This month I’m back to previewing an NBA game as the Oklahoma City Thunder travel to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves.
Oklahoma City Thunder (34-13) @ Minnesota Timberwolves (14-32)
Overview: The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently 34-13, good for the 3rd seed in the Western Conference, 5 games behind the 2nd seed San Antonio Spurs. The Thunder have won 8 of their last 9 games after a 128-122 overtime victory at the New York Knicks. The team shot 46.5% from the field, 86.2% from the free throw line, and 55% from the 3 point line. Starting small forward Kevin Durant led the way with a double-double as he poured in 44 points and pulled down 14 rebounds. He also had 5 assists. He shot 12 of 26 from the field, 16 of 18 from the free throw line, and 4 of 7 from the 3 point line. Starting point guard Russell Westbrook also notched a double-double with 30 points and 10 assists. He also had 8 rebounds and 3 steals. He was 13 of 24 from the field and 4 of 5 from the free throw line. Starting shooting guard Dion Waiters contributed with 14 points and 3 rebounds. He was 6 of 10 from the field and 2 of 3 from the 3 point line. Starting power forward Serge Ibaka produced a double-double as he scored 12 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. He also had 2 assists and 2 blocks. He was 5 of 12 from the field and 2 of 2 from the free throw line. Backup point guard Cameron Payne came off the bench to score 12 points. He also had 2 rebounds. He shot 4 of 7 from the field and 4 of 5 from the 3 point line. Starting center Steven Adams tallied 9 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. He was 4 of 10 from the field and 1 of 2 from the free throw line. Tonight is their 22nd road game of the season. They are 13-8 on the road this season. Tonight is their 11th game versus a Northwest division opponent. This season they are 9-1 versus Northwest division opponents. Tonight is the 2nd game of a back to back. They are 4-4 in the 2nd game so far this season. Tonight is the last game of a 4 game road trip. After tonight they go home for 3 in a row. Their next game is Friday at home versus the Houston Rockets. The Minnesota Timberwolves are currently 14-32, tied with the Suns for the 2nd worst mark in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves have dropped 12 of their last 14 games after a 114-107 loss at the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. The team shot 48.8% from the field, 91.3% from the free throw line, and 25% from the 3 point line from the free throw line. Rookie starting center Karl-Anthony Towns led the team with a double-double as he poured in 26 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. He also had 4 assists. He shot 11 of 16 from the field and 4 of 5 from the free throw line. Backup point guard Zach LaVine came off the bench to score 21 points. He also had 6 assists and 4 rebounds. He was 8 of 15 from the field, 3 of 3 from the free throw line, and 2 of 7 from the 3 point line. Starting shooting guard Andrew Wiggins netted 20 points. He also had 2 steals. He was 7 of 14 from the field, 5 of 6 from the free throw line, and 1 of 3 from the 3 point line. Backup center Gorgui Dieng contributed with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. He shot 2 of 4 from the field and 9 of 9 from the free throw line. Tonight is their 25th home game of the season. They are 7-17 at home so far this season. Tonight is their 10th game versus a Northwest division opponent. This season they are 2-7 versus Northwest division opponents. After tonight they go on the road for a 4 game road trip. Their next game is Friday at the Utah Jazz. .
Oklahoma City was victorious in their first 2 meetings with Minnesota this season. The Thunder have won the last 9 meetings versus the Timberwolves. After tonight the 2 teams play 1 more time this season: March 11th at Oklahoma City.
Prediction: The Thunder just played last night and it went to an extra period but based on their recent history versus the Wolves I think they’ll have enough to cover the spread tonight at Minnesota.
Play: Thunder -6 (Bet365)
Tagged With : nba betting tips