You would think the No. 2 and No. 5-rated defenses in the NBA would have a total much lower than this, especially since they just met last night.
But that’s not the case in today’s Timberwolves-Thunder game. It has something to do with the Thunder beating Minnesota, 130-123, on Sunday night.
Don’t expect anywhere near that many points in tonight’s home-and-home rematch.
Not only do these Northwest Division rivals know each other well, but they just faced one another 24 hours ago. Expect a slower pace with both teams playing without rest and with extreme knowledge of their opponent.
What not to expect is the Thunder shooting a season-best 54 percent from 3-point range. That’s what they did against the Timberwolves on Sunday hitting 19 of 35 from beyond the arc.
Oklahoma City gives up 105.3 points a game, second-best in the league. The Thunder rank first in defensive field goal percentage and also are No. 1 in 3-point defensive percentage.
Minnesota yields 108.7 points per game, which is fifth-best in the NBA. The Timberwolves rank in the top-eight in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense. The Timberwolves rank in the bottom-10 in pace, while the Thunder are middle-of-the-road in terms of tempo.
More reason why to believe last night’s game was an outlier is the two earlier meetings this season. The Timberwolves defeated the Thunder, 116-101, at home 11 days ago for a combined 217 points scored and Oklahoma City beat the Timberwolves, 113-105, at home on Dec. 31 for a combined 218 points produced.
I am 26-16-1 on my last 43 premium plays and 15-6 on my college basketball premium plays this month. My Monday card is headed by my NHL Marquee Matchup of the Month. I also have CBB and NBA premium plays today in addition to this free selection. If you are interested in my sports service, please email me at scriber26@gmail.com, or message me via X.
Best of luck and no bad beats!
