The Minnesota Timberwolves (19-42) will be at home in the Target Center when they go head-to-head against the Orlando Magic (27-35). Orlando opened as a 2-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 234.5 points. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on Friday, March 6, 2020, and it can be seen on Fox Sports – North.

Orlando Magic vs. Minnesota Timberwolves ATS Preview

The Magic lost a close one to the Miami Heat in their last matchup, 116-113, but were able to cover as 6.5-point underdogs. Orlando’s Nikola Vucevic had 22 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists in the contest. Miami held the Magic to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.3 (below their season average of 22.3). Orlando, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (11.7 vs. 12.3). The two teams combined to put up 229 points, which finished over the O/U total of 218.5.

In the Timberwolves’ previous outing, they covered the 2-point spread against the Chicago Bulls, 115-108. Naz Reid played a key role for Minnesota with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Minnesota played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.200 (below their season average of 0.209) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (above their season average of 22.2). For those same stats, Chicago was 0.074 and 21.4, respectively. The two clubs combined to put up 223 points, which came in under the projected point total of 232.

These two teams have already met once this season. In that game, the two teams combined for 261 points, well over the projected point total of 234. The Magic won 136-125, covering as 8-point favorites. The Magic dominated every facet of the game. They had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 27.0 and a free throw rate of 0.184. The Timberwolves were 12.0 and 0.168, respectively, for those same stats. In the loss, Hernangomez had a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds.

Of Orlando’s 62 games, 31 have finished over the O/U total, while 35 of Minnesota’s 61 games have finished over the O/U total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Magic have a substantial advantage. They are 27-35 SU and 28-30-4 ATS, while the Timberwolves are 19-42 SU and 22-37-2 ATS.

Both teams have had a player heat up over their last five games. For the Magic, it’s been Terrence Ross, who has averaged 22 points,5.6 rebounds, while the Timberwolves have received solid contributions from Malik Beasley (20 points).

Opposite tempos will be on display in this contest. Minnesota has preferred a fast-breaking style of play (first in possessions per game), while Orlando has been more half-court-oriented (29th in possessions per game).

Orlando Magic at Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Prediction

Pick: SU Winner – Magic, ATS Winner – Magic, O/U – Over

Notes

Betting Notes:

The Magic rank fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (44.8) while the Timberwolves rank 24th (50.8).

Orlando ranks 17th in rebounds allowed per game (45.4) while Minnesota ranks 29th (47.5).

Minnesota ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (39.9) while Orlando ranks 19th (32.2).

Orlando is 17-12-2 ATS on the road, while Minnesota is 7-22-1 ATS at home.

In 31 road games, the Magic have 18 overs, 12 unders and 1 push.

The Timberwolves have 15 overs and 15 unders in 30 home games.

In games where they allow less than 100 points, Orlando is 12-4 and Minnesota is 2-1.

When scoring over 100 points, the Magic are 23-16 and the Timberwolves are 18-34.

The Magic rank fourth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while the Timberwolves rank 19th (7.9).

Orlando ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.9) while Minnesota ranks 23rd (18.0).

The Magic rank first in second chance points allowed per game (11.1) while the Timberwolves rank 22nd (13.8).

The Magic rank third in fast break points allowed per game (11.7) while the Timberwolves rank 12th (12.9).

Orlando ranks fifth in blocks per game (5.8) while Minnesota ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).

Bettings Trends:

Minnesota is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders in its last five games.

Across its past five outings, Orlando is 4-1 ATS with 5 overs.

The Timberwolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 4.0 for the season.

During their last five games, the Magic have scored an average of 119.8 points per game (14.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 121.0 points per game (13.9 above their season average).