Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Clippers: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (2/28/23)

The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Los Angeles Clippers in a big Western Conference clash. The Timberwolves are coming off a close loss to the Warriors on the road, while the Clippers lost a close game to the Nuggets in overtime. This should be an interesting matchup for the Western Conference standings. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Odds

The Los Angeles Clippers are 7-point home favorites against the Minnesota Timberwolves and are at -280 on the money line. There’s no over/under listed just yet too. The Clippers being favored here makes sense because they’ve been very good recently, while the Timberwolves have struggled to find some consistency this year. This spread should also stay where it’s at before tip-off too.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers Prediction

The pick: Los Angeles Clippers -7

The Los Angeles Clippers are coming off a thriller in Denver that they just barely lost. They’re still coming on strong at the right time though.

Paul George has really stepped up his game this year and leads the team in scoring, assists, and steals per game for the season. Kawhi Leonard has been very good this year, but especially recently. He’s second in scoring and is the best defender on the team. Russell Westbrook figures to factor in even more Clippers games down the stretch as a great option off the bench and Norman Powell is back healthy and should be a big factor for the Clippers on the wing.

As a team, the Clippers excel more on defense than on offense. They’re top-12 in points allowed and have been great on defense despite the revolving door they’ve had in their lineup.

On the other side, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been very inconsistent this year, despite the addition of a few different key pieces.

Anthony Edwards is a star for the Timberwolves and has surged since his rookie year. He leads the team in scoring, assists, and steals per game for the season. Rudy Gobert has had to step up more with Karl-Anthony Towns out. Jaden McDaniels and Jaylen Nowell have also had to step up more for Minnesota on the wing and down low.

As a team, the Timberwolves excel more on offense than they do on defense. They’re top-10 in points scored and top five in field goal percentage at 49.1%.

The Los Angeles Clippers are the play in this game. They’re healthier and playing better than the Minnesota Timberwolves are right now. The Clippers were shocked in Denver last game, but should rebound here and cover easily against Minnesota.

Betting Trends

Timberwolves are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a ATS loss.

Clippers are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.

Key Matchups

Can Kyle Anderson matchup with Kawhi Leonard? Can Anthony Edwards matchup with Paul George?

Kawhi Leonard vs. Kyle Anderson

Kawhi Leonard has been great this year for the Clippers. He averages 23 points, 4 assists, and 6 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Kyle Anderson most of the game, who averages 9 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds per game for the season. This is a big matchup because of how good each player is on defense. This should be a big matchup because Kawhi Leonard is finding his stride, and it will be interesting to see how Kyle Anderson does against him.

Paul George vs. Anthony Edwards

Paul George has been great this year as the alpha for the for the Clippers. He averages 24 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Anthony Edwards most of the game, who averages 25 points, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds per game for the season. This is a big matchup for both teams because these are the two best players for each team. This is a huge matchup because whoever gains an advantage here should win the game overall.

Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineup

PG: Mike Conley
SG: Anthony Edwards
SF: Kyle Anderson
PF: Jaden McDaniels
C: Naz Reid

Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineups

PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Paul George
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Marcus Morris Sr.
C: Mason Plumlee

Key Injuries

Minnesota Timberwolves Injuries: C Karl-Anthony Towns (Calf) O, SG Jaylen Nowell (Knee) Q

Los Angeles Clippers Injuries: C Ivica Zubac Q