Sacramento Kings vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions November 15th 2024

Kings vs Timberwolves November 15th 2024

At 10:00 ET, the Timberwolves (-133) will travel to Sacramento to take on the Kings (+112). The over/under line for this Western Conference matchup is 222.

Minnesota (-2) is currently 6-6 and on a three-game losing streak. Sacramento (7-5) is 8th in the Western Conference and 4th in the Pacific Division.

Timberwolves vs. Kings Key Information

The Timberwolves fell to 6-6 on the season after a 106-98 loss to the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Minnesota, who were favored by 10 points, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 204, falling short of the 219.5 O/U line.

Minnesota got off to a strong start, leading 33-23 after the 1st quarter, but a poor 2nd quarter saw them score just 15 points. After an even 3rd quarter, the game was tied at 76 heading into the 4th. A 13-0 run by Portland broke the game open, and Minnesota couldn’t recover.

In their 98-point effort against the Trail Blazers, the Timberwolves shot just 39.4% from the field and struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 7 threes at a 17.9% clip. Anthony Edwards led the way with 24 points, 12 of which came in the 3rd quarter, while Julius Randle added 20 points and 10 rebounds, scoring 9 points in the 4th.

Naz Reid contributed 15 points, knocking down 2 threes, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 13 points. Rudy Gobert also reached double figures with 12 points, 6 of which came in the final period.

Stay Ahead with Winning NBA Betting Tips! Get expert NBA Hot Picks now.

Even with a solid defensive effort, the Timberwolves couldn’t pull out the win against the Trail Blazers, despite holding them to 106 points. Minnesota allowed 23 points in the 1st quarter and 25 in the 2nd, but Portland scored 28 in the 3rd and 30 in the 4th to secure the victory.

The Timberwolves limited the Trail Blazers to just 9 made threes on 36% shooting from deep. Minnesota finished with 12 steals and 3 blocks in the game.

The Kings improved to 7-5 this season with a 127-104 win over the Suns on Wednesday. Sacramento, playing at home, was favored by 8 points and covered the spread. The game’s total score of 231 points went over the 225.5-point line.

Sacramento took control with an 11-0 run, stretching the score from 40-34 to 51-34. After a tight 2nd quarter, the Kings outscored the Suns 32-24 in the 3rd and 34-24 in the 4th, pulling away for the win.

De’Aaron Fox led the Kings to a 127-104 win over the Suns, finishing with 29 points and 10 assists while shooting 64.7% from the field. Fox scored 10 points in both the 1st and 3rd quarters. Kevin Huerter added 22 points, with 11 coming in the 3rd quarter.

The Kings shot 64.1% from the field and hit 53.6% of their threes, making 15 from beyond the arc. Keegan Murray contributed 17 points, knocking down 3 threes at a 60% clip.

The Kings’ defense was solid throughout the game, holding the Suns to 104 points on 37% shooting. Sacramento gave up 29 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up in the 2nd, allowing 27 points. They were even better in the 3rd and 4th quarters, giving up just 24 points in each.

From beyond the arc, the Kings limited the Suns to 13 threes on 30% shooting. Sacramento also sent Phoenix to the line 26 times, where they made 19 free throws. The Kings grabbed 39 defensive rebounds, gave up 19 offensive boards, and added 7 steals and 8 blocks.

The Timberwolves is our selection to secure the victory, with a projected score of 142-118. We also like them to cover the spread, so we suggest betting on the Timberwolves at -2.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 222 and given that our model is projecting 260 points between the teams, we like the over.

Kings vs. Timberwolves: Both Teams Seek Momentum in NBA Cup Clash

Matchup: Minnesota Timberwolves (5-6) vs. Sacramento Kings (4-7)
When: Friday night
Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
NBA Cup Group: West Group A

Two teams hoping to shake off their early-season inconsistency face off on Friday when the Sacramento Kings host the Minnesota Timberwolves in an NBA Cup group stage showdown. Both squads are looking to generate some momentum as they jockey for position in the West Group A standings.

Wolves’ Shooting Woes Continue

Minnesota comes into the game on a three-game skid after dropping back-to-back matchups against the Portland Trail Blazers, most recently falling 106-98 on Wednesday. The Timberwolves’ shooting has been abysmal, especially from long range. They shot just 7-of-39 (17.9 percent) from beyond the arc in their latest loss. Anthony Edwards, usually a reliable scorer, went ice-cold, missing all nine of his 3-point attempts.

“We’ve got the answers. The coaches give us … the answers,” Edwards said. “We’re just not doing it as a team, one through 15. We’ve got to mature, man.”

Minnesota has struggled to integrate new additions like Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, who joined from the New York Knicks in a trade for Karl-Anthony Towns. The Wolves are still searching for a rhythm with this revamped lineup.

Veteran point guard Mike Conley was rested on Wednesday, but he’s expected to suit up against the Kings. His return should help stabilize the Wolves’ offense, which has been plagued by inconsistency.

Sacramento Riding High After Statement Win

The Kings, on the other hand, are coming off an impressive 127-104 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday. Sacramento was hot from beyond the arc, draining 15-of-28 (53.6 percent) 3-pointers after struggling in that department to start the season. De’Aaron Fox led the way with 29 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists, while Keegan Murray contributed on both ends of the floor, particularly in limiting Suns star Devin Booker.

“Any night like this gives us a lot of confidence,” said Murray, who has been pivotal for Sacramento on both ends. “It’s a good feeling and hopefully we can carry that on to the next game.”

Coach Mike Brown lauded Murray’s defensive effort, especially against Booker, who was held to just 18 points.

However, the Kings are monitoring the health of guard DeMar DeRozan, who left Wednesday’s game at halftime with lower back tightness. DeRozan did not practice on Thursday and is listed as doubtful for the matchup against the Wolves.

NBA Picks to Guide Your Game! See today’s NBA basketball picks of the day for expert calls.

Key Storylines to Watch

1. Kings’ Shooting vs. Wolves’ Defense: Sacramento’s recent success from 3-point range could be a problem for a Minnesota team that’s been struggling to close out on shooters. The Kings will look to replicate their hot shooting night against the Suns.
2. Randle and DiVincenzo’s Integration: Minnesota’s new additions, Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, are still adjusting to their roles. Randle has shown flashes of his offensive prowess, but the Wolves need more cohesion to start winning consistently.
3. Mike Conley’s Impact: The veteran point guard is expected to return to the lineup, which should help the Timberwolves get back on track. Conley’s experience and decision-making could be the key to unlocking better offensive flow for Minnesota.
4. De’Aaron Fox vs. Anthony Edwards: This game will feature an exciting duel between two of the league’s brightest young stars. Fox is coming off a stellar performance, while Edwards will be looking to bounce back after a rough shooting night.

What’s at Stake?

Both teams are looking to gain some traction in the NBA Cup standings. For Sacramento, a win would help build on their newfound confidence after the big win over Phoenix. For Minnesota, snapping their losing streak and figuring out their lineup rotations are the top priorities.

Prediction

The Kings have the momentum coming into this game, especially after their impressive shooting performance against Phoenix. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are still figuring out their chemistry with new players. The return of Mike Conley should help, but if Sacramento’s shooters stay hot and De’Aaron Fox continues to lead the way, the Kings have the edge.