The Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday at Moda Center in Portland. This is the third matchup between the two teams this season, with Minnesota winning the first two. They were dominant in both wins against Portland, defeating them by 116-93 on January 12 and following up with a 121-109 win a few days ago. Anthony Edwards scored 41 points in the previous win on February 12. The upcoming contest is the 134th regular-season meeting between the two teams. The Timberwolves have been dominant in their last 10 games against Portland.
Preview
The Timberwolves are currently at the top of the Western Conference standings. They are coming off a convincing win over the LA Clippers, 121-100, on Monday. Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers continue their difficult rebuild due to injuries to several players. The Blazers have only 15 wins this season and may have difficulty winning more games due to their lack of experience and talent.
Starting lineup
The Minnesota Timberwolves have three players on the injury report, including Anthony Edwards, who is listed as questionable. If Edwards is rested, their starting lineup will feature Mike Conley Jr., Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaden McDaniels, Karl-Anthony Towns and Rubert Gobert. On the other hand, the Portland Trail Blazers may be without six players due to injury. They are expected to start with Anfernee Simmons, Matisse Thybulle, Jerami Grant, Toumani Camara and DeAndre Ayton.
Betting tips
Anthony Edwards has an over/under of 26.5 points, which is slightly more than his season average of 26.1 points per game. Edwards is expected to score 25.5 points, but it may be better to bet on him to go over, as he has at least scored 26 points four times in his last five games.
Karl-Anthony is averaging 22.5 ppg this season. He has scored at least 23 points twice in his last five contests. He is expected to score 21.3 points on Thursday, so betting on him to go over 21.5 points will be better.
Anfernee Simmons has scored 23 points or more in his last five games. Betting on him to go over can be better.
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Prediction
The Minnesota Timberwolves are favorites to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday. The Timberwolves remain the best team in the Western Conference, while the Blazers are 14th in the standings. Oddsmakers are predicting the Timberwolves will win and cover the spread. They are also predicting that the total will go over.
