In the crowded Western Conference playoff picture, a prolonged losing streak can lead to a heap of trouble. The Minnesota Timberwolves recently fell down that treacherous path before coming up with a big upset of the Warriors last time out. They are aiming to stay on the winning path with a victory over the Washington Wizards next time out.
A four-game losing streak prior to the win over Golden State dropped Minnesota to the bottom few spots in the West playoff picture, and more losses could see it drop outside of the top eight seeds with the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz coming on strong. The Wizards are also jockeying for position, and while they are on more stable ground, wins in toss-up games like this would be huge for their seeding.
While the teams have similar records, Minnesota is likely the slightly more talented team. However, the Wizards get this game at home, which could make them the small favorite to pick up a crucial victory.
Don't miss the hardwood action from the Target Center at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Catch every moment of the game live on NBATV.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Tuesday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Timberwolves are 39-29 straight up and 31-35-2 against the spread. Minnesota is 14-19-1 against the spread on the road this season. The Timberwolves have covered in 10 of 25 attempts on the road this year.
The Wizards are 38-29 straight up and 32-34-1 against the spread. Washington has gone 12-20-1 against the spread at home this season and will aim to improve on that number. The Wizards are 16-25-1 against the spread as the favorite this season.
Player To Watch
Karl-Anthony Towns -- It remains to be seen if the Wizards can adequately keep in check the Timberwolves’ star big man. Towns is averaging 20.3 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. He is shooting 54.5 percent from the field and an impressive 41.4 percent from three-point range, which makes it really tough for opposing big men to defend him.
He is especially important right now because small forward Jimmy Butler is currently out with a knee injury. Minnesota has had some trouble adjusting without him, and Towns is the key to the offense without Butler on the court.
Towns has blossomed into one of the best big men in the NBA. He was ejected two games ago in a game the Timberwolves lost, but technicals have never been an issue for Towns and he should be able to play this entire game and put up big numbers.
There are some talented players on both sides, but Towns takes the crown as the best on the court.
Key Stat
12. That’s the number of wins in 19 games for the Wizards since star point guard John Wall went down with a knee injury. Wall is working out and could return sometime this month, but won’t be playing in this game.
The Wizards are aiming to remain successful without him to stay afloat in the playoff race. Tomas Satoransky has taken Wall’s place in the starting lineup, and while he isn’t the same dynamic scorer, Satoransky has done a solid job filling in.
He had one of his best games of the season recently, registering 19 points, seven assists and three rebounds in an overtime win over Miami. Bradley Beal has taken on a larger role with Wall sidelined and he will be a key to Washington’s fortunes in this matchup.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Wizards have done a nice job without Wall, but this is going to be a tough one. The home court advantage is important and will help keep the game close, but the Timberwolves are the pick to come away with the mini upset.
Minnesota is any easy choice against the spread but should be picked on the NBA betting moneyline in order to maximize the payout. The “under” could be the right choice as the Wizards aren’t going to score as many points on the scoring total as oddsmakers may project.
Look for the Timberwolves to come out fast in this one, which is another option to cash in on NBA first half lines.
NBA Odds: Timberwolves 105, Wizards 101
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