Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers Prediction NBA Picks 4/2

© Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Game Preview: Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves 

The Portland Trail Blazers will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center in Minneapolis on April 2, 2023. Portland enters the matchup on a five-game losing streak, while the Timberwolves hold a 39-39 record and currently sit in ninth place in the Western Conference. The two teams have faced off three times this season, with Minnesota winning the most recent matchup 113-106 on January 5 behind a 32-point performance from Anthony Edwards. Despite their recent struggles, Damian Lillard continues to lead the Trail Blazers with an average of 32.2 points and 7.3 assists per game. For Minnesota, Edwards has been the standout player with averages of 24.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Experts and computer NBA picks give an edge to the Timberwolves, who have won five of their last ten games and are 8-7 against division opponents. The Trail Blazers, on the other hand, have only won one of their last ten games and are 6-9 against Northwest Division opponents. Despite the odds, the Trail Blazers will look to end their losing streak and play spoiler to Minnesota's playoff hopes. It should be an exciting matchup between two Western Conference teams fighting for a spot in the postseason.

TrailBlazers: Offensive Analysis

As the Portland TrailBlazers prepare to face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves, their offensive performance will be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the game. Despite their 32-45 record, the TrailBlazers have some standout players like Damian Lillard and Shaedon Sharpe who have been consistently delivering on the offensive end. Over their last 10 games, however, the TrailBlazers have struggled to score, averaging just 105 points per game and shooting 43.6% from the field. In contrast, the Timberwolves have been averaging 117 points per game over their last 10 games, shooting an impressive 48.6% from the field. Looking at the stats, the TrailBlazers are ranked 20th in points per game with an average of 113.4, while the Timberwolves are ranked 12th with an average of 115.6. The TrailBlazers also struggle against opponents within their division, with a 6-9 record against Northwest Division teams. On the positive side, the TrailBlazers have been performing well in terms of their assist game, averaging 23.9 assists per game (ranked 22nd) and a solid assists/FGM ratio of 0.594 (ranked 18th). They also have a strong shooting efficiency rating of 1.174 (ranked 8th). Overall, the TrailBlazers will need to step up their offensive game if they hope to overcome the Timberwolves and snap their five-game losing streak. However, facing a team that has been performing well offensively themselves, the TrailBlazers may find it difficult to keep pace. NBA picks experts and NBA picks computer may be leaning more towards the Timberwolves in this match-up. Keywords: NBA picks experts, NBA picks computer, NBA picks em, predictions NBA today, experts NBA picks, NBA picks and parlay, NBA experts picks, picks today best NBA bets, today NBA picks with spread, NBA predictions today, NBA picks for today, NBA picks odds, NBA picks and parlays, NBA picks today.

TrailBlazers: Defensive Analysis

The TrailBlazers are struggling on both ends of the court, but their defense has been a major issue for them. In their last 10 games, they have given up an average of 116.6 points per game, which ranks 21st in the league. They have also allowed their opponents to shoot 49% from the field, which ranks 27th in the league. Another issue for the TrailBlazers has been their ability to defend the three-point line. Their opponents are shooting 37.7% from beyond the arc, which is the second-worst mark in the league. With the Timberwolves shooting 36.2% from three-point range, the TrailBlazers will need to tighten up their perimeter defense if they hope to win this game. The absence of Damian Lillard has also hurt the TrailBlazers' defense. Lillard was averaging 7.3 assists per game before his injury, and his absence has left a big void in the team's playmaking ability. The Timberwolves will likely look to take advantage of this by moving the ball around and finding open shooters on the perimeter. Overall, the TrailBlazers will need to step up their defensive effort if they hope to snap their losing streak. They will need to communicate effectively, contest shots, and limit their opponents' open looks from beyond the arc. If they can do that, they have a chance to come away with a win against the struggling Timberwolves. As for the NBA picks experts and computer NBA picks, predictions, and NBA picks and parlay, most are likely to favor the Timberwolves based on their recent form and the TrailBlazers' struggles. However, anything can happen in the NBA, and the TrailBlazers will have a chance to prove the experts wrong with a strong defensive performance.

