Portland Trail Blazers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 13/02/2024, 05:44  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 13/02/2024 at 05:44 in NBA Predictions

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ next NBA regular season assignment is away to the Portland Trail Blazers. Minnesota currently top the Western Conference standings while the Blazers are struggling down in 14th. The Blazers come to this match having lost their last four games. They were defeated by the Pelicans 93-84 at home last time out and have now lost 37 times in 52 outings. This game against the best team in the West could yet end up in another defeat as they are struggling with injuries. Head coach Chauncey Billups could be without seven of his players here. Four have already been ruled with one of them being Malcolm Brogdon who is averaging 15.7 points. Shaedon Sharpe, who is also averaging 15 a night, hasn’t played for the last month and is also ruled out here. Scoot Henderson, Duop Reath, and Anfernee Simons are questionable. The Blazers are averaging 108.2 points a game.

The Timberwolves are also not a dominant scoring team and rank in the bottom 10 on offence, averaging 113.6 points. Their number one-ranked defence though is what is providing the edge for them. Chris Finch’s men are holding teams to 107 points a night. They have won 37 games in 53 outings and arrive for this match on a two-game winning run. Their defence was laid bare for all to see in their two most recent matchups. After holding the Bucks’ second-ranked offence to 105 points, Minnesota allowed the Clippers 100 points last time out. They won by 21 to restore their advantage atop the West standings. Jaylen Clark and Wendell Moore Jr. have been ruled out for this game. The Timberwolves defeated the Blazers 116-93 a month ago in the first matchup of the season between them.