Tag: Timberwolves

Report: Warriors ‘investigating deals’ that shed salary, lower tax bill and bring back draft value

With the trade deadline around the corner, Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting the Warriors are “investigating deals that shed salary and lower their tax bill” but can bring back draft value as well.

The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching, and for the first time in years, the Golden State Warriors are in the middle of all the rumors. Competing in five-straight NBA titles with a roster that features four healthy All-Star caliber players has left the Warriors content in trade deadlines of the past. However, in the 2019-20 season, things are changing.

The Warriors have already traded center Willie Cauley-Stein to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for a second-round pick, and with the deadline to make trades right around the corner, the rumors around Golden State are heating up.

23-year-old guard, D’Angelo Russell, has been the centerpiece of most trade chatter with several different teams being connected. Reports have indicated both the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves are interested in Russell. Yet, there hasn’t been a deal to come to fruition yet.

When it comes to the deadline, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Warriors are “investigating deals that shed salary and lower tax bill — as well as bring back some draft value.”

Wojnarowski mentions that the Warriors could hold onto Russell through the deadline. If a team can’t meet Golden State’s pricepoint, seeing Russell alongside a healthy Stephen Curry would be an intriguing option for Warriors’ decision-makers.

Curry has played only four games this season, limiting any opportunity for Russell and the two-time Most Valuable Player to build chemistry. If Curry’s rehab from his broken hand injury continues to go as planned, he could return sometime in March, giving him and Russell around 20 games to play together before the end of the season.

If the Curry and Russell backcourt experiment fails, the Warriors could look to tweak their roster over the offseason instead of the upcoming trade deadline.

Report: Warriors ‘moving on’ from D’Angelo Russell trade talks with Timberwolves

The Warriors and Timberwolves haven’t been able to agree on a deal that would send D’Angelo Russell to Minnesota and now Golden State is “moving on” according to reports.

As the clock ticks down to Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, the rumors continue to buzz around one member of the Golden State Warriors. D’Angelo Russell has been in the middle of a lot of trade chatter since the time he landed with the Golden State Warriors.

With the trade deadline around the corner, noise linking Russell to a move has heated up. Multiple teams like the New York Knicks have been connected to Russell, but the team that’s led the way has been the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Since Russell hit free agency over the offseason, the Timberwolves have been a rumored destination. Now in Golden State, the T-Wolves have been trying to work a deal to bring Russell to Minnesota.

However, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the talks between Golden State and Minnesota regarding a Russell trade are slowing down.

There is still ample time left for Golden State and Minnesota to work out a trade at an agreed-upon price. Though, if the Warriors decide to keep Russell, it could give them a look at the future.

Russell is only 23-years-old and has yet to build chemistry with Golden State’s two-time Most Valuable Player, Stephen Curry. Curry has missed all but four games in Russell’s first season with the Warriors. The three-time NBA champion could return from his broken hand in March, giving Russell and Curry around 20 games to play as a backcourt tandem.

If Russell stays in Golden State past the trade deadline, it will give Steve Kerr and Bob Myers a better view on how the former Ohio State Buckeye would fit on a healthy Warriors squad.

Sacramento Kings at Minnesota Timberwolves odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Sacramento Kings at Minnesota Timberwolves sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets

The Sacramento Kings (16-29) are at Target Center to play the Minnesota Timberwolves (13-51) Monday at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Kings-Timberwolves odds and sports betting lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Kings at Timberwolves: Key injuries

Kings

  • PF Marvin Bagley III (foot) out
  • PF Richaun Holmes (shoulder) out

Timberwolves

  • SG Allen Crabbe (knee) doubtful
  • SF Jake Layman (toe) out

Kings at Timberwolves: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 2:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Timberwolves 116, Kings 112

Moneyline (ML)

Both teams have been downright terrible recently; the Kings are 3-7 in their last 10 games and the Timberwolves have lost nine in a row. In the first Kings-Timberwolves meeting this season (Dec. 26), Minnesota won a rare road game, 105-104 in double overtime, despite not having all-star center Karl-Anthony Towns.

