Timberwolves vs. Blazers forecast, odds, selection

It’s time for another NBA prediction and pick as we look ahead to the next Western Conference series. The Minnesota Timberwolves (35-23) will download on Portland Trail Blazers (28-30) as Minnesota leads the series 2-0. Check out ours NBA odds series for Timberwolves-Blazers predictions and picks.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are sixth in the Western Conference standings after their latest loss to the Philadelphia 76ers with a score of 135-108. They have won eight of their last 12 games and go into this one looking to stay perfect against Portland on the season.

The Portland Trail Blazers are currently ninth in the Western standings after beating the Phoenix Suns 92-77 last time out. After a heavy six-game skid, they have responded by winning five of their last seven games and will be looking for another as betting underdogs.

NBA odds thanks to DraftKings

Timberwolves vs. Blazers Odds

Minnesota Timberwolves: -6.5 (-102)

Portland Trail Blazers: +6.5 (-118)

Over: 233.5 (-112)

Under: 233.5 (-108)

Timberwolves vs. Blazers Key Injuries

Minnesota: Naz Reed (shoulder – questionable)

Portland: Danny Avdija (guard – OUT) / Damian Lillard (achilles – OUT) / Shaedon Sharpe (tele – OUT)

Timberwolves vs. Blazers betting trends

• The Portland Trail Blazers are 16-14 at home this season. The Minnesota Timberwolves are 15-12 on the road.
• The Timberwolves are 31-15 betting favorites. The Blazers are 12-23 as underdogs.
• The Blazers are 31-26-1 ATS overall, 17-13 ATS at home. The Timberwolves are 25-33 ATS overall, 12-15 ATS on the road.
• The Timberwolves are 8-2 overall, 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games against the Blazers.
• The Timberwolves are 2-6 ATS in the last eight games.
• The Blazers are 0-5 ATS in the last five games as underdogs.
• The total is gone OVER in seven of Minnesota’s last 10 games.
• The total is gone OVER in eight of Portland’s last nine games.

Keys to the Timberwolves vs. Blazers matchup

Both teams play well in this game as the Timberwolves continue to maintain their pace for a playoff position and the Trail Blazers avenge their recent losing streak. This streak, however, was lopsided as the Timberwolves picked up two wins by a combined 28 points. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle traded 41 points each time out, so expect them to see another favorable matchup against this smaller Blazers team.

Donovan Clingan will be the key to Portland’s success in this game, while they will be without their two best players in Danny Avdia and Shaedon Sharpe. Jeremy Grant will see extended minutes to fill in for his All-Star teammate, as he has for most of the season, but the Blazers are much less consistent on offense without Avdia in the lineup.

Moreover, Shaedon Sharpe proved to be their most effective scorer and will miss this game. With veteran leadership and help from Jrue Holiday, both he and Clingan will need to be efficient and active in the pick-and-roll game. The Timberwolves aren’t the defensive team they’ve been the past few seasons, but Rudy Gobert’s activity on that end of the floor with Naz Reed would certainly help their cause.

Anthony Edwards should be in line for another big game despite the likelihood of being guarded by Jrue Holiday. He has proven himself against the best defenders in the world and given his previous success in this matchup, expect him to lead the scoring as he looks to improve his team.

Timberwolves vs. Blazers Prediction and Pick

While the Portland Trail Blazers have been on the right side of the win column these past few games, we can’t ignore their struggles against this much taller and physically superior Minnesota Timberwolves team. Furthermore, without Danny Avdia and Sheddon Sharpe, the Blazers will have to seriously rely on Jurah Holiday, Scoot Henderson and Donovan Klingon to have a chance in this matchup.

On the other hand, this is the time of year when the Timberwolves start to lock in and Anthony Edwards begins his journey to the playoffs. His output can get them a win against most teams, but it should be even more comfortable against an injured Portland team.

While the Timberwolves haven’t been particularly consistent in covering the betting spread this season, they have every advantage in this matchup and should be able to pull off a convincing away win. Let’s take control as both teams can find a number of hits.

Final Timberwolves-Blazers Prediction & Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves -6.5 (-102); OVER 233.5 (-112)