Minnesota Timberwolves (56-26) vs. Phoenix Suns (49-33)
As the NBA Playoffs heat up, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns are set to face off in Game 3 of the first round on Friday, April 26, 2024. With the Timberwolves holding a commendable 56-26 record and the Suns’ not far behind at 49-33, the stakes are high at the Footprint Center. As bettors line up their picks on the top online casino platforms, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest filled with high expectations.
The Timberwolves team has demonstrated a high offensive level constantly, scoring 112.3 points per game that is supported by a shooting of 48.5% from the field. Their effective shooting from the 3-point line (38.7%), consisting of approximately 12.6 made shoots per game. On the defensive side, their performance is satisfactory, but there can be concern in handling ball turnovers and fouls, which averages 13.4 and 18.8 respectively. Along the way their rate of success, a 22-18 spread illustrates a team that can steal wins.
Phoenix scored approximately 116.2 points with a 49.3% field goal shooting compared to the Suns that had 114 points with a 47.8% field goal shooting. Their accuracy from the free-throw line is quite good at 80.8% which could be the key differential factor in practice playoffs. The Suns are slightly weaker than the Timberwolves when it comes to covering the spread on the road games, with a 20-21 record. For this reason, one might predict that they can be easily beaten away from home.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns Game Info
| When: | Friday, April 26, 2024 at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Footprint Center |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Anthony Edwards (SG) vs. Kevin Durant (PF)
Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards is one person who is essentially indispensable on the team, accumulating 25.9 points in 35.1 minutes of ballplay. Although he generally tends to have high turnover rates, his assist ratio of 1.7 per game is quite reasonable for a high usage player. Moreover, he is a two-way threat thanks to his defense statistics with 1.3 steals per game. However, he trails in the turnovers aspect with a 3.1 per game average as he might encounter a tough time trying to get through the strategic defense of the Phoenix.
Kevin Durant is in a different position than the hand also offers the Suns with additional value as he provides 27.1 points per game and additionally contributes to boards with 6.6 rebounds and to the defense with 1.2 blocks per game. The Timberwolves xs defense will be tough, and what will be important for the Suns is to have Durant’s experience along with being able to perform under pressure to choreograph that way past it.
As with any two outstanding players on their respective teams, these cold-blooded opponents are the basic building blocks of their respective teams and their matchup will significantly intensify the match’s atmosphere. Edwards, who is the rookie, with his youthful energy and Durant, who is a veteran, with his matured skills, will make for a fantastic on-court rivalry.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Phoenix Suns -164, Total Odds: 208.5
The current betting odds favor the Suns with a -3.5 point spread, which reflects their strong regular-season finish and home-court advantage. The total set at 208.5 points, combined with the offensive statistics of both teams, suggests that an over bet might be appealing, especially considering both teams’ recent trends.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Trends
The Timberwolves lost 4 of their last 5 games against the spread,which speaks regarding their difficulty in being close favorites or in the case of little differences. At the same time, the Over has been the higher scoring outcome in 4 of their last 5 games, implying that they have enjoyed great scoring opportunities and have sometimes shown defensive weakness.
Phoenix Suns Betting Trends
The Suns, just like the Timberwolves, have covered the spread in their last 5 games. They also show some inconsistency on the field in their recent games. In spite of the fact that the away team is stronger, the home team’s advantage could shift the balance of this game in their favor. Overall, the over has gone OVER in 41 of their last 41 home games which means that usually the games tend to have more points at their home division, the Footprint Center.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns 4/26/24 Betting Picks
Given the analysis and recent trends, this game looks poised to be tightly contested. The Timberwolves’ ability to score might just cover the spread, but the Suns’ home-court advantage and slightly better overall performance might tip the scale in their favor.
For those looking at NBA Playoffs betting picks, considering a small wager on the Timberwolves to cover the spread might be worthwhile, given the generous +3.5 line. However, the Suns’ winning outright as favorites is a solid pick, considering their robust home performance.