Towns has typically performed well against the Kings, winning 10 of 15 games, while scoring over 25 points in eight of those contests. Expect Towns to feast inside against a Kings team missing their best defensive player and rebounder in Holmes.

We are on the Timberwolves (-154) to win tonight but PASS on the moneyline in favor of a more profitable against the spread wager.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

To be honest, this is just a plug your nose and pick a side type of bet because if you dig into the recent betting trends of either squad you’ll be a little sickened. The Kings are 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven games overall but the Timberwolves are 0-5 ATS in their last five games overall.

BET TIMBERWOLVES (-2.5, -115) since they are the home team and the recent history between the two clubs favors Minnesota. The Timberwolves have won and covered the spread in each of their last three games versus the Kings, plus they have won their last four home games against Sacramento by an average score of 119-103.

Over/Under (O/U)

I LEAN OVER 225.5 (-115) because the total is too low to pass up. The Under cashed in the last two Kings-Timberwolves games but the Over/Under record is 6-4 in their last 10 meetings. Their combined O/U record on the season is 47-44 and Kings games against Western Conference opponents have an O/U record of 9-3. The Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Minnesota.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets matchup, with NBA betting odds, picks and best bets.

The Minnesota Timberwolves (15-22) head to Space City to play the Houston Rockets (25-12) at Toyota Center at 5 p.m. ET. We analyze Timberwolves-Rockets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGVIxK0x7i8&w=560&h=315]

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Timberwolves at Rockets: Key injuries

Timberwolves

  • C Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) questionable
  • SF Jake Layman (toe) out

Rockets

  • C Clint Capela (heel) questionable
  • SG Gerald Green (foot) out
  • C Nene Hilario (groin) out

Timberwolves at Rockets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 2:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 120, Timberwolves 113

Moneyline (ML)

It’s too tough to justify a moneyline wager on the Timberwolves (+450). They have an implied win probability of just 18%. Also, Rockets Gs James Harden and Russell Westbrook have owned the Timberwolves in their careers with a combined record of 57-17 against Minnesota. As enticing as the Timberwolves’ odds are, I recommend PASSING on the moneyline because the Timberwolves may be without their best player in Towns and have won just three of their last 10 games against the Rockets.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The TIMBERWOLVES (+11.5, -178) are worth backing on the spread, where they’ll need to stay within 11 points in a loss or win outright. Minnesota has covered the spread in five of the last six games overall and it is 4-2 straight up. The Timberwolves also perform better on the road—they are 9-11 on the road (compared to 6-11 at home) and 11-8-1 ATS in away games.

Houston has won three out of four games, while going just 2-2 ATS. In addition, the Rockets play down to weaker competition, they are 2-7 ATS when favored by double digits and 8-12 ATS against teams below .500. It’s very possible the Rockets grab a commanding lead, take their foot off the pedal and the Timberwolves make a late run for a backdoor cover.

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams are good to great offensively, and bad to terrible defensively, leaning me toward Over 228.5 (-129). The Timberwolves rank 24th in opponent points per game and 11th in PPG for, while the Rockets are second in PPG and 23rd in opponent PPG.

Ultimately, I’m PASSING on the 228.5 total because Rockets actually defend well from 3-point land and the Timberwolves shoot poorly from distance. Houston ranks 13th in opponent 3-point percentage and the Timberwolves are 29th in 3-point%. Also, bookmakers tend to overprice game totals for the Rockets. Despite their potent offense, they’re just 16-21 against the Over/Under for the season.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Timberwolves blitz Warriors in first game of new decade, 99-84

Lack of three-point shooting hurts the Warriors in their attempt to steal a win in the first game of 2020 in Minnesota.

2020 started much how 2019 ended for the Golden State Warriors— a loss with a limited bench. For the second straight game, the Warriors were without D’Angelo Russell (shoulder), Willie Cauley-Stein (illness), Kevon Looney (abdomen) and it showed.

The Warriors have battled with Minnesota in their first two meetings, in the final matchup of the season, it was a different story. The Timberwolves dominated the shorthanded Dubs to start their 2020 with a lopsided loss, 99-84.

