Portland Trail Blazers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions November 13th 2024

Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves November 13th 2024

In a divisional matchup, the Portland Trail Blazers (4-8) will host the Minnesota Timberwolves (6-5) at the Moda Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 ET and the game can be seen on KATU.

Minnesota is currently favored by 9 points and has a moneyline of -398. The over/under line for the game is 219.5. The Timberwolves are 9th in the Western Conference and 3rd in the Northwest Division. They have lost two straight games. On the other side, the Trail Blazers are 13th in the West and 4th in the Northwest.

Timberwolves vs. Trail Blazers Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves at Portland Trail Blazers
• Where: Portland at Moda Center
• Date: Wednesday, November 13th
• Betting Odds MIN -9, MIN -398 | POR +312 O/U 219.5

The Timberwolves Can Win If…

The Timberwolves fell to 6-5 on the season after a 122-108 road loss to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday. Minnesota, who entered the game as 9-point favorites, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 230, surpassing the pre-game O/U line of 222.

Portland took control early, leading 28-17 after the 1st quarter. Minnesota responded with a 36-point 2nd quarter but couldn’t sustain the momentum, as they were outscored 33-21 in the 3rd. Despite a 34-point effort in the 4th, the Wolves couldn’t overcome a 19-point deficit heading into the final period.

Naz Reid’s 28 points and 6 rebounds led the Timberwolves in their loss to the Trail Blazers, with Reid hitting 4 threes at a 50% clip. Anthony Edwards added 26 points, also knocking down 4 threes, though he shot just 42.1% from the field. Jaden McDaniels contributed 17 points, shooting 80% from the floor.

Minnesota connected on 13 threes, shooting 37.1% from deep and 50.7% overall. Reid and Edwards each scored 12 points in the 2nd quarter, with Reid adding 10 more in the 4th.

The Timberwolves struggled defensively against the Trail Blazers, giving up 122 points on 51% shooting. Portland scored 28 points in the 1st quarter, 32 in the 2nd, 33 in the 3rd, and 29 in the 4th.

Minnesota had a tough time defending the three, allowing 18 threes on 56% shooting. The Timberwolves also sent the Blazers to the line 20 times, where they hit 18 free throws. Defensively, Minnesota recorded 13 steals and 4 blocks.

• Through their last ten road contests, the Timberwolves offense has averaged 107 points per game while allowing an average of 107. Minnesota posted an overall record of 5-5 while going 5-5 ATS.
• Through their last five games as the favorite, the Timberwolves have an ATS record of 3-2 and a straight up mark of 3-2.
• Over their last five games, the Timberwolves have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Trail Blazers Can Win If…

Portland improved to 4-8 on the season with a 122-108 win over the Timberwolves on Tuesday. The Trail Blazers were +9 point underdogs at home but not only covered the spread, they won by 14 points. The game’s total score of 230 points went over the line of 222.

Portland set the tone early, holding Minnesota to 17 points in the 1st quarter. While the Timberwolves fought back in the 2nd, outscoring Portland 36-32, the Blazers responded by holding them to 21 points in the 3rd while scoring 33. Heading into the 4th with a 93-74 lead, Portland was able to withstand a late push by Minnesota, who outscored them 34-29 in the final quarter.

The Trail Blazers shot 51.2% from the field and knocked down 18 threes at a 56.2% clip in their win over the Timberwolves. Jerami Grant led the way with 21 points, 12 of which came in the 4th quarter.

Robert Williams added 19 points, shooting 90% from the field, while Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija each contributed 17 points. Avdija had 10 points in the 3rd quarter.

Despite a tough 2nd and 4th quarter, the Trail Blazers held the Timberwolves to 108 points in their win on Tuesday. Portland’s defense was strong in the 1st and 3rd quarters, allowing just 17 and 21 points, respectively. Overall, the Timberwolves shot 50% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Trail Blazers limited Minnesota to 13 made threes on 37% shooting. Portland also sent the Timberwolves to the line 23 times, where they made 21 free throws. The Trail Blazers gave up 4 offensive rebounds while recording 14 steals and 7 blocks.

• Across their last five home contests, Portland has a 3-2 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 2-3, while averaging 105 points per game.
• Going back to their previous three games as the underdog, Portland has an ATS mark of 1-2 while going 1-2 straight up.
• In their last three games, the Trail Blazers have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Coming in as the underdogs at +9, we have the Trail Blazers as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 219.5 and our model has the Timberwolves and Trail Blazers finishing with a combined 295 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Daily NBA Picks & Predictions

Robert Williams III Shines in Return as Trail Blazers Aim for Repeat Against Timberwolves

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III is back on the court after a challenging year-long recovery from a knee injury, and he’s wasted no time proving his value. With his stellar performance in Portland’s recent 122-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Williams demonstrated exactly why his absence last season was such a hurdle for the Blazers.

