Detroit vs Minnesota: Everything points in the Wolves’ favor

In another NBA regular-season matchup, Detroit take on Minnesota, both clubs long since lost their playoff chances. The Timberwolves are using their leaders more, and they are considered the favorites. Can the home team surprise?

The Pistons have won only 1 of their last 7 regular-season games and are currently in the last place in the Eastern Conference. For the rest of the season, the coaching staff is increasingly using youngsters and saving their leaders. Jerami Grant has only played 1 game in the last 2 weeks, the same situation with Mason Plumlee. Both will not play against Minnesota, nor will Cory Joseph and Wayne Ellington - they also don’t appear often in the roster. Hamidou Diallo, Dennis Smith Jr. and Rodney McGruder are also injured, while Frank and Josh Jackson’s participation is questionable. In a situation like this, Saddiq Bey spends 40 minutes on the court and the young forward doesn’t always get to perform at his best.

Dwane Casey’s men lost at home to Chicago 96-108 in their last regular-season game. The head coach had only nine players at his disposal, and despite that, the team did well. The Pistons made 40.7% of their three-pointers, but their free throw shooting percentage was poor and there were plenty of turnovers. Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes combined for all 11 of Detroit’s threes and a combined 60 points.

The Timberwolves’ results under Chris Finch have improved, winning 8 of their last 15 games. Now the Wolves are in 13th place in the Western Conference; they beat Oklahoma the day before. The coaching staff may have intentionally opted to use Anthony Edwards more often. On the 15-game stretch, the rookie shot better than Towns and averaged 22.5 points. As for the roster, Malik Beasley and Jarrett Culver are still out due to injuries, while Juancho Hernangomez’s participation is questionable.

Last regular-season game Minnesota defeated one of the East’s underdogs, Orlando (128-96) away. Already after the first half, Chris Finch’s team led by as many as 30 points with 9 of their 23 three-pointers made before halftime. The Timberwolves shot well from inside the paint and also shot well from midrange. The Wolves’ quick breakaway game was also noteworthy. The team scored 20 points in the paint. Anthony Edwards was not as aggressive but efficient: 7 of 11 from the field, 16 points and 10 rebounds. Towns and Russell were the most productive Minnesota players with 27 points each.

• In 10 home games, Detroit suffered 6 losses;
• Minnesota won 4 of last 10 road games;
• Detroit have beaten Minnesota 4 times in the last 6 years at home, with 1 loss;
• Minnesota are ranked 25th in the NBA Offensive Rating, while Detroit are 26th.

The Pistons are struggling to recruit 9 men for the game, and only thanks to Hayes and Stewart going in, the team avoided a rout by Chicago the day before. Minnesota has suffered some losses, but the Wolves have long since come to terms with Beasley’s absence and without him, the team has enough quality offensive options. Edwards could shoot again, Towns will also have plenty of space and Russell should not be forgotten. Even with an optimal roster, Detroit have already lost to Minnesota this season so there is little chance for revenge. The following betting options look good:

• Minnesota Handicap (-7.5) at odds of 1.95;
• Total Under 226,5 points at odds of 1,89;
• Detroit Individual Total Under 108,5 points at odds of 2,05.