The Timberwolves have struggled from three-point range this season, yet they were able to outshoot Golden State from downtown by a wide margin. Minnesota shot 13-43 from three, while the Warriors only made three total three-pointers on 20 attempts.

Similar to beyond the arc, Minnesota dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Warriors 52-43. Minnesota especially hurt the Warriors on the offensive glass, stealing 17 offensive boards to Golden State’s seven.

The Warriors will have another chance to grab their first win of 2020 over the weekend when the Detroit Pistons travel to Chase Center for the first time.

Slow out of the gate 

The Warriors started the game on a downwards trajectory, getting outscored 34-19 in the first period of the game. Two Timberwolves, Josh Okogie and Shabazz Napier almost combined to outscore the entire Warriors roster in the first quarter. At the same time, Golden State’s leading scorer, Alec Burks, only registered five points.

The Warriors couldn’t stop the Timberwolves scoring in the first quarter with Minnesota shooting 50 percent from the field on 13-of-26 shooting while adding four three-pointers, more than Golden State had all game.

Omari Spellman shakes the earth 

While it was a sloppy game overall for the Golden State Warriors, Omari Spellman provided one of the highlights of the season in the fourth quarter.

The Villanova product caught the ball at the three-point line and used a shot fake to drive the lane then slammed down a vicious one-handed dunk over former Warrior, Jordan Bell.

Bell fouled Spellman trying to go for a block, giving the Warriors the chance to cut the Timberwolves lead down to single digits. Golden State couldn’t complete the comeback, but Spellman’s dunk provided a moment that will get shown on repeat on sports highlight shows across the country.

Smailagic tracker

Alen Smailagic played in his fourth straight NBA game registering 16 minutes against the Timberwolves. Smailagic had seven points, three rebounds, a steal and an assist, registering a team-high plus nine in Minnesota.

Each time the 19-year old Serbian is on the floor, he flashes a new skill, with tonight being his passing ability. Smailagic drove into the lane and found a rolling Eric Paschall for an easy dunk.

Injury Report: pair of Golden State starters ruled out in Minnesota

The Warriors will be without both D’Angelo Russell (shoulder) and Willie Cauley-Stein (illness) when they head to Minnesota.

New year, the same story for the Golden State Warriors. An injury bug that tore through Golden State’s 2019 is continuing through the Warriors roster in 2020.

Golden State will be down two-starters when they play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first game in the new year. The Warriors have ruled out both Willie Cauley-Stein and D’Angelo Russell for the second consecutive game.

Russell will miss his 14th game on the season after colliding with Mavericks, Slovenian star, Luka Doncic. Russell injured his shoulder on the collision against the Mavericks Saturday night. The All-Star guard was down on the floor for several minutes, but later returned to the court after a quick trip to the locker room.

Although Russell was able to return against Dallas, his sore shoulder lingered, causing him to miss two-straight games and counting. This will be the Louisville’s native third injury into his first season in Golden State, as he’s missed time with a thumb and ankle injury prior to his shoulder.

The Warriors will miss Russell, who’s lit up the Timberwolves in their previous two meetings, scoring a combined 82 points against Minnesota this season.

Joining Russell on the injury report is starting center, Willie Cauley-Stein. Cauley-Stein will miss his second-straight game with flu-like symptoms. Golden State Warriors sideline reporter, Kerith Burke reported earlier that the Warriors have an illness going around their lockerroom with Omari Spellman also missing time with an illness.

The final entry to the Warriors’ injury report is Kevon Looney. The Warriors’ center has dealt with a bevy of injuries throughout 2019, with his latest being abdominal soreness. Looney’s missed time due to neuropathy earlier in the year and now abdominal pain, adding to his 21 missed games on the season.

Without Russell and Cauley-Stein in the rotation, the Warriors leaned on Alec Burks, Glenn Robinson III and Damion Lee. The trio all scored 20-points or more against San Antonio.

Minnesota will be without their All-Star centerpiece, Karl-Anthony Towns and with Cauley-Stein out, Marquese Chriss could play a more featured role in Steve Kerr’s offense. Against San Antonio, the Washington product tallied seven points with 11 rebounds and five assists in 34 minutes.

