Gobert listed as questionable, Towns OUT Karl-Anthony Towns has not played since November 28, as he continues to rehab from a calf strain. In 25 games during his absence, Minnesota is 12-13, ranking 14th in Net Rating out of 30 teams. Yet, they have remained excellent at home, where they are 9-4 in that span, outscoring their opponents by 5. 0 points per 100 possessions. After sitting out last night’s contest against the Nuggets, Rudy Gobert is listed as questionable for this evening. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Timberwolves rank in the 83rd percentile in defensive efficiency with Gobert on the floor and Towns on the sidelines, but regress to the 19th percentile in defensive efficiency when both players are off of the floor.
Toronto is a half-game behind the Chicago Bulls for the final play-in position in the Eastern Conference. On Thursday, oddsmakers are expecting a Raptors victory, pricing Toronto as 5. 5-point road favorites on the spread. Toronto Raptors Struggles in the States In 20 road games this year, the Raptors are 6-14. The issue appears to be consistency rather than lack of capability when traveling outside of Canada, considering that this team has impressive wins on the road against the Miami Heat, New York Knicks (twice), and the Cleveland Cavaliers included in their six wins. Yet, it cannot be ignored that the Raptors also have losses to the Orlando Magic (twice), and other inferior opponents away from home.
Toronto is a high variance team in this spot. Fatigue a concern Tonight will be Toronto’s fourth game in four different cities in the last six days. After playing at home last Saturday, the Raptors went to Madison Square Garden for an overtime affair on Monday, and then headed to Milwaukee for a back-to-back on Tuesday. Considering this group’s thin rotation and the lack of contributions from role players, this is a difficult spot for the Raptors. Entering play, Toronto ranks 26th out of 30 teams in bench scoring this year. Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards is “mad” Asked after last night’s game by Dane Moore if it was the most upset he had been after a loss, Anthony Edwards responded, “Hell yeah.
The status of Gobert is worth monitoring throughout the afternoon. Raptors vs. Timberwolves – Picks & Predictions Regardless of whether or not Gobert is in the lineup for this contest, the Timberwolves are capable of keeping this game competitive on their home floor. In 13 games in their home building since Towns last played, Minnesota is 9-4 SU, and tonight is getting multiple possessions on the spread. The market is overreacting to the fact that the Timberwolves are on a back-to-back on Thursday – Minnesota is live as an underdog in this spot.
Raptors vs. Timberwolves: NBA odds, Picks and PredictionsRaptors vs. Timberwolves Odds Raptors Odds -5. 5 Timberwolves Odds +5. 5 Over/Under 232 Date Thu, Jan. 19 Time 8:00 p. m. TV SportsNet Following a fourth quarter collapse in last night’s loss to the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves will have an opportunity to make amends this evening when they host the Toronto Raptors at the Target Center. Entering play, the Timberwolves (22-24) are tied with the Portland Trail Blazers for the final play-in position in the Western Conference.