Thunder at Timberwolves NBA Predictions Against the Spread 10/27/17
Is the Thunder a good bet to beat the Timberwolves as a small road favorite tonight when the two teams meet in Minnesota?
The Odds: Thunder at Timberwolves, 8:00PM ET, Friday
According to oddsmakers, Oklahoma City opened as a 2-point road favorite and that’s where the line currently sits. As for the total, the number hit the board at 218 and that too has not changed.
The Thunder enter play with a 2-2 record both straight up and against the spread. As for the Timberwolves, they’re 2-3 on the hardwood but 1-4 at the betting window.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Russell Westbrook turned into the MVP version of himself during a 114-96 win over the Pacers on Wednesday, scoring 28 points with 10 rebounds, 16 assists, three steals, seven turnovers and two 3-pointers. He made 10-of-18 from the field and 6-of-10 from the line in his 35 minutes. Westbrook also had a team-high +27, and he also posted a season-high 31.9 usage rate — that’s still not even close to his 40.8 usage rate for the entire 2016-17 season. On the other hand, Westbrook already has three games with at least a 60 TS% this year, which happened just once in his first five games last season.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Jimmy Butler (illness) was able to participate in shootaround and said he would be ready to play Friday night vs. the Thunder. Butler told reporters he is still dealing with an upper respiratory infection, but that he is feeling better. Butler also said that he would not be on a minutes restriction in this game. However, OKC does have two strong wing defenders in Andre Roberson and Paul George to throw at Jimmy Buckets. With Butler back in the starting lineup, Shabazz Muhammad gets bumped back to the bench. Jamal Crawford will also likely log fewer minutes.
Our Prediction
The Thunder is 23-11 against the spread in its last 34 games versus an opponent with a losing record. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are just 5-15-1 against the number in their last 21 games overall. In their last 18 games after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game, the T-Wolves are also 3-14-1 against the number.
Westbrook seems to be meshing well with new teammates Carmelo Anthony and Paul George. Laying the two points against a Timberwolves team that has struggled to cover in the early going is a good bet.
Thursday NBA Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder -2
