Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers

NBA odds, picks, and predictions for the Portland Trail Blazers at Minnesota Timberwolves on January 4. NBA betting best bet and free pick analysis.

Minnesota, who isn't scaring anyone on the defensive side of the ball, does have the 13th-ranked scoring offense (114.7 points per game). [Minnesota](https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/teams/main/minnesota-timberwolves), which had great visions of pairing [Karl-Anthony Towns](https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/players/5720/karl-anthony-towns) and [Rudy Gobert](https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/players/544/rudy-gobert) together to form a dynamic tandem, hasn't panned out so far as Towns has been out of the lineup with injuries. Tonight's Over/Under is set at 233, and even with a hefty line, it automatically has me thinking about the Over when you consider the offensive weapons on both teams. When the Blazers hold teams under 114.7 points, they have a 16-6-1 against the spread record and are 17-6 overall. Tonight's matchup currently has a -1 advantage for the Trail Blazers. Whenever two mediocre teams clash, I favor the more experienced and best player on the court, Lillard, in this case. [Damian Lillard](https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/players/748/damian-lillard) when your defense isn't well equipped to defend the perimeter. In the previous matchup between the two teams, Lillard was comfortable finding his spots and connecting on three after three. Tonight should be another big game for the superstar if you believe in following recent history. For the season, the 33-year-old connects on 37% of his 3-point attempts. Minnesota has struggled to find its footing all season and views Portland as an opportunity to get a win early in the New Year. Give Damian Lillard the ball, and hope that he can secure you a victory.

The Portland Trail Blazers will travel to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Wednesday night NBA matchup at the Target Center.

Opponents have scored 115.8 points per game on the Timberwolves, which ranks 20th in the league. Portland’s defense has been okay, allowing 112.0 points per game, which ranks 12th in the league. Gobert leads the team with 11.7 rebounds, also averaging 13.4 points per game, the lone double-double for Minnesota. Scoring 114.7 points per game, Minnesota’s offense ranks 13th in the league. D’Angelo Russell is averaging 17.0 points and 6.5 assists per game, which leads the team. Portland’s offense ranks 17th in the league, averaging 112.9 points per game. Portland has drawn 21.4 fouls per game, which ranks sixth in the league. On the positive side, Minnesota has held opponents to a 46.1 shooting percentage, which ranks sixth in the league. Third-year guard Anthony Edwards, a former first-overall pick, leads the team with 24.0 points per game. Rookie Shaedon Sharpe, the seventh overall pick, is averaging 7.7 points per game on 47.0 percent shooting, mostly playing off the bench. Head coach Chris Finch guided the team to the playoffs last season but will need a turnaround to make it two straight seasons. The Blazers have struggled of late, losing four of their last six games.

Analyzing Wednesday's Portland Trail Blazers at Minnesota Timberwolves odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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