Timberwolves vs. Magic: 3 Best Bets
The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Orlando Magic tonight in what should be a defensive battle. The Wolves stand at the top of the Western Conference and are looking to make their first NBA Finals appearance, and the Magic is fourth in the Eastern Conference after beating the Atlanta Hawks in overtime.
Both teams are emerging as playoff contenders this year in large part due to their success on the defensive side of the ball. Orlando ranks fourth in defensive rating, and Minnesota ranks first. Both teams are top-ten in defending the three-point line, but the Wolves, led by Rudy Gobert, have a Defensive Player of the Year Candidate.
Cole Anthony (50) and Brandon Miller (24).
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
There is no doubt that the Wolves are the better team, and the Magic will be especially shorthanded tonight. Jonathan Isaac, Gary Harris, Wendell Carter Jr., Joe Ingles, and Franz Wagner will all be out. Minnesota will miss only Jaylen Clark. However, the Wolves are coming off a loss and could have lost some momentum.
Keep it posted here for our best bets, powered by the lines at SI Sportsbook.
The Lines
Point spread: Timberwolves -4.5 (-118)/Magic +4.5 (-118)
Moneyline: Timberwolves (-200)/Magic (+160)
Over/under: 216.5
Our Picks
Safe pick: Paolo Banchero OVER 28.5 points (-120)
This is easily the highest line that Paolo Banchero has had all season, but he should be able to clear it. Yes, he is going up against the best defense in the league, but his mid-range success should be able to propel him over the top. Plus, he has been on a tear as of late, averaging 32.3 points over his last six games. With Wagner out, the brunt of the offense falls on Banchero, who has been playing out of his mind.
Opponent pick: Rudy Gobert OVER 12.5 points (-118)
Gobert is only averaging 12.5 points this season, and 11.7 over his last six games, so season numbers really don’t tell us much. However, Gobert will be met with Goga Bitadze and Mo Wagner down low. Both of those players have stepped up in big moments, but neither of them is talented enough on the defensive end to stop Gobert. With Jalen Suggs guarding Anthony Edwards, the rest of the Wolves will have to step up on offense, which means a big night down low.
Paolo Parlay: Magic +9.5, OVER 211.5 points, Paolo Banchero OVER 20 points, Paolo Banchero OVER 4 assists (+185)
Like I said earlier, expect a big scoring night from Banchero. His getting over 20 points is the easiest leg of this parlay, but over his last six games, he has also averaged 6.2 assists. With Gobert down low, Banchero will be kicking the ball out even more often than usual, so he should easily be able to maintain his average. As for covering the spread, as long as Orlando’s defense does well, that shouldn’t be an issue. Finally, Orlando has finished with under 211.5 total points only seven times this season, and with Banchero scoring the way he has been, that seems unlikely tonight.
