Coming off short rest, the Timberwolves will take on the Clippers a day after playing the Lakers in the Staples Center. With that, Minnesota will have a real uphill battle against a superior team with less rest.
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ODDS ANALYSIS
While Minnesota’s 14-34 SU record leaves plenty to be desired, their 20-27-1 ATS mark is much more palatable and their 13-10 ATS record when on the road is even better.
Over the team’s last four games, they’re 3-1 ATS and have covered against one of the nation’s better teams in Cleveland on the road.
The Clippers come into action with three straight wins SU, but did drop their latest ATS, failing to win by more than 14.5 against their Los Angeles rivals—the Lakers.
In the last meeting between these teams, the Clippers got the win, but the game ended as a push per the closing betting line.
WHEN THE MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES ARE ON OFFENSE
The Timberwolves are a solid shooting team from the floor, averaging 45.3 percent on field goals and 79.3 percent on free throws. The later ranks the team second in the NBA.
While those numbers are very good, the Timberwolves are below average in scoring with only 99.5 in part due to poor shooting outside and a total of 42 RPG, ranking them No. 25 in the NBA in that category.
Defensively, the Clippers are rather strong, holding the opposition to 43.7 percent from the floor.
Kevin Garnett and Kevin Martin are each on the injury list for the Timberwolves though either could be back in time for Wednesday’s showdown.
Keep a close eye on Martin’s health leading into the game and early in the game itself. The veteran guard is averaging 11.3 PPG to rank fourth on the team. Further, Minnesota has dropped each of the last three games its played since his most recent injury.
Of course, the team’s biggest stars are youngsters Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Wiggins was held to just five points in his last game, the first time he failed to score at least 18 since January 6 and the first time since December 7 he failed to reach double-digits.
While Wiggins’ offense disappeared, Towns scored 32-points and has tallied at least 20 in four of the team’s last six games.
That duo is the key to this team. They lack the depth of quality teams, but if both players go off, they can cause some damage. Keep an eye on how well the Clippers guard both early.
WHEN THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS ARE ON OFFENSE
The last time these teams met, center DeAndre Jordan scored 20 and notched 12-rebounds for a double-double, leading the team in each category.
Jordan will get matched up against Towns and will look for another strong outing. Keep an eye on this matchup as it’s even more important for Jordan to produce on Wednesday with Blake Griffin unable to help inside.
Overall, the Clippers are a strong offense and can be counted on to produce. If they struggle to score early, driving down the spread and the total, jump on board with some bets while the getting is good as Minnesota’s No. 22 ranked defense doesn’t have enough to hold back the Clippers for an entire game.
Statistically, Los Angeles leans on its trio of guards—along with Jordan—to do most of the scoring with Griffin out.
Chris Paul, J.J. Redick and Jamal Crawford could cause plenty of trouble for Wiggins and company. Paul leads the team in scoring with 18.8 PPG, but the other two are each putting up more than a dozen PPG while Jordan is shooting 71.1 percent from the floor and ripping down 13.7 RPG.
BETTING TRENDS AND MATCHUPS
Wiggins versus Paul and Towns versus Jordan should be fun to watch as a fan. We’ve already seen Jordan put up a big game against Minnesota this season. Bank on a repeat performance.
As for the Paul/Wiggins matchup, the Timberwolves need Wiggins to have a massive game to have a chance. Keep a close eye on how well the Clippers are able to defend him early. If he’s struggling to find an open shot, fade Minnesota.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The contest pitting the Minnesota Timberwolves versus the Los Angeles Clippers will commence Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at 10:30 p.m. ET at Staples Center. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
