Time: 9 PM EST, Jan. 3, 2013
Spread: DEN -8
Total: 201
M/L: DEN -375, MIN +315
Betting Odds from Bookmaker
It’s no surprise to see NBA oddsmakers setting the line at eight points in Denver’s favor. They are at home, and they’ve won 10 of 11 at the Pepsi Center this season.
The Nuggets dominated the hot L.A. Clippers without Ty Lawson, and while they are 8-14 away from the friendly confines of the Pepsi Center, they are still one of the best and deepest teams in the NBA.
The Nuggets held the Clippers to 38.5 percent shooting and ran the ball down their throats the entire night, pushing the pace and getting everyone involved on a night when Blake Griffin was in foul trouble and ineffective.
Kenneth Faried has earned his nickname “The Manimal,” and had another double-double against the Clips. Veteran Andre Miller chipped in 12 points and dished out 12 assists, showing that he still has great talent and even though he’s not a speed demon, he’s very effective as an NBA point guard.
“We don’t win this game without Andre,” George Karl told ESPN. “He just got us easy baskets, got a lot of guys involved, and gave our team confidence.”
Lawson’s status for this game is uncertain, but he’s averaged 20 points per game in his last nine match ups against the Timberwolves, so getting him back would be a great boon to the Nuggets.
The Timberwolves are trying to get things going again, after coming off one of their worst games of the season against the Utah Jazz, as they lost by 22. Kevin Love had just 13 points, but could get his groove back against Denver, as he had 34 points and 14 rebounds against the Nuggets in a 108-105 Timberwolves victory on Dec. 12.
Danilo Gallinari is starting to develop into the player that the Nuggets hoped he would when they dealt Carmelo Anthony for him (and others) to the Knicks. Gallinari has averaged 20 points per game on 64.5 percent shooting in his last three games against the Timberwolves, and the Italian forward has one of the prettiest strokes in the NBA.
Minnesota Betting Trends:
Timberwolves at 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games after an SU loss of 10+. Wolves are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 overall and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs the Northwest Division.
Denver Betting Trends:
Nuggets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 at home, 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs teams with road winning percentages less than .400, 6-1 ATS vs the Northwest, 6-1 ATS in their last 7 on one day of rest, 9-3 ATS in their last 12 overall, 53-24-1 ATS i their last 78 after their opponent allows 100+ pts in their previous game.
