Clippers vs. Timberwolves Prediction, Picks for Sunday, Jan. 14
Here's everything you need to know about Clippers vs. Timberwolves on Sunday, Jan. 14 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.
The Clippers have kicked it into full gear, reeling off eight wins in their last nine games including some against quality opponents like the Pelicans, Suns and Heat.
Now, it's time for their toughest test in some time when they take on the league's top-ranked defensive team in the Minnesota Timberolves.
Can L.A. find a big win here on the road?
Let's get to our Clippers vs. Timberwolves prediction and pick.
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Clippers vs. Timberwolves Prediction
Pick: Clippers -1.5 (-115)
Clippers Betting Outlook
The Clippers enter this contest as the slight favorites according to oddsmakers, and this has traditionally been a great spot for them. L.A. is 9-3 straight up in these spots, covering the spread in eight of 11 contests by an average of 4.5 points. While this matchup is just about as difficult as it comes, there are certainly some ways in here for L.A.
The Clippers have brought plenty of heat on offense, particularly after adding James Harden earlier in the year, but this defense is every bit as good ranking inside the league's top 10. Their calling card has been their defense in the backcourt, earning top-10 ranks against the midrange jumper and the 3-point shot. Minnesota may not be taking a ton of 3s, but it has been one of the deadliest units from outside and that makes this a storyline to watch.
L.A., meanwhile, has been the best 3-point shooting team in the NBA according to Cleaning the Glass and has dominated in the mid-range with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard leading the charge there. Most impressively, too, is the fact that Ty Lue has once again elected to go small a good deal this season and that hasn't really cost this team in the rebounding department considering it ranks ninth in the NBA.
Timberwolves Betting Outlook
Minnesota should certainly meet its match here in the Clippers. Its defense has been every bit as good, sitting just outside the top 10, and their offense has been better by leaps and bounds. On top of that, the Timberwolves have been able to find an edge on the glass in a lot of games but will be up against a team ranked one spot higher in rebounding rate.
The Timberwolves' offense will be the side that's under the microscope here, given it's the only real weakness in this matchup. As noted above, while they don't necessarily take a ton of 3s, they've been incredibly efficient from outside ranking third among all teams. LA hasn't done the best job against the 3 over the course of the season, but ever since the calendar has turned to January it has allowed just over 36% of outside looks to fall.
Another story to watch here as a bettor will be the status of star guard Anthony Edwards. The former No. 1 pick is currently listed as questionable with a knee contusion, and while the injury is minor in nature the Timberwolves may opt to take it easy with his injury given his value to the team and their shiny 27-11 record.
Clippers vs. Timberwolves Picks, Odds
| Clippers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -106 | 222.5 -110o / -110u | -124 |
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -114 | 222.5 -110o / -110u | +106 |
The Clippers' 3-point defense has stepped up in recent weeks, and with an edge offensively I think they're well-positioned to take this game. They've covered by a healthy margin nearly time they've been favorites on the road, and that is a trend that we should expect to continue here with the way this side is playing.
L.A. is also a rare team which shoots better on the road, knocking down nearly 40% of its looks, and by the numbers defending the 3 has been the worst aspect of Minnesota's excellent defense. Its production has slipped ever so slightly over the last 10 games as the team has dropped some games in disappointing fashion, and the Clippers are about as hot as an offense can get at the moment. I'll lay the 1.5 here.
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