Pinnacle Odds: Minnesota Timberwolves +10.5 at the Utah Jazz -10.5 Total 200
By Greg Dempson
If there is one scenario that has been apparent all season long it’s the ability of the Minnesota Timberwolves to play the first half with consistent success vs. most opponents, especially the Utah Jazz. When reviewing their most recent seven games Minnesota has covered the first half number is six out of those seven contests whether they were at home or traveling.
When on the road this season Minnesota averages 54.6 first half points while allowing 54.6 in the first half. When it comes to division foes the Timberwolves are averaging 52.4 in the first half while holding division foes to an average of 51.9 first half points.
The Jazz average 49.9 first half points while holding opponents to an average of 47.8 in the first half. In division play, home and away, the Jazz score an average of 46.9 first half points while allowing an average of 49.6.
The T-Wolves Most Recent Seven Games vs. the Jazz, (first half scores with Minnesota’s number posted first)
MINN, 38-31, (won on 12/30/15)
MINN, 55/56, (won on 01/29/16)
MINN, 34/35, (won on 03/26/16)
MINN, 49/51, (won on 04/01/16)
MINN, 45/50, (lost on 11/28/16)
MINN, 48/47, (won on 01/07/17)
MINN, 51-35, (won on 03/01/17 at Utah)
The Timberwolves are getting +6.5 first half points. None of the above seven games resulted in the Jazz winning by more than 5 points.
When Reviewing Minnesota’s first half road results since February 27, I note the following:
at SAC, (60-54, won)
at S.A, (55-43, won)
at MIL, (44-42, won)
at MIA, (49-69, lost)
at N.O, (54-48, won)
at LAL, (67-54, won)
at POR, (46-60, lost)
at IND, (59-57, won)
at G. S, (60-68, push or lost)
at POR, (61-53, won)
Minnesota went 7-3 ATS in the first half, or 7-2-1 ATS depending on the Warriors first half line)
Potential First Half System
Play on road underdogs of 2 to 5.5 points that allowing a shooting percentage of 46% or more when facing an opponent that is off two consecutive games whereby they made 9 or more 3-point shots. This system is 32-12 = 73% ATS the past three seasons as well as 83-32 = 72% ATS in the first half the previous five seasons. This system is close to being “live” as right now the Timberwolves are +6.5 in the first half.
Everyedge.com in Review and Tonight’s Selection
I am 14-13 ATS with my wagered on NBA and College selections.