Denver Nuggets (46-35 SU, 37-41-3 ATS) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (46-35 SU, 36-42-3 ATS)
Time: Wednesday, April 11, 2018 8:05 PM EDT
Where: Target Arena Minneapolis, MN
TV: FSN
by Keith, Professional NBA Handicapper, Predictem
Odds Denver +140, Minnesota -160
Point Spread: Minnesota -3
Total Line: 212
A trip to the NBA playoffs is on the line as the Minnesota Timberwolves host the Denver Nuggets in a critical Western Conference clash set to kick off at the Target Arena in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Wednesday, April 11th, 2018 at 8:05 PM ET. The contest will be aired on FSN live from the Twin Cities. This series has been one of streaks, and the Nuggets defeated the Timberwolves by a margin of four points in the most recent encounter to end a four-game Minnesota winning streak.
Both teams enter off winning streaks as victories are essential for the survival of each teams post-season aspirations. After what appeared to be an epic collapse, the Nuggets have won six straight to avert a collapse and elimination from the playoffs. Minnesota in their own right enter on a two-game winning streak capped off by a win against Memphis in their most recent outing.
From a betting perspective, there are several trends that we have focused on. First off, the Nuggets are 15-25 SU away from the Mile High City. At home, Minnesota is 29-11 SU on the season. Both of these narratives are going to be instrumental in this contest as the element of home court advantage is one that both teams will need to tackle to produce a much-needed win to play on Saturday. Both teams have been cash cows against the spread as they are a combined 5-0 ATS in their last five fixtures.
It is always a popular choice to ride the team with a hot-hand as they are known to become profitable over winning-streaks. This is the case with the Nuggets. Moreover, the Nuggets are a physical team that can go to muzzle to muzzle with any franchise on the boards which makes them a tough team to dispatch in any contest. The Nuggets are a feared team at this point when any opponent is forced to take the floor against them.
The Timberwolves first off will be working with home court advantage here which in itself makes them a popular selection in this market. Moreover, the Wolves have some dynamic playmakers in their ranks, including the likes of Jimmy Butler, Jeff Teague, and Jamal Crawford all of whom were instrumental in contributing to Minnesotas renaissance in the 2017-18 campaign.
From what we have seen in the early going, there has been a lean on the Nuggets by the fact we have seen this market descend by a full point. However, from a consensus perspective, the public seems to be down the middle with how they approach this market. The Under is a popular choice here as 100% of the consensus like the Under in this contest complemented by 90% of the cash action being in on the Under as well.
The fact remains that the must-win angle is one that has been known to destroy many bankrolls in the past. This is the angle that many Denver takers are probably operating with as they place their bets in the contest. Moreover, the stock of the Nuggets is through the ceiling in particular by their recent slew of wins. When you combine this with the feel-good story of Denver not relinquishing their playoff dreams, they are prone to garner a lot of action in this contest. However, Minnesota on paper is the better team, and they do have the privilege of playing this one at home. When you combine these narratives, there is exceptional value here on a short-priced favorite. We’ll go ahead and swallow the points in what will be a decisive Minnesota victory.
KEITHs PICK: Minnesota -3 at 5Dimes to get the best line on this game and guys if you don’t have an account here, now is the time to save money all season long in NBA and MLB!