Getty Images | Mitchell Leff
KEY POINTS
- The Timberwolves hold a slight edge over the Trail Blazers in the upcoming clash
- Minnesota will have to make up for the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns
- The Trail Blazers’ defense may be key to picking up a second consecutive win over the T-Wolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves will host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, January 4 in what is expected to be a tight contest.
Both teams are coming off victories although the hosting Timberwolves may need to push themselves even more.
Minnesota will miss the services of Karl-Anthony Towns remains out with a lower leg injury he sustained back in November.
Furthermore, D’Angelo Russell and Naz Reid are also listed as questionable for the T-Wolves.
This means that head coach Chris Finch will have to rely on Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert to pick up the slack.
However, that may be easier said than done against the Trail Blazers.
The Timberwolves are scoring 114.7 points per game on 48.9% shooting.
Edwards is leading the charge with a 24-point average per game on 46.3% shooting from the field.
Defensively, Minnesota is allowing opponents 115.8 points per game on 46.1% shooting.
They are ranked lower in defensive rating (21) compared to the Trail Blazers (16).
Portland is coming off a huge win over the Pistons, 135-106.
Jerami Grant led the way with 36 points and two boards, while Anfernee Simmons chipped in 30 markers of his own to go with five caroms.
The Trail Blazers will miss the services of Justise Winslow and Nassir Little in their next assignment against the Timberwolves.
In addition, Jusuf Nurkic is listed as questionable.
Portland is scoring 112.9 points on offense and norming 47.9% from the field.
Damian Lillard continues to lead the team with a 27.4-point average per game.
Defensively, the Trail Blazers are allowing opponents to score 112 points per game and 47.1% shooting from the field.
They may need to do more to hold off a team that has credible offense such as the T-Wolves.
The Timberwolves are -1.5 spread favorites over the Trail Blazers, who are at +1.5.
The Moneyline is -116 for Minnesota and -105 for Portland.
The Timberwolves vs. Trail Blazers showdown is set to take place at the Target Center in Minneapolis at 8:00 PM ET.
The game can be watched via NBA League Pass or through live stream via fubo TV.
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