Timberwolves vs Clippers Prediction and Betting Tips 5 Dec 2024 - NBA Prediction
NLB Staff
04.12.2024 14:03
Timberwolves vs Clippers Prediction
With the Minnesota Timberwolves being one of the biggest disappointments this season, they play a Los Angeles squad that continues to shock everyone. As Minnesota came off a 1-point win against this Clippers unit last time out, Los Angeles beat Denver 126-122. This game will take place on December 5th at 9:00 A.M. IST in Target Center of Minnesota. Below are our key betting tips, top player props, vital injuries, and head-to-head trends to come up with a potential outcome for this game.
Timberwolves vs Clippers Betting Tips & Predictions
1. Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Clippers Moneyline Pick
With the money line being at -117 for Los Angeles, it should be taken because even though they are not favored, this group has shown better chemistry throughout. As James Harden and Kris Dunn continue being their backcourt duo, this Clippers duo should outscore Anthony Edwards plus Mike Conley. Having a much stronger small forward in Norman Powell, his two-way game will completely outplay that of Jaden McDaniels. Having a power forward in Derrick Jones Jr. will win the rebounding and defensive battle against Julius Randle, he will limit the Wolves PF even though he should have a slightly higher score. Knowing that Ivica Zubac will outrebound and put more shots back up than Rudy Gobert, the Clippers should flip the script and win their first money line at -117.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Clippers Point Spread Pick
As the point spread pick is at +2.5 for Los Angeles, they may not be favorites but have shown the ability to beat teams like this with ease. Seeing that Minnesota has been discombobulated, Los Angeles will once again be led by their elite point guard James Harden. Someone who can drive in and knock down threes with ease, his ability to pass to other players will also be a vital presence during this game. Going up against a much smaller Mike Conley, he should finish with ease and also use defensive prowess to stop a less energetic Timberwolves guard from making elite passes inside. Being someone who can also bring force and cause bad passes, he will create a lot of extra points plus shots for Los Angeles. One place Minnesota will win is when Anthony Edwards will go up against Kris Dunn. But, this won’t be as bad as the point guard differential because Dunn can score from three plus play creative wing defense to prevent threes from Edwards. If he keeps this role going, it will close the gap between both of them even more. As Norman Powell returns as a key scorer and rebounder, his ability to create off the dribble and knock down any shot will be able to beat Jaden McDaniels's defensive prowess. Even though McDaniels is normally a top-level defender, Powell’s size and great dribbling ability will change the story a bit. Seeing that Norman Powell can play defense and stop Jaden McDaniels as well, Derrick Jones Jr. should have a competitive rebounding battle with Julius Randle. Although Randle is a more efficient scorer, Jones Jr.'s blocking ability will take away opportunities, while Ivica Zubac should dominate Rudy Gobert as a rebounder and scorer in the middle. All in all, this +2.5 spread is perfect for Los Angeles to take.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Clippers Over/Under Pick (Total Points)
With the score being at an over/under of 216.5 points, it should be a solid game scoring-wise since both squads have efficient finishers. As Los Angeles is led by one of the strongest point guards who can pass and shoot at a high rate, their small forward continues to be a very high-level player as well. His ability to finish inside or out, this group also has a power forward that can dunk with a center who can continue providing layups. Meanwhile, Minnesota has one of the strongest scoring shooting guards, while their small forward is a three-point shooting threat. Having an all-around scorer at power forward and vital bench pieces, they should go well over the 185 points from last time.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Clippers Top Player Props
Julius Rande under 7.5 rebounds at 1.71: Seeing that Randle is once again having trouble grabbing boards at a high level against stronger defenders, it may be an issue again. As Derrick Jones Jr. is a very athletic board-getter who has underrated size and speed to beat someone slow like Randle, he plus Zubac should handle the Timberwolves power forward’s game. As Randle averages 6.9 rebounds a night, he will be under that in this game.
James Harden over 23.5 points at 1.81: As the Clippers point guard has found his prime form once again, he should continue having another strong performance in this game. Being matched up with a much smaller Mike Conley, Harden should use speed and strength to finish while also hitting his favored jump shots. Averaging 22.3 points a night, he should go well over that average in this matchup.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Clippers Injury News & Impact
Minnesota Timberwolves Injuries: With Joe Ingles remaining out, the Timberwolves should still keep running their same rotations having their most vital pieces still playing.
Los Angeles Clippers Injuries: As Kawhi Leonard, 23.7 points, is still out due to his knee injury, this Clippers unit will be without a key bench piece in Kevin Porter Jr. once again.
Timberwolves vs Clippers Head-to-Head Trends
Although Minnesota has won 2 straight games against Los Angeles, this Clippers unit looks to finally take control of this series as a stronger team. Even though they have only scored over 100 points once in their last 3 games, Los Angeles should have a high-octane offense and look to improve on their 105.5 points per game average over the last two. Being 1-6 against the spread over the last 7 matchups, Los Angeles looks to turn their tables against Minnesota.
Betting Insights & Public Trends
Looking at the current betting insights, although the Clippers are the stronger team, 54.3% of bettors think Minnesota will win this game.
Timberwolves vs Clippers Final Prediction
With the Los Angeles Clippers having been on a very strong streak and being underrated in all areas, this should be another easy matchup for them against Minnesota. As they are not picked to win by bettors, this game should be in their favor as they look to be way more in form. Led by James Harden as an elite point guard who can score inside or out, his ability to get assists helps facilitate the floor for this unit. Having him go against Mike Conley is a huge mismatch because the size plus speed will completely dominate Minnesota’s point guard. As Conley can’t score or pass at the same rate anymore, Harden’s improved defense will cause deflections and steals for extra chances down the other way. With Anthony Edwards starting at shooting guard for Minnesota, he will be one matchup advantage for them as an elite all-around scorer, But, going up against Kris Dunn will limit his shot-making ability from deep and cause him to attempt a chance much closer to the hope. As Dunn does have side-to-side prowess, he will control some of Edward's offensive game, while also hitting his long-range shots.
Seeing that Norman Powell starts at small forward for this unit, his ability to score at a high level will be very hard for Jaden McDaniels to guard. Even though McDaniels normally tends to be a very good defender, this will be different due to Powell’s strength and speed to finish inside or out. Someone who can control McDaniels three-point shooting as well, Norman Powell should have a lot of close-outs in this game and create turnovers when the Wolves forward looks for open shooters. With Derrick Jones Jr. playing the power forward role, his greatness as a blocker plus rebounder will help control Julius Randle’s offensive game. Knowing that and Ivica Zubac having a rebounding plus finishing advantage over Gobert, many bench pieces like Amir Coffey should come up big for Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Minnesota can keep it close if Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid play at top-tier levels.
Our prediction: Los Angeles win this game and cover their +2.5 spread, while the score goes over 216.5 points.
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