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Clippers vs. Timberwolves Prediction and Odds for NBA's Play-In Tournament (L.A. Peaking at Perfect Time)

By Ben Heisler

Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and the Minnesota Timberwolves are slight 2.5-point favorites vs. Paul George (13) and the L.A. Clippers in Minneapolis.
Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and the Minnesota Timberwolves are slight 2.5-point favorites vs. Paul George (13) and the L.A. Clippers in Minneapolis. / David Berding/GettyImages
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For the first time since the Jimmy Butler era, the Minnesota Timberwolves are back in the postseason.

Well, sort of.

Game 2 of the NBA Play-In Tournament heads to the Western Conference following the conclusion of Cavaliers vs. Nets as the Timberwolves (7-seed in the West) host the 8-seeded L.A. Clippers at the Target Center Tuesday evening. The winner moves on to face the No. 2 seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the first round beginning this weekend. The loser will then host the winner of the 9-10 matchup Wednesday night between the San Antonio Spurs (10-seed) and New Orleans Pelicans (9-seed)

The Timberwolves were at one point the hottest team in the league a month ago, going on a 10-2 straight-up run from February 28 - March 19. Since then, they've gone just 4-6 over their final 10 games.

Meanwhile, the Clippers enter as winners of five straight, and would have won seven consecutive games if not for two bonehead fouls at the end of their March 31 loss on the road vs. the Chicago Bulls.

Here are the opening odds for Game 2 at WynnBET Sportsbook for the Tuesday Night Play-In Round doubleheader.

Clippers vs. Timberwolves Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Clippers +2.5 (-108)
  • Timberwolves -2.5 (-108)

Moneyline:

  • Clippers +315
  • Timberwolves -395

Total:

  • 231 (OVER -108 | UNDER -108)

Clippers vs. Timberwolves Prediction and Pick

The Clippers picked the perfect time to get hot.

They've not only won six of their last seven games, but have also covered in five of them, and should have covered in six if not for costly mistakes late against the Bulls. Rather than let it impact their final playoff push, they won five more games; four of which came in blowout fashion. They destroyed Milwaukee by 34 (the Bucks did rest Giannis, Jrue Holiday and Kris Middleton), New Orleans by 19, and then beat the best team in the NBA, the Phoenix Suns on their home floor.

As for the Timberwolves, if they get back to what worked for them back in early March, they're dangerous. During that 10-2 run, they ranked top 3 in offensive rating (123.6), and even more impressively, number one in defensive rating (105.3) for an overall net rating of 18.3. The next best team in the league was the Celtics at 13.3.

Ultimately, I still don't trust them to return to that level of play against a Clippers team that's kicked it into another gear down the stretch and is playoff-tested in the process.

I'll back them plus the points on Tuesday night.

PICK: Clippers +2.5 (-108)

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