Portland Blazers at Minnesota Timberwolves Pick ATS 3/5/22

Portland Blazers (25-37 SU, 25-37-0 ATS) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (35-29 SU, 34-29-1 ATS)

When: Saturday March 05 2022, 08:00 PM (ET)

Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota

TV: ROOT-SP+

Point Spread: POR +12.5/MIN -12.5(Opened MIN -12.5 at Everygame – Check out their 200% bonus on your $25 deposit!)

Total: 232.5 (Opened at 232.5)

Money Line: Portland Blazers +687/Minnesota Timberwolves -1116

Power Rating: MIN -12

Probable Starting Lineups

Portland Blazers PG Anfernee Simons, SG Elijah Hughes, SF C.J. Elleby, PF Trendon Watford, C Drew Eubanks NOTE

Minnesota Timberwolves PG Patrick Beverley, SG D’Angelo Russell, SF Anthony Edwards Q, PF Jarred Vanderbilt, C Karl-Anthony Towns

Key Injuries

Blazers
Eric Bledsoe: Achilles (OUT) Elijah Hughes: thumb (QUESTIONABLE) Joe Ingles: knee (OUT) Damian Lillard: abdominal (OUT) Nassir Little: shoulder (OUT) Jusuf Nurkic: foot (OUT) Brandon Williams: hip (QUESTIONABLE) Justice Winslow: Achilles (QUESTIONABLE)

Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards: knee (OUT) Jarred Vanderbilt: quadricep (QUESTIONABLE) McKinley Wright IV: elbow (OUT)

The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Portland Blazers in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 08:00 PM ET at the Target Center.

Recent Form

The Portland Blazers come into this game with an overall record of 25-37, placing them 11th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, Portland has struggled in their 28 road contests, sitting at 9-19. Over the Trail Blazers’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. In this stretch, Portland’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 104.0 points per game. Combined, the Trail Blazers’ last five opponents are giving up 107.0 points per contest. A key reason for Portland’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 120.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 112.7. In the Portland Blazers’ most recent game, the team fell to Phoenix by a score of 120-90.

The Minnesota Timberwolves come into this game with an overall record of 35-29, placing them 7th in the Western Conference. So far, Minnesota is above .500 at home, holding a record of 19-12. The Timberwolves have played well over their last five games, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Minnesota is averaging 123.0 points per game, 9.0 points more than their season average of 113.9. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 106.0 points per contest. Even though the Timberwolves have been adding to the win column, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 117.0 points per game, up from Minnesota’s usual rate of 112.1. In the Minnesota Timberwolves’ most recent game, Minnesota took down the Oklahoma City by a score of 138-101.

Individual Player Analysis

As Portland travels to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Blazers’ leading scorer is Josh Hart. In 6 games with the team, Hart is averaging 17.5 points per game on 46% shooting from the field. As he gets set to take on the Timberwolves, he could be in line for a big game as Minnesota is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 55.32 of their games. This figure places them 27th among NBA defenses. On the other side, Karl-Anthony Towns leads the Timberwolves in scoring, averaging 24 points across his 58 games. Throughout the season, Towns has outscored his season average in 50.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, Towns will need to do so against a Blazers defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 42.86%. This figure is good for a rank of 6th in the league.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 12 of Minnesota’s 59 games, leading to a winning percentage of 75%. So far, the Portland Blazers have played 20 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 20 times, by an average margin of -16.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Portland Blazers and Minnesota Timberwolves have met up for 2 games. In their last meeting, Minnesota picked up a 109-107 win.

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How the Public is Betting the Blazers vs Timberwolves

67% are betting the Blazers against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 232.5

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Trail Blazers are 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games overall.
• Trail Blazers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Timberwolves are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a home favorite.
• Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into this matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves will be looking to pick up a win without Anthony Edwards, who is dealing with a knee injury. However, Portland also has a laundry list of injuries, including big man Jusuf Nurkic who would have been the primary defender on Karl-Anthony Townes. Even with a large spread to cover, look for the Timberwolves to pick up the ATS win over Portland. Bet your Blazers/Timbewolves pick and ALL your NBA predictions today for FREE by taking advantage of a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $1000 at Betnow Sportsbook! It’s the best sportsbook bonus you’ll ever find on the web!