JOSEPH D'AMICO
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Play: Oklahoma City Thunder -5½
The Minnesota defense has been a doormat lately as they have allowed 11 of their L12 opponents to score 100 or more points. The Timberwolves have already been hit by the injury bug with Guards Jonny Flynn and Martel Webster sidelined. Now, the squad just lost Forward Anthony Tolliver to a knee injury. Minnesota has had problems against Oklahoma City, dropping 6 in a row SU to the Thunder. The two teams met back in November with OKC winning 117-107. Minnys woes come from both sides of the ball. On offense, the T-Wolves are the worst in the league in TOs, averaging 17.8 a game. On defense, they rank at or near the bottom in a slew of categories. At 14-8, the Thunder are striking fear in all opponents. It’s no secret that Forward Kevin Durant has become an NBA elite player, posting 27.4 PPG on 39.56 minutes a contest. The supporting cast of Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green (combined 41.8 PPG) keep all foes on their heels. The Timberwolves are 4-12 ATS their L16 vs. the Western Conference, 4-11 ATS their L15 following an ATS loss, and 6-14-1 ATS their L21 at home. Take the Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Play: Oklahoma City Thunder -5½
The Minnesota defense has been a doormat lately as they have allowed 11 of their L12 opponents to score 100 or more points. The Timberwolves have already been hit by the injury bug with Guards Jonny Flynn and Martel Webster sidelined. Now, the squad just lost Forward Anthony Tolliver to a knee injury. Minnesota has had problems against Oklahoma City, dropping 6 in a row SU to the Thunder. The two teams met back in November with OKC winning 117-107. Minnys woes come from both sides of the ball. On offense, the T-Wolves are the worst in the league in TOs, averaging 17.8 a game. On defense, they rank at or near the bottom in a slew of categories. At 14-8, the Thunder are striking fear in all opponents. It’s no secret that Forward Kevin Durant has become an NBA elite player, posting 27.4 PPG on 39.56 minutes a contest. The supporting cast of Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green (combined 41.8 PPG) keep all foes on their heels. The Timberwolves are 4-12 ATS their L16 vs. the Western Conference, 4-11 ATS their L15 following an ATS loss, and 6-14-1 ATS their L21 at home. Take the Thunder
THE DUKE SPORTS
Utah (+1) for 2 Units
Utah got the best of Miami in the first season matchup by battling back from a 19 point 3rd quarter deficit to force OT and win. We're going to look for Utah to get the best of Miami in Utah, which is a strong venue, and take the point in the process. Miami, which is on a 4-0 SU/ATS run, has yet to win on the road against a team with a winning home record. Miami is just 4-9 ATS on the road, 3-7 on 1 day of rest, and 1-4 ATS vs a team with a home win percentage above .600. The dog in this series has captured 7 of the last 9 ATS wins. The Jazz' Raja Bell looks like he has found his perimeter stroke, Williams is healthy at the point, and we like the interior matchup with a healthy Kirilenko, Millsap and Jefferson who can hold their own with the best of them. Utah the call.
Utah (+1) for 2 Units
Utah got the best of Miami in the first season matchup by battling back from a 19 point 3rd quarter deficit to force OT and win. We're going to look for Utah to get the best of Miami in Utah, which is a strong venue, and take the point in the process. Miami, which is on a 4-0 SU/ATS run, has yet to win on the road against a team with a winning home record. Miami is just 4-9 ATS on the road, 3-7 on 1 day of rest, and 1-4 ATS vs a team with a home win percentage above .600. The dog in this series has captured 7 of the last 9 ATS wins. The Jazz' Raja Bell looks like he has found his perimeter stroke, Williams is healthy at the point, and we like the interior matchup with a healthy Kirilenko, Millsap and Jefferson who can hold their own with the best of them. Utah the call.
