NBA Basketball Matchup: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers
10:30 PM EST
NBA Gambling Odds from BetDSI
NBA Betting Favorite: Clippers -5
Over/Under: 190
Both the Timberwolves and the Clippers have to feel a lot better about where there team is today compared to this time a year ago. Ricky Rubio is bringing a new atmosphere to the team in Minnesota, and the Timberwolves are worth watching this year. Chris Paul is teaming up with Blake Griffin to provide a terrific show on a nightly basis in Los Angeles. These resurgent teams will meet tonight at Staples Center.
Minnesota was a cellar dweller last year, but they are quite competitive this season. Kevin Love had a breakout season last year, and now he has more help. Ricky Rubio is averaging 11 points and eight assists per game this year. Rubio is one of those players who makes everyone around him much better. Derrick Williams has been getting limited action thus far, but with his talent level he is bound to help this team as the season moves along. Kevin Love is still putting up some ridiculous numbers. Love is averaging 25.2 points and 14.5 boards per game. The biggest difference in this team compared to last year is their ability to play defense. Minnesota ranks in the top ten in the NBA in field goal percentage defense.
Chris Paul is listed as doubtful for this game due to a hamstring injury. Eric Bledsoe has yet to play this season. Even with some injury problems, the Clippers are off to an impressive 8-4 start this season. Mo Williams put up 26 points in the Clippers win over Dallas earlier this week, and he has proven to be a nice addition to the roster as well. Caron Butler and Chauncey Billups are also nice offensive weapons that have been added. This is a team that has no shortage of scorers, and the talent is there for the Clippers to make a run this year. Blake Griffin is still the team leader, and he averages 21 points 11 boards per game.
The under is 15-6 in the last 21 meetings between these two teams. Expect the Clippers to win, but the best value is likely the under.
Prediction: Los Angeles 94 Minnesota 89
