minnesota is 13-12 overall, 2-8 on the road, 14-11 against the spread and 16-9 with the under.
Minnesota is near the middle of the road on offense and defense. The Timberwolves are averaging 110.0 points per game on offense while shooting just 44.6 percent from the field. Defensively, the Timberwolves are giving up 109.5 points per game while opponents shoot 45 percent from the field. Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 21.3 points and 12 rebounds per game to lead the team this season while Derrick Rose is adding 18.3 points and 4.3 assists per contest.
Blazers end skid
Portland ended a three-game losing streak on Thursday night with a 108-86 win over Phoenix. The Blazers are just 1-8 against the spread in their last nine games. Portland is now 14-11 overall, 9-4 at home, 12-13 against the spread and 14-11 with the over.
The Blazers are averaging 112.3 points per game on offense this year and they rank second in the NBA in rebounding, pulling down 49.4 per game. Defensively, Portland is allowing 110.6 points per game while opponents shoot 45.4 percent from the field and 36.9 percent from the arc. Damian Lillard is leading the team with 27.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. CJ McCollum is putting up 21.3 points per game. He is dealing with an ankle injury, but is probable to play tonight.
NBA Betting Trends
Minnesota
The Timberwolves are now just 11-24 against the spread in their last 35 road games and just 1-5 ATS in their last six road games against a team with a winning home record.
Portland
The Blazers are 25-10 against the spread in their last 35 home games and 18-8-1 ATS in their last 27 games against Northwest opponents.
Prediction:
Portland has been struggling, but the home team has dominated this series. The home team has won nine straight meetings and covered the spread in five straight. Portland also is 8-2 against the spread in its last 10 in this series. The Timberwolves have struggled on the road most of the season. Even this recent surge, the road wins have been over the Cavs and the Nets. Portland is certainly much better than both of those teams.
NBA Prediction: Portland Trail Blazers -2