Pro Basketball Odds and Picks: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Los Angeles Clippers at Minnesota Timberwolves
Thursday, 1/17/13, 8:00 PM EST, TV: TNT
Opening Point Spread: Los Angeles -3
Current Betting Line: Los Angeles -4.5
Opening Total: 192
Current Total: 193
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Los Angeles Clippers are 4-2 ATS as road favorites of 3.5 to 6 points since 2010

Los Angeles will look to complete the sweep of its current three-game road trip, coming off a 117-109 victory over the Houston Rockets as three-point underdogs Tuesday night, while going OVER the posted total of 206.5. The Clippers played those affairs without the services of All-Star point guard Chris Paul, who is listed as doubtful with a knee injury for this affair. The team is 12-5 overall on the road this year, including an 8-3 mark versus conference foes. Los Angeles is 4-2 ATS as a road favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 4-2 in that situation.

The Clippers and Timberwolves both rank in the NBA’s top 10 in points in the paint, averaging 46.5 and 42.8 points respectively in that category. Los Angeles earned a 101-95 victory as nine-point home favorites in the first meeting this year on Nov. 28, while going OVER the posted total of 194. In two seasons without Paul in the lineup, the franchise has compiled a respectable 5-3 record.

Minnesota has failed to score 100 or more points in dropping four consecutive games, including a 113-98 setback to the Dallas Mavericks as 7.5-point road underdogs Monday night, while going OVER the posted total of 195.5. The Timberwolves have dropped five of six games since All-Star forward Kevin Love re-injured his hand, something to consider when making your pro basketball picks Thursday night. Minnesota is 7-14 ATS when playing with two days rest since 2010, with the UNDER going 11-10 in that situation.

The Timberwolves are 10-5 overall at the Target Center during the 2012-13 NBA campaign, including a 5-4 mark versus conference rivals. Minnesota has been outscored by an average of 16.8 points per game during its current losing streak, which is far different than seven of their previous eight games being decided by six points or less. The key for this team is cracking the century mark, posting a perfect 8-0 record when doing so this year.