Brooklyn Nets (21-33) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (39-16)
As the NBA season unfolds, an intriguing matchup will take place this Saturday between the struggling Brooklyn Nets and high-flying Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. While Minnesota are looking to cement their position within the league, while Brooklyn are hoping to turn around their fortunes. Not only is this matchup sure to provide entertainment but it also presents many betting opportunities for online betting enthusiasts to leverage for success.
The Brooklyn Nets have lost four of their last five games and have not played well on the road this season. Their defense has struggled, allowing over 115 points per game over their last 10 matchups. For Brooklyn to have a chance, Mikal Bridges and the offense will need to catch fire early.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have won four of five and have asserted themselves as one of the top teams in the West. Powered by Anthony Edwards’ MVP-caliber season, Minnesota ranks top six in both offensive and defensive rating. They should be able to impose their will at home in this matchup.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Game Info
| When: | Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Target Center |
| TV: | BSNX |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Mikal Bridges (SF) vs. Anthony Edwards (SG)
Mikal Bridges has played in 54 games with 54 starts, averaging 35.2 minutes, 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.4 blocks per game. He is shooting 48.1% from the field, 38% from three and 80.8% from the free throw line. Bridges has an assist to turnover ratio of 1.6. His strengths are his efficient scoring and perimeter defense. However, he can struggle with foul trouble and has not shot the ball as well recently.
Anthony Edwards has started all 52 games he’s played in, averaging 35 minutes a night. He’s tallying 26.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals per contest. Edwards is shooting 46.7% from the field, 36.8% from deep and 78.7% from the charity stripe. He has an assist to turnover ratio of 1.6. Edwards excels at creating his own shot and getting to the rim. His athleticism also makes him a force on defense. However, his three point shooting efficiency could be better and he averages over 3 turnovers per game.
Both players are athletic wings who can score at all three levels. Edwards has a slight edge in physical tools and individual scoring, while Bridges is the more efficient shooter and defender. Their supporting casts and how efficiently they play will go a long way in determining which player comes out on top in this matchup.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
With the betting odds yet to be determined, bettors should closely monitor the lines as they become available. The Timberwolves’ recent form and home advantage might tilt the odds in their favor, but the unpredictable nature of the Nets’ offense could offer value bets, especially in the over/under and spread markets.
Brooklyn Nets Betting Trends
The Nets’ struggles away from Barclays Center are apparent, with a 9-15 record against the spread on the road. The totals have gone over in 15 of their last 30 road matchups as well, as their defense has posted bottom-third efficiency numbers all season.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Trends
Backed by a raucous home crowd, the Timberwolves have excelled at Target Center with a 16-14 record against the spread. They have also gone over the total in nine of their previous 24 home contests. Riding high from their current hot streak, Minnesota seems poised to continue their home dominance Saturday night.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 2/24/24 Betting Picks
While the Timberwolves enter this game playing their best basketball of the season, there are factors pointing to this spread being set too high. Anthony Edwards should deliver in front of the home fans, but the Nets possess enough firepower to keep pace on the scoreboard Saturday night.
Brooklyn’s poor trends and defensive inconsistencies are definitely concerning. However, the spread leaves them undervalued, even against this rolling Timberwolves squad. Expect Minnesota to notch another home win, but take the points on the struggling Nets for NBA free picks in this contest.
