The Minnesota Timberwolves (10-10) will meet the Los Angeles Clippers (14-9) tonight. Tipoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The game will be broadcast live on NBA TV.
The Timberwolves are 3-point road favorites over the Clippers on the spread (Wolves -3), with the over/under set at 213.5 points. Minnesota is a -150 favorite to win outright, while Los Angeles is +125 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Timberwolves vs. Clippers predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, December 4.
Timberwolves vs. Clippers Prediction, Picks
Spread
I will not be picking a side in this matchup. Instead, I will be targeting the total.
Moneyline
Similarly to the spread, I'm staying away from the moneyline market.
Over/Under
My Clippers vs. Timberwolves best bet is on the under at 213.5 total points. The best line is available on DraftKings.
My Pick: Under 213.5
Timberwolves vs Clippers Odds
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -110 | 213.5 -110 / -110 | -150 |
| Clippers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -110 | 213.5 -110 / -110 | +125 |
- Timberwolves vs Clippers spread: Timberwolves -3
- Timberwolves vs Clippers over/under: 213.5 points
- Timberwolves vs Clippers moneyline: Timberwolves -150, Clippers +125
- Timberwolves vs Clippers best bet: Under 213.5
Timberwolves vs. Clippers NBA Preview
The Timberwolves defeated the Clippers by a score of 93-92 last Friday, in a game that featured 37 turnovers, and then held the Lakers to 80 points on Monday night. Many, including Timberwolves players, believe the team has not played up to its capabilities defensively as they had the top-ranked defense last year. However, they are starting to get back to that level.
Over the last five games, Minnesota ranks second in defensive rating. As a result, it has risen to seventh in defensive rating for the season. Now, it will have to make sure that the defensive effort travels.
While Minnesota has started to come on defensively of late, the Clippers have ranked top five in defensive rating all season. They have held six of their last 10 opponents under 100 points. As a result, they are 8-2 in that span. One of those losses did come to the Timberwolves, but 93 points tied for the second-fewest that the Clippers have allowed this season and was the fewest points that the Timberwolves have scored thus far.
However, last Friday's defensive battle should not have been too surprising. The Clippers rank 21st in pace while the Timberwolves are 25th, with both teams averaging under 99 possessions per game. Both teams also rank outside the top 15 in offensive rating.
One player I like to score tonight is Clippers center Ivica Zubac, who's averaging 15 points and 12.3 rebounds per game. He exceeded those averages last Friday with 16 points and 13 rebounds in 34 minutes and has had 10 rebounds in nine of his last 10 games.
Counterpart Rudy Gobert missed the double-double on Friday night, but he finished with eight points and 12 rebounds. He has pulled 12 rebounds in four of his past five games.
Timberwolves vs. Clippers Prediction
Friday's game had 212.5 points total and went under by 28 points. That tracks with the recent series history; the under hit in seven of the last nine meetings. That includes three games where neither team scored 100 points and two more games that finished with 209 and 213 points.
With an expected low-scoring game, I am looking at the centers to control the glass. Zubac has recorded a double-double in seven of his last 10 games. That includes against Minnesota, who is allowing 22.6 points and 12.6 rebounds per game to centers.
Gobert has had a double-double in six of his last nine games overall and in seven of his last 11 games against the Clippers. The Clippers are allowing 24 points and 13 rebounds per game to centers. Two traditional-style centers will keep both of them closer to the basket, which will increase their opportunities for rebounds.
Best Bet: Under 213.5 Points (-110)
Same Game Parlay: Ivica Zubac Double-Double, Rudy Gobert Double-Double, Under 213.5 Points (+550, DraftKings)
Clippers vs Timberwolves Betting Trends
