My Deadspin re-debut didn’t go as deliberate. A slender one-goal extra time loss derailed our hockey over/beneath wager final night time, however immediately I come again to you with one other whole—this one on the hardwood.
Within the occasion of Anthony Edwards’ one-game suspension—after his two technical fouls in final night time’s loss to the Lakers lifted his season whole to 16—the Timberwolves’ budding famous person is compelled by rule to take a seat out the following contest.
That comes tonight in Utah towards the Jazz, the place the 2 Northwest Division residents meet with a complete of 226.5 factors.
Don’t be fooled by Utah’s Western Convention-worst 14-44 report. Whereas the Jazz aren’t wherever near sniffing a playoff berth in 2025, this can be a membership that would really be first rate if it might keep wholesome.
Its quartet of strong expertise—Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, John Collins and Jordan Clarkson—have all missed quite a few video games this 12 months. Because it stands, Markkanen is the one one dominated out for tonight, whereas the opposite three are listed as game-time choices.
The Wolves, in the meantime, will even be coping with their very own key absences. Apart from Edwards being out for disciplinary causes, Minnesota gained’t have Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle or Donte DiVincenzo attributable to accidents.
Meaning the Timberwolves’ main scorer from tonight’s roster is Naz Reid with 14.9 factors per sport. Just one different participant—Jaden McDaniels—is averaging double digits.
When absolutely wholesome, each groups rank close to the underside third of the league in scoring. Utah is No. 19, averaging 112.2 factors per sport, with Minnesota proper behind at 111.9.
Eradicating Edwards from the equation is about as significant because it will get in comparison with another star within the league. Not solely does the 23-year-old rank fourth within the NBA in scoring with 27.3 factors per sport, however his 20.8 area aim makes an attempt per sport additionally rank fourth.
As well as, Edwards ranks tenth within the NBA in free throw makes an attempt, attending to the road 6.1 occasions per sport. From an offensive perspective, there may be no extra impactful participant to his group than Edwards, which shouldn’t be too shocking.
The Georgia product has missed two video games this season, and the outcomes have been felt on offense—the Wolves averaged simply 108.5 factors in these contests, and the beneath hit each occasions.
That’s precisely what we’ll be capturing for right here. Minnesota is lacking a large quantity of scoring and doesn’t possess sufficient depth to account for it. The Jazz may be getting a few of their injured gamers again within the lineup, however they’re nonetheless banged up.
All of this roster exercise would appear to level to a lower-scoring affair on the Delta Middle.
Choose: Below 226.5 (-110, BetMGM)
NBA Betting File: 16-13, +0.74 unit
Over/Unders: 5-4
Every part Else: 11-9
Every wager graded as if it have been to win one unit.
Observe me @MattZylbert on Twitter/X for doubtlessly one other choose(s) added there.
