Posted:
#1
Minnesota has had to rework their basic philosophy since knowing Rubio would not start the season, getting a gimpy Roy, and having some unexpected injuries occur to Love and Budinger.
They have rather quietly played some of the stingiest defense in the league. It is a firm testament to Adelman that they are at .500. I consider to him to be one of the most underrated coaches of all time.
To whit, the Wolves are #1 in opponents' PPS(point per shot) and FT made per game(14.8), 3rd in defensive efficiency and 4th in ppg allowed(91.9), opponents' FG% and opponents' 3 pt. %. They are also the 3rd best overall rebounding team and 7th in blocks.
Love and Pekovic are sturdy rebounders and AK-47 is providing solid all around play and good D also. Cunningham and Williams give them another 10 boards a game. Ridnour, Barea and Shved should be content to play more of a halfcourt game and not run with Lawson and Miller tonight.
On the other hand, their offense is 25th in FG%, 24th in ppg and 20th in pace. They are last in 3 pt shooting %. Losing Rubio has obviously hampered their transition game and ability to get some easy looks. Love is a stud, but he often can count on no one else for consistency. They really have a black hole at the 2 spot right now.
Only 2 of the T-wolves 18 games have gone over 201 total points. The T-Wolves have scored more than 100 points only twice.
Though the Nugs are averse to playing team defense most of the game, I don't think this injured Minnesota team can take full advantage(unless Love goes nuts). The Nugs are playing the last game of a taxing 5 game roadie and on a B2B. They might be a little gassed as the game progresses and it's not going to be fun playing against a well-rested, well coached and very strong team rebounding and defensive T-Wolves squad. They still have not found their 3 pt. shooting and are #25 in that category. I don't expect them to find it tonight. Some dead legs and short shots would not be surprising.
One more stat, both teams are also bottom 5 in FT %.
I am taking the under 200.5.
Good luck with whatever you play in the Association tonight.
0
much respect for your work mellow. Great capper, as always. 
Good Luck
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