Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Charlotte Hornets - February 24, 23

Odds

2022-2023 season stats

Preview

The Minnesota Timberwolves continue at home and will host the Charlotte Hornets at the Target Center to play the first game of the second half of the season on Friday night. These teams already faced each other earlier this season in Charlotte where the Hornets took the win 110-108. Kelly Oubre Jr. who hasn't played since Dec. 29 but is expect to return for this game, scored 28 points in the Hornets win.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves have been in good form lately, winning five of their last ten games, and have been averaging 118.7 points per game over that stretch. They are currently in eighth place in the Western Conference with a 31-30 record. The Hornets, on the other hand, have been struggling this season, winning only 17 of their 43 games and currently sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference.

Minnesota has been particularly strong at home, winning 20 of their 33 games at the Target Center this season, while the Hornets have struggled on the road, winning only 8 of their 33 away games. The Timberwolves' success at home can be partly attributed to their pace of play, as they are seventh in the league in fast break points per game with an average of 15.1, led by the explosive Anthony Edwards who averages 3.6 fast break points per game.

While the Minnesota Timberwolves have been a team to watch this season, their defense has been a weak spot. Despite their solid record of 31-29 and a 20-12 record at home, the Timberwolves are ranked 8th in the Western Conference in team defense, giving up an average of 115.6 points per game. Their opponents have been shooting 46.6% from the field, which is not a good sign for the team's defensive capabilities.

However, the Timberwolves have managed to make up for their lackluster defense with a strong offense. Anthony Edwards has been a standout player, averaging 23.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. D'Angelo Russell has also been putting up impressive numbers, averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists over the last 10 games for Minnesota. 

In their last 10 games, the Timberwolves have been averaging an impressive 119.2 points per game, while shooting a remarkable 50.2% from the field. They have also managed to maintain a solid rebounding, assisting, stealing, and blocking game, with averages of 42.3 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 7.0 steals, and 4.7 blocks per game.

Despite their less-than-stellar defense, the Timberwolves have managed to hold their own this season, and are still in the hunt for a playoff spot. If they can improve their defensive game, they could become a force to be reckoned with in the league. For now, though, the Timberwolves' focus will likely remain on continuing to develop their offensive game and securing a playoff spot.

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets have struggled this season against opponents with a winning record, posting an 11-25 record in such games. However, the Hornets have already beaten the Timberwolves once this season, winning 110-108 in a closely contested matchup on November 25th. Kelly Oubre Jr. was the standout performer for the Hornets in that game, scoring 28 points in the victory.

Fortunately for the Hornets, Oubre will be available for this game after a 2 month absence. However, the Hornets will still have their dynamic backcourt duo of Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball. Rozier has been the team's leading scorer this season, averaging 21.8 points per game, while Ball has been impressive in his second season in the league, averaging 19.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game over his last ten games.

As the season continues, it will be interesting to see if the Hornets can maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the playoffs. With players like Porzingis and Kuzma leading the charge, there's no doubt that this team has what it takes to compete at a high level in the league.

BETTING TRENDS

Charlotte are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games.

Charlotte are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games against Minnesota.

Charlotte are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games against Minnesota.

Charlotte are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games on the road.

Charlotte are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota.

Charlotte are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games against an opponent in the Western Conference conference.

Minnesota are 10-5 ATS in their last 15 games.

The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 6 games.

The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 10 games against Charlotte.

Minnesota are 11-3 SU in their last 14 games at home.

Prediction

Looking at the statistics from the last ten games, the Timberwolves have been slightly better than the Hornets, averaging more points per game while shooting a higher percentage from the field. However, their opponents have also been averaging more points per game than the Hornets over that stretch.

The point spread for this game currently stands at Timberwolves -7.5. Despite the Timberwolves being the favorites, there is reason to believe that the Hornets could cover the spread, especially with the return of Kelly Oubre. In their last matchup against the Timberwolves, Oubre was the standout performer, and his presence on the court could swing the game in the Hornets' favor.

Furthermore, the Timberwolves will be without Karl-Anthony Towns, who is one of the best players in the league, and his absence could be a significant factor in this game. While Anthony Edwards has been playing at an incredibly high level, the Timberwolves will need contributions from their supporting cast to cover the spread.

In conclusion, the Hornets will face a tough challenge against the Timberwolves in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves have been playing well lately, and their home record suggests that they could be difficult to beat at the Target Center. However, the return of Kelly Oubre could be a significant factor for the Hornets, as he was instrumental in their victory against the Timberwolves earlier in the season. The Hornets will need their dynamic backcourt duo of Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball to step up as well.

PICK: Hornets +8 (-110)

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