The Minnesota Timberwolves are hanging around in the Western Conference playoff picture, but with so many teams in the mix, really needs to hit a groove to have a legitimate shot at the postseason. One team it is chasing is the San Antonio Spurs, and the T-Wolves will host them this week in a critical matchup.
San Antonio has the slightly better record but Minnesota’s home court advantage could make it the slight favorite. The Western Conference playoff race could come down to the final days of the season and Minnesota and San Antonio could both be on the edge of making it or falling short, so picking up wins like this in toss-up games are essential in NBA odds.
This NBA basketball game between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves will be held at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, January 18th, 2019. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.
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Odds Analysis
The Spurs have a record of 25-20 on the season and are currently sitting with the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. San Antonio used a surge to move into a playoff spot but has lost two in a row and is not far ahead of many teams competing for the postseason. The Spurs have only won seven of their 21 road games on the season and will need to play better down the stretch to have a shot at moving up in the standings.
The Timberwolves have a mark of 21-22 on the season. They had some dysfunction early in the season when star forward Jimmy Butler demanded a trade, but things have been smoother since he was dealt to the 76ers. Minnesota has been really good at home this year with a 15-7 record and would be able to pull closer to the Spurs with a win in NBA gambling.
Key Stat
4. That’s the number of wins for the Timberwolves in their past five games, as they have crept back up within striking distance of the playoff teams. Minnesota has a superstar in Karl-Anthony Towns and a good sidekick in Andrew Wiggins, so this team does have the capability to make the postseason.
Minnesota fired coach Tom Thibodeau a week ago and has won two of three games since his departure. He was an intense coach and it’s possible the T-Wolves may be able to play a more relaxed brand of basketball moving forward.
There is no room for error in the West but the Timberwolves are on a hot streak currently and hope to keep it rolling.
Player To Watch
LaMarcus Aldridge -- The Spurs center has been fantastic of late. He scored 56 points in a thrilling overtime win over the Thunder last week and has shot 59 percent from the field and 94.6 percent from the free throw line over his past five games, averaging 27.8 points in that span.
Towns is an elite player but if Aldridge can play him close to a draw, the Spurs may have enough depth elsewhere to pull the upset. Aldridge will sometimes not take over games and if he is passive in this one, it could hurt San Antonio.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Timberwolves will likely be favored as the talent disparity isn’t huge between these teams. However, San Antonio has been reeling of late and will be focused and intent on grabbing a victory. This is a good place to take the Spurs on the moneyline, as they are more than capable of pulling the upset to keep the Timberwolves at bay in the playoff chase in NBA wagering.
NBA ATS Pick: San Antonio Spurs 117, Minnesota Timberwolves 115
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