Timberwolves: Offense Analysis

The Timberwolves have had a relatively inconsistent season with a 39-39 record sitting at the ninth spot in the Western Conference. However, their offense has been a consistent bright spot throughout the season, averaging 115.6 points per game, ranking 12th in the league. Despite their offensive prowess, their recent form has been mediocre, winning five out of their last ten games. Anthony Edwards has been a key player for the Timberwolves, averaging 24.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. However, their offense has lacked support from the other players, with Mike Conley being the only other consistent scorer, averaging 16.5 points and five assists over the past ten games. The Timberwolves have to improve their three-point shooting if they want to be a serious offensive threat. They currently rank 16th in the league, shooting 36.2% from beyond the arc. In addition, their free throw shooting needs to be better, shooting only 75.6% from the charity stripe, ranking 24th in the league. The Blazers will be looking to take advantage of the Timberwolves' recent offensive struggles, especially with their recent five-game losing streak. The predictions and computer picks heavily favor the Trail Blazers, which will likely put more pressure on the Timberwolves' offense to perform. The Timberwolves will need all their players to step up and contribute offensively to have a chance to win, especially against a top opponent like the Blazers.

Timberwolves: Defensive Analysis

When it comes to defense, the Timberwolves have been solid this season, holding opponents to an average of 116 points per game. They will need to continue their defensive efforts if they hope to end their current losing streak against the Trail Blazers. Here are some key defensive factors to keep an eye on for the Timberwolves in this matchup: 1. Opponent Effective Field Goal Percentage (Opp Effective FG%): This metric takes into account both three-point and two-point field goals, and is used to measure the efficiency of the defense in limiting their opponents' scoring ability. The Timberwolves have been ranked 11th in the league in this area, holding their opponents to an Opp Effective FG% of 54.1%. 2. Opponent Three-Point Percentage (Opp 3P%): The Timberwolves have been holding their opponents to a 37.1% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, which is the 24th best in the league. 3. Opponent Field Goal Percentage (Opp FG%): The Timberwolves will need to do a better job of preventing their opponents from scoring, as they currently allow a 47.1% shooting percentage from the field, which ranks 13th worst in the league. 4. Blocks per Game: The Timberwolves have been averaging 5.3 blocks per game, which ranks fifth in the league. This has been a key factor in their defensive success and they will need to continue to protect the rim against the Trail Blazers. 5. Steals per Game: The Timberwolves have been averaging 8.1 steals per game, which ranks fifth in the league. They will need to continue to disrupt the Trail Blazers' offense and create turnovers to give themselves a chance to win. Overall, the Timberwolves' defense has been solid this season, but they will need to improve in some areas if they hope to end their losing streak against the Trail Blazers. They will need to limit their opponents' shooting percentage, especially from beyond the arc, while at the same time continuing to protect the rim and creating turnovers. If they are able to accomplish these defensive goals, they may have a chance to come out on top in this matchup.

Injury Report

Portland Trail Blazers: - Ryan Arcidiacono: out (lumbar) - Justise Winslow: out (ankle) - Ibou Badji: out (knee) - Jerami Grant: out (quad) - Nassir Little: day-to-day (ankle) - Keon Johnson: out (finger) - Damian Lillard: out for season (calf) - Jusuf Nurkic: out (knee) - Anfernee Simons: out (foot) - Cam Reddish: out (lumbar) Minnesota Timberwolves: - Austin Rivers: out (illness) - Naz Reid: out (wrist) - Jaylen Nowell: out (knee) Both teams are dealing with various injuries heading into this matchup. Portland is missing key players like Damian Lillard and Jusuf Nurkic, while Minnesota is without Austin Rivers and Naz Reid. It remains to be seen how these injuries will affect the performance of each team on the court.

Betting Trends

The Portland Trail Blazers (32-45) take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (39-39) in a Western Conference matchup on April 2, 2023. Both teams have struggled recently, with Portland losing their last five games and Minnesota going 5-5 in their last 10. According to NBA picks experts and computer predictions, the Timberwolves are favored to win this game with a point spread of -6.5. The over/under for total points is set at 231.5, with 55% of betting trends favoring the under. In terms of recent performances against the spread, Portland is 2-8 in their last 10 games, while Minnesota is 5-5. The Timberwolves are also 8-7 against division opponents this season. Anthony Edwards has been a top performer for the Timberwolves, averaging 24.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, Damian Lillard has led the Trail Blazers with an average of 32.2 points and 7.3 assists per game. Despite their recent struggles, Portland has been competitive in games decided by at least 10 points, with an 18-25 record in such games. However, they have struggled to contain their opponents, allowing an average of 116.6 points per game. Overall, the Timberwolves have better offensive and defensive statistics, but both teams have faltered recently. It will be interesting to see which team can break out of their slump and secure a victory.

Prediction: Timberwolves will take down Trail Blazers in close game

Despite both teams coming into the game struggling, the Timberwolves have been playing better basketball of late and are slightly healthier than the Trail Blazers. Anthony Edwards has been on fire and will continue to be a problem for Portland’s struggling defense. Look for the Timberwolves to win a close game and cover the spread. 

Pick: Timberwolves (+3)