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The Minnesota Timberwolves (1-1) welcome the Toronto Raptors (1-1) to Target Center Saturday. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET (TSN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Raptors vs. Timberwolves odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting. Tied 1-1 last year
The Timberwolves went 2-3 straight up and 2-3 against the spread (ATS) in the preseason and opened their regular season action up with a 110-103 road loss to the LA Lakers Tuesday, closing as a 1-point underdog. They then beat the Sacramento Kings on the road 117-115 Thursday, closing as a 1-point favorite. This will be Minnesota’s first home game. It is led by G Anthony Edwards, who is averaging 29.5 points per game.
The Raptors, who played 5 preseason games and were 3-2 straight up and 3-2 ATS, opened their season with a discouraging 136-106 home loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday. They did rebound with a 115-107 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers Friday, closing as a 5-point underdog. Toronto is 1-1 ATS and 2-0 O/U through its 2 games. It has been led by F Scottie Barnes, who is averaging 18 points per game.
Raptors at Timberwolves odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 1:35 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Raptors +675 (bet $100 to win $675) | Timberwolves -1100 (bet $1,100 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +14.5 (-110) | Timberwolves -14.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Raptors at Timberwolves key injuries
Raptors
- G RJ Barrett (shoulder) questionable
- C Kelly Olynyk (back) questionable
- G Immanuel Quickley (abdomen) out
Timberwolves
- None
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Raptors at Timberwolves picks and predictions
Prediction
Timberwolves 116, Raptors 106
Moneyline
PASS.
There’s no reason to consider the moneyline here. Minnesota should win at home, but it is far too expensive to play.
Against the spread
BET RAPTORS +14.5 (-110).
The Cavaliers put the Raptors away to open the season because they shot 59% from the field and 47% from deep. When their opponent came back to earth in their 2nd game, Toronto kept things close and came out with a win.
Minnesota has been disappointing, losing in its opener and then winning by 2 in its 2nd game, both spreads being within 1 point. It hasn’t proven it can blow out opponents this season or sustain leads. While Edwards is a star, Barnes is an excellent defender and should be able to limit his opportunities.
That said, expect a closer game than this spread suggests and back RAPTORS +14.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET OVER 218.5 (-110).
The Raptors are 2-0 O/U on the season, and either they have scored 115 or their opponent has in both games. They have gone Over this total in both games as well.
The Timberwolves are 1-1 O/U on the season. The lone game they didn’t go Over, they shot 32% from deep and 41% from the field. Those numbers, as expected, didn’t stay down, and they played and shot better in their second game, pushing the total Over.
Expect them to light things up at home and back OVER 218.5 (-110).
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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