We’ll be treated to a pivotal game in the NBA Cup on Friday when the Los Angeles Clippers visit the Minnesota Timberwolves with a spot in the knockout round potentially on the line.
Minnesota will need a win — and a sizable one — to improve to 2-2 in cup play and get its point differential in a good spot while L.A. will hope to move to 2-1 in what should be Norman Powell’s return to the lineup.
My Clippers vs. Timberwolves predictions believe the Clippers are in a good spot to keep this game close on November 30.
Clippers vs Timberwolves prediction
My best bet
Clippers +6 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The impact of Norman Powell can’t be understated. He’s led the Los Angeles Clippers in scoring, and he’s buoyed this team by around eight points per 100 possessions offensively.
We’re expecting Powell back in this one, and even if he plays 20-25 minutes as L.A. eases him back into action his return should be more than enough to put the Clippers in an excellent position against the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves.
Minnesota’s other-worldly offense simply hasn’t been the same ever since bringing in Julius Randle in a trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York, ranking just 13th in efficiency. It currently sits right in the middle of the league in 3-point shooting despite taking a ton of shots from deep, and that should make things very difficult considering the Clippers rank fifth in defending the 3.
Defensively, too, the Timberwolves will be up against it here considering the Clippers have been one of the best teams in the mid-range, which is an area that they’ve been one of the worst in the league at defending.
Minnesota’s certainly due for a win at some point, coming in on a four-game losing streak, but we can’t look past some of the issues mounting for this team — particularly late in games. The offense has failed to score when needed, and this Clippers team has been playing lights-out in the last two weeks and should have the tools to compete for the duration of this one.
With a sizable edge on the glass and the ability to score from the mid-range and shut down Minnesota’s outside attack, I’m comfortable taking the points in what could be yet another statement win for the surging Clippers.
Clippers vs Timberwolves same-game parlay
Clippers +6
James Harden Over 5.5 rebounds
Derrick Jones Jr. Over 8.5 points
I alluded to the Clippers’ edge on the glass above, but let’s lay out just how sizable it is. Minnesota is down in 19th with a 49.3% rebounding rate, while L.A. sits third in the NBA, and the Timberwolves have had a particularly hard time containing opposing guards on the glass with over 15 rebounds allowed per game.
James Harden has had a great year in this department, averaging over seven boards per game, and he’s recorded six or more in nine of his last 11 games. On top of that, he’s seen an uptick in rebounding rate with Powell on the floor, so in a soft matchup he should be able to cash this leg for us.
I’m also going to back one of the most frequent mid-range shooters in the NBA, and one of the leaders on this team, by going with Derrick Jones, Jr. to score nine or more points. He should draw some poor defense from Randle here and with Powell on the floor to take away some of the focus I’m confident he’ll hit this number for a fourth time in five games.
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Clippers vs Timberwolves odds
Clippers vs Timberwolves live odds
Clippers vs Timberwolves opening odds
- Spread: Los Angeles 5.5 | Minnesota -5.5
- Moneyline: Los Angeles +190 | Minnesota -230
- Over/Under: Over 213 | Under 213
Odds courtesy of bet365
Clippers vs Timberwolves spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Clippers received some early love with the line moving up to five points before diving back to six points on Friday afternoon.
- A slight 57% of the spread bets and 59% of the money are on the Clippers.
- The total was initially bouncing around between 217.5 and 216.5 before taking a nose-dive, currently sitting over four points lower than where it was at open.
- The Over has accounted for 84% of the tickets and 72% of the handle.
Clippers vs Timberwolves trend
The LA Clippers have hit the Moneyline in 29 of their last 43 away games (+23.40 Units / 23% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Clippers vs Timberwolves
| Location: | Target Center, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date: | Friday, 11-29-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Clippers vs Timberwolves latest injuries
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