As the two teams face off again on Wednesday night in Portland, the Trail Blazers are hoping Williams can replicate his impressive play.

Robert Williams III: The Comeback Factor

In only his third game back, Williams showed resilience and skill, putting up 19 points with an efficient 9-of-10 shooting from the field. He added nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and three steals in just 25 minutes. The game underscored his importance to Portland’s roster and the significant impact he brings on both ends of the floor.

“I’m just blessed to be out here playing this game,” Williams said postgame, acknowledging the light at the end of a tough year. His return comes as a major boost for Portland, especially after he only managed to play six games last season before the injury.

Chauncey Billups, Portland’s head coach, couldn’t hold back his excitement over Williams’ return. “You guys have heard me since he’s been here, raving about how happy I am to be able to coach him. He’s just a winner,” Billups shared. “His feel for the game is very high-level, his IQ is really, really high-level. His rebounding, his blocked shots, his voice—he’s so impactful.”

Balanced Scoring Powers Portland’s Win

Portland’s offensive game was as balanced as it was efficient, with seven players scoring in double figures. Jerami Grant led with 21 points, while Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija chipped in 17 points each. Rounding out the effort, Toumani Camara, Scoot Henderson, and Dalano Banton each scored between 12 and 14 points.

This level of depth is promising for the Blazers, whose reliance on shared scoring can help them navigate injuries and unexpected challenges, like those seen on Tuesday night. Despite missing starting center Deandre Ayton due to a sprained finger, and with Anfernee Simons playing just five minutes due to chest pains, Portland displayed a strong collective effort. Billups assured fans that Simons’ initial tests were normal but mentioned additional tests would be conducted to be cautious.

Timberwolves’ Turnover Troubles

The Timberwolves, who came into the game fresh off a 127-102 victory over the Blazers last Friday, struggled with turnovers on Tuesday. They committed a season-high 23 turnovers, resulting in 25 points for Portland. Head coach Chris Finch was visibly frustrated, attributing the errors to “sloppiness” and “carelessness” while noting that many of the mistakes were preventable.

“We got to get into more structure,” Finch explained. “Guys are trying to make the high-risk play a lot instead of the simple play.” He suggested that a return to more disciplined, controlled plays could help reduce Minnesota’s turnover rate, which has become a persistent issue this season.

The turnovers were especially costly because Minnesota’s previous game against Portland featured a hot shooting night where the Timberwolves shot 22-of-50 from beyond the arc, with Anthony Edwards leading with nine threes and 37 points. In Tuesday’s game, however, Portland held Minnesota to 13-of-35 shooting from three-point range, a marked improvement on defense that limited the Timberwolves’ effectiveness.

Notable Performances for Minnesota

Despite the loss, several Timberwolves players turned in noteworthy performances. Naz Reid emerged as Minnesota’s leading scorer with 28 points, while Anthony Edwards scored 26 points, connecting on four three-pointers. Jaden McDaniels also contributed with 17 points on an efficient 8-of-10 shooting from the field.

However, Finch noted that some turnovers came from trying to force the ball inside to Rudy Gobert, who only attempted three shots and scored modestly. This points to an imbalance in Minnesota’s offense that could be alleviated by simplifying their passing game and focusing on fewer risky plays.

NBA Cup Implications and Group A Standings

This matchup holds additional importance as part of the NBA Cup’s Group A tournament. The NBA Cup, a new mid-season tournament, introduces competitive stakes beyond regular-season standings, adding extra motivation for both teams. With this win, the Trail Blazers not only break a five-game losing streak to the Timberwolves but also improve their position in Group A.

The added intensity of the NBA Cup structure means every win holds weight, and Portland’s improved play under pressure could signal positive momentum as they compete for a higher position in both the NBA Cup and the Western Conference standings.

Conclusion: Keys for the Next Matchup

With their dominant Tuesday win, the Trail Blazers have set the tone for the second game against the Timberwolves. Robert Williams III’s return has bolstered Portland’s defense and added versatility to their offense, and the team’s depth was evident with multiple players stepping up. For Minnesota, containing turnovers will be crucial if they hope to prevent another loss to the Blazers and re-establish the level of play that saw them dominate in last Friday’s win.

The stakes are high, and Portland is looking to capitalize on their growing momentum as they continue their NBA Cup run and the regular season.