La Clippers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions December 4th 2024

LA Clippers vs Minnesota Timberwolves December 4th 2024

At 10:30 ET, the Timberwolves (-139) will travel to take on the Clippers (+117) in a Western Conference matchup. Minnesota is favored by 2.5 points and the over/under line is set at 210.

The Timberwolves (10-10) are on a two-game win streak and are currently 11th in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Clippers (14-9) are also on a two-game win streak and are currently 5th in the West.

Timberwolves vs. Clippers Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Clippers
• Where: Inglewood at Intuit Dome
• Date: Wednesday, December 4th
• Betting Odds MIN -2.5, MIN -139 | LAC +117 O/U 210

The Timberwolves Can Win If…

With a dominant 109-80 win over the Lakers on Monday, the Timberwolves evened their season record at 10-10. Playing at home, Minnesota entered the game as -7.5 point favorites and covered the spread with ease. The combined score of 189 points fell well short of the 219.5-point O/U line.

After a tight 1st quarter, the Timberwolves took control by outscoring the Lakers 34-24 in the 2nd quarter. They put the game away in the 4th, holding the Lakers to 16 points while scoring 30 of their own, including a 10-0 run that extended their lead from 81-66 to 91-66.

In their win over the Lakers, the Timberwolves shot 50.6% from the field and hit 15 threes at a 42.9% clip. Julius Randle led the way with 18 points, while Rudy Gobert added 17 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 87.5% from the floor.

Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each contributed 15 points, with Reid scoring 8 of his points in the 2nd quarter. Randle also had a strong 3rd quarter, scoring 8 points in that period.

The Timberwolves put on a defensive clinic against the Lakers, allowing just 80 points in their win. They gave up 20 points in both the 1st and 3rd quarters, and only 16 in the 4th.

Minnesota held Los Angeles to 40% shooting from the field, including just 19% from three-point range, with the Lakers making only 6 threes. The Timberwolves also recorded 11 steals.

• When looking at their past three road matchups, Minnesota has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 113 per game. The team went 1-2 overall in these games.
• Through their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Timberwolves have a good straight up record, but their ATS mark is just 1-2.
• Over their last three games, the Timberwolves have an over/under record of 0-2-1 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

The Clippers Can Win If…

The Clippers improved to 14-9 this season with a 127-105 win over the Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Playing at home, they covered the -8.5 point spread, and the game’s total of 232 points went over the 220.5 O/U line.

After a 36-31 first quarter, both teams scored 27 points in the second. The Clippers then went on an 11-0 run, stretching the score from 75-70 to 86-70. They outscored Portland 28-20 in the third and 36-27 in the fourth.

The Clippers shot 55.3% from the field and hit 19 threes at a 51.4% rate in their win over the Trail Blazers. Norman Powell led the way with 30 points, knocking down 5 threes at 71.4% efficiency.

Amir Coffey also hit 5 threes, scoring 16 of his 19 points in the 4th quarter. James Harden added 12 of his 23 points in the 3rd.

Despite giving up 31 points in the 1st quarter, the Clippers tightened up defensively in the 3rd, allowing just 20 points to help secure the win. They gave up 27 points in both the 2nd and 4th quarters, finishing the game with 105 points allowed.

Even though the Trail Blazers shot 51% from the field, the Clippers limited them to just 10 made threes on 34% shooting. They also sent Portland to the line 16 times, where they made 13 free throws. Defensively, the Clippers recorded 8 steals and 8 blocks.

• When looking at their past five home matchups, Los Angeles has an ATS record of 3-2 while averaging 107 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
• Through their last three games as the betting underdog, the Clippers have a strong record vs the spread going 2-1. Their straight up mark in these contests is 1-2.
• In their last three games, the Clippers have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.

