Saturday’s NBA standings continue to roll as we continue our NBA odds and picks series, this time with an all-conference matchup between two teams on the verge of playoff position. The Minnesota Timberwolves (35-36) take on the Toronto Raptors (34-36). Check out our NBA odds series for our Timberwolves Raptors Prediction and Picks.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are eighth in the Western Conference and would love to win here and improve their position to a .500 mark by the end of the season. They’ve lost four of their last five games and are just coming off a double OT loss to Chicago on the road. They will try to recover as they continue their journey to Toronto.
The Toronto Raptors are ninth in the Eastern Conference and will be firmly attached to a play-in berth through the end of the season. After a brief dip in three games, the Raptors have responded with back-to-back home wins and will be looking for third place as they’re among the bigger favorites here.
Here are the Timberwolves-Raptors NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NBA Odds: Timberwolves Raptors Odds
Minnesota Timberwolves: +9 (-108)
Toronto Birds of Prey: -9 (-112)
Above: 224.5 (-110)
Below: 224.5 (-110)
How to watch Timberwolves vs. Raptors
Television: Bally Sports North, regional coverage
Stream: NBA League Pass, fuboTV
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why the Timberwolves could cover the spread
The Timberwolves have been going through a rough patch lately and are hoping to hold onto their standings by picking up a couple of wins. They’ve played very well in their last two games, keeping the Celtics and Bulls razor-thin. They could have won those two games easily, so look for the Timberwolves to be tough defensively and thwart last-minute comebacks. With the spread so wide they are hoping their top scorer Anthony Edwards can feature today after leaving the last game with a sprained ankle. He stays “day after day”.
The Timberwolves weren’t a great covering team at 34-37 ATS. Away they are 16-18 ATS and don’t play nearly as well when Edwards isn’t on the floor. Additionally, the Timberwolves are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games against the Raptors. To win this game, the Timberwolves need to be the more active team on the boards, blocking Toronto’s wings with their outside defenses.
Why the Raptors might cover the spread
The Raptors’ most recent win over The Thunder marked their sixth straight home win at that last stretch. In the previous game, they overtook the Nuggets with double-digit rebounds and shot 40% from three. Against The Thunder, the Raptors managed 20 more rebounds than their opponents and shot 43% from three. Their game at home has been a huge boost for them as they try to hold onto a playoff position, so wait for the Raptors to come out hot once again and defend their home court.
The Raptors are a 35-35 ATS coin flip covering team. They come out as favorites and have a 22-13 SU record at home. In these home games they managed to cover well with 21-13 ATS. Since this is a significant margin, the Raptors can cover this spread by continuing their rebound dominance. They tend to have another hot shoot night so find the Raptors to work for candid looks and let it fly as early as possible.
Final Timberwolves Raptors Prediction & Selection
If the Raptors can continue their defensive dominance and aggressive team rebound, they will be able to win their seventh straight home game. They will be the healthier team as a lot of Minnesota’s success depends on Anthony Edwards. Seen in a hiking boot there are serious doubts he will wear tonight, which explains the wide distribution. Let’s take the Raptors to cover the spread at home in a statement game.
Timberwolves Raptors Final Prediction & Pick: Toronto Raptors -9 (-112)
