On Friday in the National Basketball Association, the New York Knicks head out on the road to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. The New York Knicks are coming off a double overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls, and have dropped 8 out of their last 10 games. The Knicks are now 10th in the Eastern Conference with their 19-22 record on the season. New York is 4-14 on the road this season as well.
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, they are coming off back to back wins over Cleveland and Oklahoma City. The Timberwolves have won 3 straight overall, and 7 out of their last 10 games. Minnesota has moved 1.5 games behind San Antonio for the third seed in the Western Conference. Minnesota is 16-6 at home this season. The Minnesota Timberwolves are -7.5 over the New York Knicks on Friday night.
Minnesota Rolling Along
The Minnesota Timberwolves are rolling following their blowout win over Cleveland and then their impressive win over the Thunder. Minnesota is scoring more than 108 points per game, but their improvements have come from defensive side of the basketball. The Timberwolves are allowing just 104 points per game, and have allowed 100 or less in 7 straight games.
Jimmy Butler is a great defender, but has emerged as the top scorer for Minnesota as well. The former Bulls star is scoring 21.6 points per game, just ahead of Karl Anthony Towns. The former Kentucky big man is at 20.2 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, while Andrew Wiggins is third with just shy of 18 points per game.
Knicks Wearing Down
The New York Knicks appear to be wearing down. Kristaps Porzingis mentioned he tired he was, and they are showing it on the court. The double overtime loss likely did not help the Knicks cause. The Knicks are now 13 games back of Boston in the Atlantic Division. The lone win over the last five games for New York was on the road at Dallas where they allowed just 96 points.
Enes Kanter is playing an average of five fourth quarter minutes over the last 6 games, and he is frustarted as to why. Head coach Jeff Hornacek mentions Kyle O’Quinn’s ability to guard and pass the basketball. Kristaps Porzingis is still the top scorer for the Knicks, but Michael Beasley is emerging. Porzingis is scoring 23.7 points per game, and ripping down 7 rebounds.
Minnesota Blasts the Knicks
The Minnesota Timberwolves seem to be playing their best basketball of the year so far, and the New York Knicks defintely are not. The Knicks do seem tired, and the Timberwolves are a bad team to play if you are not at your best. Look for Minnesota to show up and blast the New York Knicks in this game. Minnesota wins easily in this game, and grabs their fourth straight win. Bet on the Minnesota Timberwolves -7.5 over the New York Knicks in the NBA game on Friday night.
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