The Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to sweep the season series against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday at Target Center. The Timberwolves have won all the matchups between the two conference rivals this season, posting 118-114, 133-109 and 124-121 victories so far. Anthony Edwards totaled 89 points across those games, spearheading the Timberwolves’ victories.
Both teams enter this matchup in strong form, riding a two-game winning streak. Minnesota came off a 147-111 rout of the Utah Jazz on Thursday. Before that, they beat the Phoenix Suns 116-104 on Tuesday. Even with injuries sidelining key players, the Timberwolves continue to find ways to win.
In the Western Conference, multiple teams are fighting for the top four seeds. Timberwolves currently hold the fourth spot, but that could change at any moment over the next few weeks. They are 1.0 game ahead of the fifth spot and 2.0 games behind the third-place Lakers.
Portland, on the other hand, is coming off a huge win on Thursday after they defeated the Indiana Pacers 127-119. Deni Avdika led the way, averaging 22 points in his last seven games after returning from injury, including a 32-point performance against the Pacers.
The Blazers are currently tied with the LA Clippers (34-36) for the 9th spot in the West, with the Golden State Warriors (33-36) right on their heels at 10th. With the battle for playoff seeding continuing to rage, the gap between seventh and 10th place is razor-thin, and the Blazers are aiming to position themselves as best as possible ahead of what they hope will be a deep playoff run.
Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves Odds
Moneyline: Trail Blazers (+120) vs Timberwolves (-145)
Spread: Trail Blazers +3.5. (-112) vs Timberwolves -3.5 (-107)
Total (O/U): Trail Blazers o230.5 (-110) vs Timberwolves u230.5 (-108)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves Injury Reports
Trail Blazers Injury Report
Vít Krejcí is still sidelined with the calf injury he picked up in Portland’s 109-103 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. He’s listed as questionable to return for Friday’s tilt. Meanwhile, Damian Lillard is out with an Achilles issue, and Shaedon Sharpe remains sidelined with a calf injury.
Timberwolves Injury Reports
Naz Reid’s inclusion remains uncertain after the center sprained his ankle in Tuesday’s clash against the Suns. He then sat out the following matchup, and for Friday’s game, he’s listed as questionable. He’s expected to undergo a late medical check before a final decision is made on his availability.
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards remains the only player who will definitely not play against Portland. The star guard continues to miss time with a knee inflammation, and Friday will mark his third straight game out.
Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves Starting Lineups
Trail Blazers
PG: Jrue Holiday | SG: Toumani Camara | SF: Deni Avdija| PF: Jerami Grant | C: Donovan Clingan
Timberwolves
PG: Donte DiVincenzo | SG: Ayo Dosunmu | SF: Jaden McDaniels | PF: Julius Randle | C: Rudy Gobert
Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves Prediction
After winning two straight games, the Timberwolves are likely to keep this one close. The Blazers will push hard to avoid being swept for the fourth straight time this season, especially after their last lopsided defeat. Playing at the Target Center, the Wolves (24-12) have a significantly stronger record this season compared to the Trail Blazers’ road record (16-20). This is expected to be a close contest, with Minnesota projected to win by at least 4 points to “cover” the bet, with the total points set at 233.
Projected Score: Timberwolves 120-113 Trail Blazers
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