The Warriors have battled the Timberwolves in their previous two contests, splitting the series on the season. However, each game had Russell leading the way with heavy scoring numbers; without him, someone will have to step up in Minnesota.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Minnesota Timberwolves (12-20) and Milwaukee Bucks (30-5) do battle at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday. We analyze the Timberwolves-Bucks odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Timberwolves at Bucks: Key injuries

Timberwolves

  • SF Robert Covington (hand) probable
  • SG Treveon Graham (flu) questionable
  • PG Jeff Teague (knee) doubtful
  • PF Noah Vonleh (gluteal) questionable
  • PF Jake Layman (toe) out
  • SG Josh Okogie (elbow) probable
  • C Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) out
  • SF/SG Andrew Wiggins (flu) out

Bucks

  • SF Giannis Antetokounmpo (back) probable
  • SG/SF Wesley Matthews (thigh) questionable

Timberwolves at Bucks: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Bucks 123, Timberwolves 101

Moneyline (ML)

PASS. The Bucks (-2000) are way too chalky. One must wager $20 just to profit $1 on the Bucks ML. That’s not smart betting. The Timberwolves are +1000, which is tempting, but they’re not winning here. Especially not as shorthanded as they are.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BUCKS (-16.5, -115) are costly. You might want to hold off and double-check to make sure Antetokounmpo is active and not being rested for any reason. He is expected to play, but it’s a holiday, it’s a poor opponent where he isn’t necessarily needed to win, etc. … Be careful.

The Timberwolves (+16.5, -106) would have had a difficult time anyway, but they’re going to be shorthanded with at least a couple of key players, joining Towns in street clothes. Not good.

Over/Under (O/U)

The lean is to the UNDER 226.5 (+105), especially with Towns and Wiggins on the mend for the Wolves. If Antetokounmpo is rested for some reason, the bottom should cash rather easily.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Brooklyn Nets at Minnesota Timberwolves odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Brooklyn Nets at Minnesota Timberwolves sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Brooklyn Nets (16-15) are going to the Target Center to play the Minnesota Timberwolves (11-20) 8 p.m. ET Monday. We analyze Nets-Timberwolves odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Nets at Timberwolves: Key injuries

Nets

  • SG Caris LeVert (thumb) out
  • PG Kyrie Irving (shoulder) out
  • SF Kevin Durant (Achilles) out

Timberwolves

  • C Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) questionable
  • SF Andrew Wiggins (illness) questionable
  • SF Jake Layman (toe) out

Nets at Timberwolves: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 2:45 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Nets 109, Timberwolves 101

Moneyline (ML)

PASS on the moneyline. We are on the Nets (-161) to win this game, but we’ll take the spread as a much better value than the moneyline. Both teams have been bitten by the injury bug since their opening game meeting. The Timberwolves could be without Towns and Wiggins, and the Nets are missing their two leading scorers from that game in Irving and LeVert.

This ultimately comes down to value for me because all the signs point to the Nets in a comfy win over the Timberwolves. The Wolves have lost 12 of their last 13 games.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Bet the NETS (-2.5, -115) to cover the spread and win by at least 3 points because of a slight motivation edge. The Timberwolves beat them in overtime on opening night in Brooklyn, and they have owned the Nets in their recent history (7-3 straight up and against the spread), so the Nets are looking forward to kicking the Timberwolves while they are down. Also, I love taking the better rebounding team in NBA regular-season games. The Nets get the second-most rebounds per game (48.6) and the Timberwolves surrender the most rebounds per game (48.3).

Sure, the Timberwolves would love to get out of their epic slump but they probably won’t have the players to do it. Monitor this game’s injury report for as long as you can before placing any bets.

Over/Under (O/U)

The matchup alignment fits nicely for the UNDER 218.5 (-106).  A good Nets defense—ranking third in opponent field-goal percentage (43.2) and 12th in opponent’s 3-point percentage (35)—goes against a bad Timberwolves offense—26th in FG% (43.4) and 29th in 3pt% (31.8). In addition, both teams are poor offensively. The Nets rank 23rd in offensive rating (106.8) and the Timberwolves rank 22nd (107).

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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