The Minnesota Timberwolves (42-19) host the Portland Trailblazers (17-42) tonight. The home team has controlled this regular-season series as they have won the last three games. Furthermore, the closest game was by 12 points in Portland. But then two days later, the Timberwolves soundly defeated the Trailblazers by 37 points.
Therefore, it’s hard to see this limited Portland team keeping it close tonight. However, they have won two straight games on the road. And although those games were against the Memphis Grizzlies, conversely, the Timberwolves are on a two-game losing streak at home.
But do you see Portland coming into the Target Center and keeping the game within single digits?
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Portland Trail Blazers Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Minnesota | -14
-115 |
O 210
-112 |
-1200 |
| Portland | +14
-105 |
U 210
-108 |
+750 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** | |||
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Portland Trail Blazers Game Details
- Fixture: Portland @ Minnesota
- Date and Time: March 4, 2024 @ 8:00 pm EST
- Location: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
Apex Tale of the Tape
|
Minnesota Timberwolves |
vs. |
Portland Trail Blazers |
| 42-19 | Record | 17-42 |
| 113.2 | Points Per Game | 107.5 |
| 48.6 | FG% | 43.9 |
| 38.9 | 3PT% | 34.8 |
| 44.2 | Rebounds Per Game | 41.9 |
| 106.3 | Points Allowed Per Game | 115.6 |
| 44.4 | Defensive FG% | 49.3 |
| 34.8 | Defensive 3PT% | 35.0 |
| 78.6 | Defensive FT% | 78.8 |
| 40.8 | Defensive Rebounds Per Game | 44.0 |
| 3-2 | Last 5 W-L | 2-3 |
| 100.0 | Team Pace |
100.5 |
Key Stats
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota is built to win the regular season. While they have good pieces, two of their three best pieces are players who mostly rely on being around the rim. Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns are the key veterans on the team. They share the brunt of the responsibility for the success of this team. However, Anthony Edwards averages 26.3 points per game and is the emerging star on this team.
He has scored at least 27 points in four of his last five games, and he should do so again today. Moreover, when they played a couple of weeks ago, Jaden McDaniels scored 17 points for them. We will look to do that again for the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight against the Trailblazers.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is a team whose bad season is possibly getting worse. They have DeAndre Ayton, Jerami Grant, and Matisse Thybulle listed as day-to-day. However, Grant is the least likely to play, as he is doubtful due to his quadriceps injury. Regardless, a lot will be asked out of this starting lineup and bench tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Meanwhile, Anfernee Simons shot three of eight from three-point range and finished with 12 points.
Therefore, it’s crucial for him to get it going tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves if they’re going to keep it close. Additionally, Toumani Camara finished with 15 points against the Grizzlies in their last game. He’ll need to up his production if he continues to play for 30 or more minutes.
Game Prediction
This game may be over midway through the first quarter. Although anything can happen during the course of the regular season of the NBA, the Minnesota Timberwolves should handle the visitors. Even if they get on a bit of a run during the game, Minnesota is more healthy and considerably better at every position than Portland. This is a team that has championship aspirations.
And although those feelings of optimism may be displaced, this is not a team that’s likely to drop a regular-season game. They know what’s at stake, and they know that they need to keep the pressure on, especially in a contested West. Therefore, I’m picking against the spread and taking the home team. Even though it’s a lot of points, this game is likely to be closer to a 20- or 30-point victory than anything else for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Final Pick
Minnesota Timberwolves -14
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
