NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. LA Clippers Preview, Odds, Predictions (Feb 28)

Minnesota Timberwolves faced plenty of adversity this year, and another tough challenge awaits them in LA against the Clippers. Injuries have shredded the T-Wolves, yet they won’t give up on their goal, which is to reach the postseason. On the other side, the Clippers are playing unstable basketball, and we can say that Tyronn Lue’s team underachieves. But even so, they have realistic chances of ending among the top six units in the West and seizing a direct spot in the playoffs. Though the competition is fierce, and two or three games separate them from the teams outside the play-in zone, let alone the playoffs. 

Here is the preview for the Trail Blazers vs. Warriors game.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. LA Clippers Preview

Minnesota Timberwolves (31-32, +240) lost the past three games. Two were at home, against the Washington Wizards and the Charlotte Hornets, and those were massive surprises. They could eventually mean a lot in the end because they pushed the T-Wolves under the .500.

After those came the visit to San Francisco, where Minnesota suffered a defeat against the Warriors, 109-104, collapsing in the fourth period, once they scored only 17 points in 12 minutes. On the other side, the Dub Nation dropped 31, flipping the result.

Anthony Edwards had an awful night with just 12 points, five turnovers, and five field goals in 19 attempts. Naz Reid was the top scorer with 30 points, plus he added nine boards and five steals, while Mike Conley had a mediocre impact adding nine buckets with seven assists.

LA Clippers (33-30, -333) lost back-to-back games, both via overtime and both after a gunfight. They defeated the Warriors at home and then the Suns on the road before losing to the Kings at the Crypto.com Arena, 176-175, and the Nuggets at the Mile High, 134-124.

We can say that the Clippers aren’t playing defense anymore, even though they have Kawhi and PG, plus guys who can be extremely nasty on that side of the ball. However, we don’t see them putting in the least effort to make stops.

The instability of this crew is the main reason they aren’t placed higher, and for the moment, they look like the team that could suffer an exit in the opening round of the playoffs or even fails to reach the same. Leonard scored 33 points, PG had 23, while Westbrook scored 17 in 25 minutes, with five boards and steals, with four assists. Overall, he was very good. 

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. LA Clippers Head to Head Games

The Timberwolves and the LA Clippers have met twice this year, and the result is 1-1. LAC was better at home, 99-88, while T-Wolves beat the rivals at home, 128-115. 

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. LA Clippers Prediction

The Clippers have luck because the Timberwolves find themselves in a terrible spot. Ravaged by the injuries and with a shortened rotation, it’s evident that Minnesota slows down in the second half. They need more energy and explosiveness, and we noticed that Mike Conley can’t speed up the game like D’Angelo Russell and make a push on his own. LAC is our pick, with the odds on their triumph -333. They aren’t high, but the risk isn’t either, so we recommend listening to our advice.

Pick: Los Angeles Clippers win -333