Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns - 12/9/19 NBA Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Game: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns

Date: Monday, December 9, 2019

Location: Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, AZ

TV: Fox Sports Arizona

Odds/Point Spread: Phoenix -1

Total/Over-Under: 218

Karl-Anthony Towns and the Minnesota Timberwolves (10-11, 3rd in the Northwest Division) travel to Talking Stick Resort Arena on Monday where they'll take on the Phoenix Suns (10-12, 3rd in the Pacific Division). Phoenix opens this contest as 1 point favorites. The total is set at 218.

The Timberwolves are covering the spread 45.0% of the time, having gone 9-11-1 ATS. Phoenix is covering 59.1% of the time, going 13-9-0 against the spread.

Key Minnesota Timberwolves Injuries

12/7/2019 Shabazz Napier PG Hamstring Game Time Decision
12/7/2019 Andrew Wiggins SF Thumb Game Time Decision
12/7/2019 Jake Layman SF Toe Expected to be out until at least Dec 9
12/7/2019 Karl-Anthony Towns C Knee Game Time Decision
12/7/2019 Jeff Teague PG Ankle Game Time Decision

Key Phoenix Suns Injuries

12/7/2019 Aron Baynes C Calf Expected to be out until at least Dec 9
12/6/2019 Ty Jerome G Ankle Game Time Decision

Player Spotlight

Andrew Wiggins averages 24.9 points per game in 34.8 minutes per contest. He averages 3.4 assists per contest and 5.4 rebounds per game. His field goal percentage is 45% for the year while his free throw percentage is 72%. Karl-Anthony Towns comes into this contest averaging 26.2 points per game while playing 33.5 minutes per night. He pulls down 11.9 rebounds per game and dishes out 4.5 assists per game as well. His field goal percentage is 51% while his free throw percentage is at 80%.

Player Spotlight

Kelly Oubre averages 17.2 points per game and he sees the court an average of 32.1 minutes per contest. He also averages 6.0 rebounds per contest and 1.5 assists per game. His field goal percentage is 44% and his free throw percentage is 77%. Devin Booker averages 25.5 points per game while playing 35.7 minutes per contest. He grabs 3.9 rebounds per game and has 6.2 assists per contest on the year. His field goal percentage is 51% and his free throw percentage is at 91%.

Useful Team Statistics

The Timberwolves allow 115.9 points per game to their opponents which ranks them 26th in the league. They also allow a 45% shooting percentage and a 36% average from behind the arc, ranking them 14th and 18th in those defensive categories. Opponents average 47.4 rebounds a game which ranks 27th, and they give up 24.0 assists per contest which puts them in 16th place in the league. They force 14.9 turnovers per game which ranks them 11th in the league. Minnesota averages 114.3 points per contest this season, which ranks them 7th in the NBA. Their average scoring margin is -1.6 and their shooting percentage is 44% as a team, which has them ranked 25th. Behind the arc they shoot 33% which is good for 28th in the league. They average 47.7 rebounds per game and 23.7 assists per contest, which ranks them 5th and 18th in those offensive categories. In the turnover department they rank 14th with 15.5 per game.

Useful Team Statistics

The Suns surrender 114.2 points per contest, which ranks them 22nd in the NBA. Their defense allows a 47% shooting percentage and a 37% average from 3-point range, ranking them 25th and 19th in those defensive statistics. They rank 20th with 24.7 assists allowed per contest, and 17th with 45.6 rebounds surrendered per game. The Suns are 29th in the NBA in forcing turnovers with 17.2 per game. Phoenix is 5th in the league with 115.3 points per game this year. They are 11th in the league in shooting at 46%, while their average scoring margin is 1.1. They shoot 36% from 3-point range, which is good for 12th in the NBA. They are 25th in the league in rebounding with 42.4 boards per game and 2nd in assists per contest with 28.2. The Suns are 22nd in turnovers per game with 14.3.

Advanced Statistics

The Timberwolves are 18th in the league in defensive rating with 109.8, and their offensive rating of 108.3 is ranked 17th. They are 5th in the NBA in pace with 103.5 possessions per 48 minutes, and their eFG% of 51% is 23rd. As a unit they are 21st in the league in true shooting percentage with 55% and they shoot 3-pointers on 43% of their shot attempts, ranking 4th in the NBA. Minnesota is 20th in turnovers, as they turn the ball over an average of 13 times per 100 possessions while forcing 12.5 on defense. Their defensive eFG% for the year currently is 52%, which is 16th in the NBA.

Advanced Statistics

Phoenix is 24th in the NBA in turnovers, as they turn the ball over an average of 12.5 times per 100 possessions while forcing 14.9 on the defensive end. Their defensive effective field goal percentage for the season currently is 54%, which is 10th in the league. The Suns are 6th in the NBA in offensive rating with 111.3, and their defensive rating of 110.3 is ranked 20th. In terms of pace they are 10th in the league with 102.6 possessions per 48 minutes, and their effective field goal percentage of 53% is 9th. As a team they are 9th in the NBA in true shooting percentage with 57% and they shoot 3-pointers on 40% of their shots, ranking 10th in the league.

Who will win tonight's Timberwolves/Suns NBA game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take Minnesota +1

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