Timberwolves vs. Warriors Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
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Charlie Grant
Two days after his first 50-point performance, Derrick Rose and the Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Bay Area to take on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Jimmy Butler’s absence isn’t as big of a deal for the Wolves as long as Rose keeps playing like his former MVP self.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Minnesota topped Utah 128-125 on Wednesday night thanks to Rose’s offensive awakening. The Wolves are now 4-1 against the spread in their last five games and 4-4 on the campaign. The 128 points were the most points the Jazz have given up on the year and the Over improved to 5-3 in Minny’s games.
After starting the season 0-3 against the spread, the Warriors have improved to 4-1 ATS in their last five games. They’re coming off a win and cover against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.
Steve Kerr’s crew are lighting up scoreboards on a nightly basis. The Dubs have scored 120 or more points in six consecutive games and the Over is 5-0 in their last five games.
The defending champions remain the odds on favourites to win the NBA championship in 2019. Sports Interaction lists the Warriors at -175 to win their third straight title this coming spring. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, are +750 just to win the Northwest Division. The Jazz are the favourites to take the division crown at +220.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Jimmy Butler is the best player on Minnesota’s roster, but he might be helping his team win games more by sitting out. The team’s official reasoning for Butler’s absence from Wednesday’s game was general soreness, but NBA insiders suggest Butler didn’t play – and won’t play for the next two weeks – to force a trade out of Minnesota.
Butler has been open about his low opinion of teammates Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. The kids (Wiggins and Towns) might be alright if Butler is out of the picture.
The Wolves need Rose to keep up his level of play. There’s a good chance Rose will be the only healthy point guard available for Friday’s contest. Starter Jeff Teague and backup Tyus Jones missed the Utah game with injuries.
Golden State Warriors
Klay Thompson set a new record for made 3-pointers in a game but his backcourt teammate is proving his the most consistent long-range bomber in league history. Stephen Curry is averaging 6.1 made triples per game while shooting better than 50 percent (.529 to be precise) from beyond the arc.
Curry’s shooting unlocks the rest of the Warriors’ offence. Opposing teams can’t clog the lane if they have to stay glued to Curry 27-feet away from the rim.
