The Minnesota Timberwolves (37-16) travel to Oregon to play the Portland Trailblazers (15-37). Although the records indicate the game won’t be close. Well, you’d be correct, these two teams are close in terms of roster talent. However, the oddsmakers are keeping this game closer than what you may expect. Regardless of how you feel about these two sides, the away team should beat an overwhelmed Portland side.
The first-placed team in the West plays the 14th-ranked team in the same conference. Not only, that but 21.5 points separate the two teams. With a gulf wider than anything between the two cities, this game should not be close. But as the spread sits at 8.5, which side are you leaning towards?
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Portland Trailblazers Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | -8.5 -110 |
O 214 -102 |
-355 |
| Portland Trailblazers | +8.5 -110 |
U 214 -118 |
+280 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Minnesota Timberwolves @ Portland Trailblazers
Date And Time: February 13, 2024 @ 10:00 p.m. EST
Location: Moda Center in Portland, Oregon
Key Stats
Minnesota Timberwolves (Averages)
Points: 113.6
Points Allowed: 107.0
Field Goal Efficiency: 41.3/84.2 for 49.0%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.6/32.0 for 39.3%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.3/23.5 for 77.9%
Rebounds: 9.1 Offensive, 34.6 Defensive, 43.7 Combined
Assists: 26.5
Steals: 7.5
Blocks: 5.8
Turnovers: 14.0
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 49.1/87.2 for 44.8%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 11.5/32.5 for 35.3%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.4/22.0 for 79.1%
Rebounds Against: 10.1 Offensive, 30.1 Defensive, 44.3 Combined
The Minnesota Timberwolves beat Portland by a score of 116-93. Since then, there isn’t room to believe that things will go much better for the home team. Although at times, the team can be too reliant on Anthony Edwards, that’s usually not a bad thing. Furthermore, they have Rudy Gobert to anchor the defense. Regardless of who else is playing, those two are difference-makers for their team. Especially against a Portland Trailblazers squad that realistically needs to make big off-season moves.
Get yourself someone who looks at you the way Karl Anthony Towns looks at ANT Edwards when he banks in a 3 pointer pic.twitter.com/n8qS0Zofv1
— Minneapolis Moisture Maestro (@joeyfingis) February 13, 2024
The defense is getting the job done for this roster of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Allowing 107 PPG in this era is outstanding. Even in past years, that would earn you more wins than not. They can let up the three-ball. But overall they only allow 44.8% shooting from the field against. Edwards is questionable with knee soreness, but even without him, you have to like their chances.
Portland Trailblazers (Averages)
Points: 108.2
Points Allowed: 116.4
Field Goal Efficiency: 39.4/89.4 for 44.1%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.9/33.6 for 35.4%
Free Throw Efficiency: 17.5/21.9 for 79.9%
Rebounds: 11.9 Offensive, 29.5 Defensive, 41.4 Combined
Assists: 22.7
Steals: 7.8
Blocks: 4.6
Turnovers: 14.0
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 43.1/87.3 for 49.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 11.5/33.3 for 34.5%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 18.6/23.5 for 79.2%
Rebounds Against: 10.9 Offensive, 33.6 Defensive, 44.4 Combined
Jerami Grant is the best player on this team. The frontcourt player from Syracuse uses his athleticism to get a basket any way he chooses. He’s even extended his range, which opens up more driving opportunities for him. Anfernee Simons also pitches in from his guard position. More of a combo guard, he averages 23.4 PPG this season. However, he needs to be big against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jerami Grant left it all on the floor, dropping 49 PTS for a new career high as the Trail Blazers fell in OT. pic.twitter.com/7OL8rHXiTX
— NBA (@NBA) February 9, 2024
However, this team is out-matched against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Although they can get stops defensively, a huge hurdle remains. The team has a whole can’t find points, particularly at critical times when the game is in reach. An upset would be something tonight, but it isn’t too likely. Additionally, Karl-Anthony Towns is a matchup nightmare for them. Additionally, Malcolm Brogdon is out with an injury.
Game Prediction
I’m assuming the Minnesota Timberwolves exercise caution and rest Edwards. I still see the visitors taking control early and dominating the game. If Edwards plays, forget it! Also, as mentioned, they don’t have enough firepower to keep up with Minnesota. Regardless of how the game starts, the T-Wolves should be able to expand their lead late if needed.
Additionally, the Blazers are underrated defensively, while you can’t imagine them stopping Minnesota, they can easily force a scoring drought. But unfortunately, they won’t be able to capitalize as they have a perpetual scoring drought. Therefore, I see the best plays as picking Minnesota against the spread but sticking with the under.
Final Pick
Parlay: Minnesota Timberwolves -8.5 with Under 214
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! For more great content, check us out on X @TotalApexSports. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Make sure you follow us on NewsBreak as well.
