On Sunday, 03/16, the Minnesota Timberwolves (39-29) will host the Utah Jazz (15-52) in a Western Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Timberwolves are seventh in the West, whereas the Jazz have the worst record in the Conference. Can the streaking Timberwolves dust away the Jazz? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Timberwolves: Finding their groove at the right time
The Minnesota Timberwolves will come into this match-up after a 7-point win against the Orlando Magic, as Anthony Edwards put in 28 points. They have won seven in a row for the first time this season and hold a 17-8 record since the third week of January. Minnesota has taken advantage of an easy schedule, but more than that, Edwards has meshed with Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. The Wolves may not look like a championship squad right now, but a late surge can propel them into the playoffs without falling to the Play-in tournament. Timberwolves have a terrific defense, giving up just 109 points per game(6th).
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Mike Conley | SG: Anthony Edwards | SF: Jaden McDaniels | PF: Julius Randle | C: Rudy Gobert
Key Injuries/Updates: No injuries to report as of now.
Jazz: The Cooper Flagg Mission is on
The Utah Jazz will come into this affair after an 8-point loss against the Toronto Raptors, despite a 19-point performance by Jordan Clarkson. They are on an 8-game losing streak for the second time this season. The Jazz has performed as expected but has unearthed some gems this season. Isaiah Collier has shown potential as a Floor General, whereas Walker Kessler, Keyonte Georg,e and Kyle Filipowski have shown a lot of promise, too. However, the franchise will be desperate to land Duke’s standout, Cooper Flagg(Currently injured), to erase the hurt of previous seasons.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Isaiah Collier | PG/SG: Collin Sexton | SF: Cody Williams | SF/PF: Lauri Markkanen | C: Walker Kessler
Key Injuries/Updates: John Collins can be OUT till the end of March. Taylor Hendricks is OUT for the season. Keyonte George can be OUT too.
The Timberwolves have done a great job on the offensive end lately, scoring 115+ on a high clip. Meanwhile, they love containing squads around 110 or so. On the other hand, the Jazz have given up 120+ regularly while struggling to reach the 115 mark. Overall, I see the Wolves going past 120 and restricting Jazz under 108.
Projected Predictions:
Anthony Edwards to score Over 28.5 points: ANT has tallied 26.6 PPG in March, scoring 28 or more in four instances this month. I believe he will trouble the Jazz’s defense to no end, scoring in the 29-34 points range.
Julius Randle to score Over 19.5 points: The Timberwolves forward will be too much for the Jazz’s frontcourt to handle and can figure in the 21-26 points range.
Collin Sexton to score Under 15.5 points: The Jazz guard has tallied 17.8 PPG in March and has scored 16 or more in four of the last five games. I believe he will be held in the 12-15 points range.
Walker Kessler to grab over 12.5 rebounds: The Jazz center is averaging 12.3 rebounds per game this season. I expect him to clasp 13-17 rebounds here.
The Timberwolves will enter as the overwhelming favorites here, as the Jazz have been a punching bag for winning squads. They have the home-court advantage and will fancy a big-time win here. I believe he will eke out a 13+ points win here with Edwards having an incredible night here.
Safe Spread Pick: Timberwolves -14.5 for +105 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Rob Gray- Imagn Images
nba Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!
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