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The Minnesota Timberwolves will visit the Los Angeles Clippers for the first of three meetings this season.
The 13-14 Timberwolves are currently eleventh in the Western Conference. Minnesota regressed offensively after finishing last season ranked first in points per game and eighth in offensive rating. They currently rank ninth and 18th in each category, respectively. More importantly, the offseason acquisition of Rudy Gobert has not improved their defense, as they rank 27th in opponents points per game and 20th in defensive rating. The Timberwolves have declined in both categories.
The 16-13 Clippers are sixth in the Western Conference thanks to a defense that has been a top-ten unit all season. They currently rank fourth in opponents points per game and sixth in defensive rating. The Clippers have struggled offensively, however, as they rank 29th in points per game and 27th in offensive rating.
The Timberwolves are 6-7 on the road while the Clippers are 8-6 at home.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers Match Details
Fixture: Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Clippers
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 14th, 10:00 p.m. EST
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers Injury Report
The Timberwolves will be without star big man Karl Anthony-Towns, who remains out with a right calf strain. Guard Jordan McLaughlin is out with a left calf strain, while forward Taurean Prince is out with a right shoulder subluxation. Starting point guard D'Angelo Russell is questionable to play as he deals with a left knee contusion.
The Los Angeles Clippers will be without wing Norman Powell, who remains out with a left groin strain. Point guard John Wall will sit out the first leg of a back-to-back with what the team are calling left knee injury management.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers Injury Report
Timberwolves vs. Clippers Betting Odds and Spread
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
$1,000 No Sweat First Bet at FanDuel Sportsbook
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers Starting 5s
Timberwolves - PG D'Angelo Russell, SG Anthony Edwards, SF Kyle Anderson, PF Jaden McDaniels, C Rudy Gobert
Clippers - PG Reggie Jackson, SG Paul George, SF Kawhi Leonard, PF Marcus Morris, C Ivica Zubac
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Prediction
The Timberwolves have struggled to find an identity this season. Meanwhile, they will be facing a top-ten defense without their second-leading scorer, while their third-leading scorer is also questionable. While the Los Angeles Clippers haven't done much better to establish an identity, they are beginning to figure things out. Kawhi Leonard is coming off of his first game scoring at least 20 points. Look for the Clippers defense to be the X-factor as they defeat the Timberwolves by at least seven points.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers -6.5 (-108)
