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The Minnesota Timberwolves (35-37) visit the New York Knicks (42-30) on Monday night! Action tips off at p.m. ET. Below we continue our NBA odds series with a Timberwolves-Knicks prediction, pick, and how to watch.
Minnesota has lost three of its last four games and dropped to ninth place in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves covered 47% of their games while 51% went under the projected point total. New York has won three straight and remains in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks covered 58% of their games while 51% went over. This will be the second and final meeting between the cross-conference foes. New York won't the first matchup in early November, 120-107.
Here are the Timberwolves-Knicks NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NBA Odds: Timberwolves-Knicks Odds
Minnesota Timberwolves: +8.5 (-110)
New York Knicks: -8.5 (-110)
Over: 227.5 (-110)
Under: 227.5 (-110
How To Watch Timberwolves vs. Knicks
TV: Bally North, MSG
Stream: NBA League Pass
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET/ 4:30 p.m. PT
*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for a free trial)*
Why The Timberwolves Could Cover The Spread
Minnesota has fallen off somewhat thanks to a recent skid but still sits in a strong position to make the Western Conference playoffs. The Timberwolves do find themselves incredibly injured as a number of key contributors are questionable tonight. That includes Jaylen Powell, Anthony Edwards, Austin Rivers, Rudy Gobert, and Nan Reid. With so many of their main guys hurt, the Wolves may need to look deep onto their bench if they want to cover tonight. While it does also hurt that they are playing away from home, the Wolves should take solace in the fact that New York has actually been worse at home (20-16) compared to on the road (22-14).
If the Timberwolves are going to cover as massive underdogs, they are going to need a huge night from Kyle Anderson. The veteran forward has been filling up the box score since the All-Star break thanks to his ability to score, pass, and rebound. Over his last 11 games, Anderson has averaged 11.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 7.0 APG. He's additionally been a strong contributor on the defensive end, averaging 2.0 STOCKS (steals plus blocks) per game since the All-Star break. With triple-doubles in two of his last four games, Anderson is well-equipped to take advantage of any potential holes in Minnesota's lineup. His versatility could give them a huge boost tonight as the 29-year-old will slide into wherever they need him most.
Speaking of players who have taken a step up since the All-Star break, fellow forward Jaden McDaniels could see a huge uptick in usage tonight given his recent play. Since the All-Star break, McDaniels has averaged 15.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, and 1.8 STOCKS per game. He's been highly efficient shooting the ball, amassing a 53% field goal percentage and a 42% three-point percentage. With 18+ points in three of his last four games, expect McDaniels to keep seeing a high usage rate given Minnesota's injuries.
Why The Knicks Could Cover The Spread
New York has cemented itself as one of the more solid teams in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks feature an incredibly well-rounded team who thrives on the defensive end. The Knicks average 115.1 PPG – 14th in the NBA. They aren't especially efficient on the offensive end but they do a great job getting to the line with the seventh-most made free throws per game. Defensively is where they thrive. The Knicks allow just 112.2 PPG – the seventh-lowest mark in the league. They are especially stingy in the paint where they allow the fewest points per game. Additionally, they do an excellent job limiting open looks from three as opponents shoot the third-lowest percentage from deep in the league.
New York has a very clear philosophy. They have four guys who do the bulk of their scoring and otherwise lock you down on the defensive end and crash the glass. Since the All-Star break, four Knicks average over 18 PPG… but no one else averages more than 10. Julius Randle leads the way over that span, averaging 27.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 4.2 APG. While his efficiency comes and goes, Randle has been absolutely chucking three with 3.6 made threes per game over that span. Beside him, point guard Jalen Brunson serves as their most important player. Since the break, Brunson has averaged a solid 22.4 PPG and 5.4 APG. He's been highly efficient as well, shooting 50% overall and 43% from three on 5.3 attempts per game.
The X-factors for the Knicks tonight are RJ Barrett and Emmanuel Quickley. Both young players have been very strong since the All-Star break. Over their last 12 games, Barrett has averaged 20.5 PPG while Quickley has averaged 18.3 PPG. With both players shooting 47% from the floor, either could explode and be the difference-maker tonight.
Final Timberwolves-Knicks Prediction & Pick
It's impossible to pick the Wolves given their injury concerns so we'll ride the home Knicks here.
Final Timberwolves-Knicks Prediction & Pick: New York Knicks -8.5 (-110)