The Lean

We’re putting our money on the Timberwolves to win, and have the projected score sitting at 129-96. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Timberwolves at -2.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 210 and our model has the Timberwolves and Clippers finishing with a combined 225 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Daily NBA Picks & Predictions

Timberwolves Aim to Extend Momentum Against Clippers in Crucial Matchup

The Minnesota Timberwolves look to carry their recent momentum into a challenging road matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night in Inglewood, California. After a rough stretch that saw the team grappling with inconsistency and criticism, Minnesota seems to have turned a corner. However, facing the Clippers at their home court, where they’ve been dominant, is no easy task.

Timberwolves’ Recent Turnaround

The Timberwolves recently snapped a four-game losing streak, a stretch that included seven losses in nine games. This slump led star player Anthony Edwards to voice frustrations about the team’s lack of communication and cohesiveness. Edwards called out the squad as “soft” and compared them to “a bunch of little kids,” urging them to step up.

The team responded in kind. Minnesota pulled off a narrow 93-92 victory over the Clippers last Friday and followed it up with a commanding 109-80 win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. The win against the Lakers showcased a team effort, with Julius Randle scoring 18 points, Rudy Gobert contributing 17 points and 12 rebounds, and key bench players Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Naz Reid adding 15 points each.

“We’ve had meaningful conversations in the locker room, and you can see how it’s paying off,” said head coach Chris Finch. “The guys are maintaining good camaraderie and positive energy, and it shows on the court.”

Even with Edwards struggling offensively against the Lakers (8 points on 3-of-13 shooting), the Timberwolves found ways to win. This balanced approach will be crucial against the Clippers’ hard-nosed defense.

Clippers’ Home Dominance

The Clippers head into the matchup riding a nine-game home winning streak after a commanding 127-105 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Los Angeles showcased their offensive depth, led by Norman Powell, who scored 30 points in just his second game back from a hamstring injury. James Harden added 23 points and 7 assists, as the team shot an impressive 51.4% from beyond the arc.

Powell, now the team’s leading scorer with an average of 23.9 points per game, has stepped up in the absence of key players. With Paul George now playing for the Philadelphia 76ers and Kawhi Leonard sidelined with a knee injury, Powell’s emergence as a scoring leader has been critical.

“Norman has always wanted to prove he’s a starter in this league,” said head coach Tyronn Lue. “He’s worked hard, and it’s showing with the kind of attention he’s drawing from defenses.”

The Clippers’ success has been bolstered by their ability to share the ball, as evidenced by their 29 assists against Portland. However, injuries continue to challenge the team. Kevin Porter Jr. (ankle) missed his second consecutive game, while Terance Mann suffered a fractured middle finger on his left hand, leaving the team shorthanded.

Key Matchup: Timberwolves’ Resilience vs. Clippers’ Firepower

This game is shaping up to be a battle of contrasting styles. The Timberwolves have found success by focusing on defensive grit and spreading out scoring responsibilities, while the Clippers thrive on offensive efficiency and home-court dominance.

Timberwolves’ Keys to Victory:

1. Team Effort: The Timberwolves will need contributions from their bench to complement Edwards and Gobert, especially if Edwards has another off night.
2. Road Consistency: With four of their recent losses coming on the road, Minnesota must address their away-game struggles.
3. Defensive Focus: Slowing down Powell and limiting the Clippers’ three-point shooting will be critical.

Clippers’ Keys to Victory:

1. Powell’s Scoring: Powell must continue to excel as the team’s primary scoring option.
2. Offensive Efficiency: The Clippers’ ability to shoot efficiently and move the ball will be pivotal against Minnesota’s improved defense.
3. Depth Contributions: Harden and the bench will need to step up to mitigate the absence of key players like Leonard and Mann.

What to Expect

The Timberwolves are looking to extend their turnaround by proving they can compete with a top-tier opponent on the road. A second victory over the Clippers in less than a week would further solidify their standing as a rising force in the Western Conference. For the Clippers, this game represents an opportunity to showcase their adaptability amidst adversity and continue their impressive home streak.

Both teams have something to prove: the Timberwolves must maintain their newfound resilience, while the Clippers aim to sustain their offensive dominance despite injuries. Fans can expect a hard-fought, competitive game with high stakes for both sides.