My Deadspin Re-debut did not go as planned. A narrow loss of a target overturned our hockey over/during bet last night, but today I will be back to you with another total-this on the hardwood.
In the event of Anthony Edwards ‘One-Game suspension-after having their two technical fouls in tonight’s loss for Lakers lifted their season, total to 16-Timberwolves’ sprouting superstar is forced by the rule to sit out the next competition.
It comes in Utah against Jazzen tonight, where the two residents of the northwest division meet with a total of 226.5 points.
Don’t be fooled by Utah’s Western Conference-Vorsst 14-44 record. While jazz is not anywhere close to sniffing a playoffs in 2025, this is a club that can actually be decent if it can remain healthy.
Its quartet of solid talent – Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sixteen, John Collins and Jordan Clarkson – has all missed many games this year. As it says, Markkanen is the only one excluded for tonight, while the other three are listed as playing time decisions.
The wolves will also handle their own important absence. Apart from the fact that Edwards is out for disciplinary reasons, Minnesota will not have Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle or Donte Divincenzo due to injuries.
This means that Timberwolve’s leading goal scorer from tonight’s list is Naz Reid with 14.9 points per match. Only another player – Jaden McDaniels – is on average double figures.
When they are completely healthy, both teams are ranked near the lower third of the league in points. Utah is No. 19, an average of 112.2 points per match, with Minnesota just behind 111.9.
Removing Edwards from the equation is about as meaningful as it is compared to any other star in the league. Not only is the 23-year-old fourth in the NBA in points with 27.3 points per match, but his 20.8 field target attempt per match is also ranked fourth.
In addition, Edward’s 10th place is ranked in the NBA in free throwing and comes to line 6.1 times per match. From an offensive perspective, there can be no more influencing players to their team than Edwards, which should not be too surprising.
The Georgia product has missed two matches this season, and the results felt on crime – the wolves were on average only 108.5 points in these competitions, and during both times.
That’s exactly what we should shoot for here. Minnesota lacks a huge amount of points and does not have enough depth to account for it. Jazz may get some of its injured players back in the lineup, but they are still beaten.
All this roster activity seems to point to a lower score at the Delta Center.
Choose: Under 226.5 (-110, Betmgm)
NBA BETTING RECORD: 16-13, +0.74 unit
Above/below: 5-4
Anything else: 11-9
Each bet rated as if it were to win a unit.
Follow me @Mattzylbert on Twitter/for potentially added another choice.
