Minnesota Timberwolves vs Portland Trail Blazers Betting Preview
April 3, 2017
Date &time: Monday, April 3 @7:00 PM
Venue: Target Center (Minneapolis)
Head to head record
Portland Trail Blazers vs Minnesota Timberwolves 112-100 (2016/2017 NBA)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Portland Trail Blazers 89-95 (2016/2017 NBA)
Portland Trail Blazers vs Minnesota Timberwolves 105-106 (2015/2016 NBA)
Portland Trail Blazers vs Minnesota Timberwolves 96-93 (2015/2016 NBA)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Portland Trail Blazers 103-109 (2015/2016 NBA)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Portland Trail Blazers prediction
Portland Trail Blazers will be looking to move one step closer to booking their place in the NBA play-offs with a victory over Minnesota Timberwolves. Tom Thibodeau’s troops are already out of the playoff race, but their pride will be at stake in Monday’s clash at Target Center.
Shocking loss to Sacramento
Despite being regarded as hot favorites to win Saturday’s game against Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves were beaten by Dave Joerger’s team at home. Minnesota failed to book their place in the Western Conference play-offs, but they certainly want to finish the season in style. Following back-to-back wins over the likes of Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers, Timberwolves suffered the 123-117 loss to Sacramento Kings and they now aim to return to winning ways in NBA. Tom Thibodeu’s men have little to play in the remainder of the season and that is the main reason why home win should not be considered. Andrew Wiggins is in the form of his life and the 22-year old player, who has been averaging 23.2 points this season, is likely to pose a big threat for Blazers.
The likes of Nemanja Bjelica and Zach LaVine are both out for the season, while Nikola Pekovic remains in the recovery room. Coach Tom Thibodeu has no other selection worries ahead of the visit of Portland Trail Blazers.
Must-win game
Portland Trail Blazers are determined to book their place in the play-offs. Coach Terry Stotts is doing a great job with the Moda Center club and they are on a six-game winning run in NBA ahead of the trip to Minneapolis. Portland rolled over Phoenix Suns (130-117) in their last league clash and they are brimming with confidence ahead of Monday’s clash, which could well decide their destiny. A win over Minnesota Timberwolves could cement their spot in top eight in the Western Conference and I believe that the visitors will fight tooth and nail against Timberwolves. Lillard and McCollum led Trail Blazers to the 130-117 victory over Suns and the duo looks unstoppable at the moment. Portland are eyeing their fifth consecutive win on the road, but beating Minnesota at Target Center is easier said than done. In their last meeting in Minneapolis Trail Blazers recorded a 95-89 win over Timberwolves and that is giving fans a reason for optimism ahead of Monday’s showdown.
Center Jusuf Nurkic misses the match with a leg injury, whilst Ed Davis is out of contention with a shoulder problem. Festus Ezeli remains in the treatment room.
Interesting facts
- Portland are after their fourth consecutive win over Minnesota
- Timberwolves recorded five wins in previous seven home games
- Trail Blazers are eyeing their fifth straight win on the road
- Damian Lillard has been averaging 26.8 points this season
- McCollum scored 43 points in last meeting between the two teams
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Portland Trail Blazers betting pick
Portland Trail Blazers are on the right track to make it to the NBA play-offs and a victory over Minnesota Timberwolves could seal their place in top eight. Minnesota suit Portland and, taking everything into account, I believe that there is a big value in betting on the visitors, who are on a six-game winning run in NBA.
Pick: Portland Trail Blazers to win
Odds: +105
