Philadelphia 76ers vs Minnesota Timberwolves: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (3/7/23)
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The Philadelphia 76ers visit the Minnesota Timberwolves in big matchup for standings in both conferences. The 76ers are coming off a win against the Bucks on the road that snapped their winning streak, while the Timberwolves are coming off a road win against the Kings. This is a big matchup for seeding in the playoffs, especially for Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!
76ers vs. Timberwolves Prediction
The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the best teams in the NBA this season and have been very consistent across the board this season.
Joel Embiid is playing like an MVP frontrunner right now. He’s second in the NBA in scoring at 33.2 PPG and he leads the 76ers in rebounds per game at 10.2 and in blocks per game at 1.5 per game. James Harden has also played well this season and is the #2 scorer behind Embiid at 22 PPG. Harden has been Philly’s best passer and is averaging 10.8 assists per game. Tyrese Maxey is the third scorer and averages 20.1 PPG. Also with Harris out, expect De’Anthony Melton to step up more and he averages 10.2 PPG and 1.7 steals per game.
The 76ers have been solid on both sides of the court this season. They’re top-5 in points allowed at 111.2 PPG, they’re top-10 in field goal percentage at 48.4%, and they’re top-5 in point differential at +3.8.
On the other side, the Timberwolves have been very inconsistent this year. They’re in the mix for a playoff spot, but are in the play-in tournament right now.
Anthony Edwards is the standout and leads the Timberwolves in scoring at 24.6 PPG, assists per game at 4.5, and in steals per game at 1.7. Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels will have to step up more down low too. Rudy Gobert averages 13.6 PPG, and leads the team in rebounds per game at 11.6 and leads the team in blocks per game at 1.4. Jaden McDaniels also averages 11.6 PPG. Mike Conley is a steadying force at point guard now and averages 11 PPG and 5 assists per game for the season.
They’re a very good offensive team this season. They’re top-10 in points scored at 115.6 PPG, top-5 in field goal percentage at 49.2%, but they’re also top-5 in blocks per game at 5.5.
Philly is the team to back in this spot. Minnesota is at home, but the 76ers are playing better right now and should win this game outright. Joel Embiid is the difference in this game and should carry the 76ers to a win on the road.
76ers Vs. Timberwolves Prediction: 76ers +2
76ers vs. Timberwolves Betting Odds
The Minnesota Timberwolves are 2-point road favorites against the Minnesota Timberwolves and are at -135 on the money line. The over/under is also at 229.5. It makes sense that the Timberwolves are favored because they’re at home. The over/under also makes sense because both teams are very good on offense. This spread could also move before tip-off because it’s so close.
Betting Trends
76ers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Timberwolves are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Key Matchups
Can Rudy Gobert matchup with Joel Embiid? Can Tyrese Maxey matchup with Anthony Edwards?
Joel Embiid vs. Rudy Gobert
Joel Embiid is having an incredible season this year. He averages 33 points, 4 assists, 10 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Rudy Gobert most of the game, who averages 13.6 points, 1 assist, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game for the season. This is a huge matchup because Gobert is great on defense and Embiid is great on offense. If Gobert can defend him well, then Minnesota has a great chance to win.
Anthony Edwards vs. Tyrese Maxey
Anthony Edwards can carry the Timberwolves when needed. He averages 25 points, 4.5 assists, 6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Tyrese Maxey most of the game, who averages 20 points, 3.5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal per game for the season. This is a big matchup because of how much Edwards does on both offense and defense. If Maxey can defend him well then Philly has a big chance to win this game in a blowout.
Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup
PG: James Harden
SG: Tyrese Maxey
SF: De’Anthony Melton
PF: Jalen McDaniels
C: Joel Embiid
Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineups
PG: Mike Conley
SG: Anthony Edwards
SF: Kyle Anderson
PF: Jaden McDaniels
C: Rudy Gobert
Key Injuries
Philadelphia 76ers Injuries: SF Tobias Harris (Calf) O, PF PJ Tucker (Back) O
Minnesota Timberwolves Injuries: C Karl-Anthony Towns (Calf), SG Austin Rivers (Neck) P
