The Toronto Raptors visit Target Center tonight for a non-conference NBA matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
My Raptors vs. Timberwolves predictions expect the Raptors to keep their momentum going and jump out to an early lead against the new-look T-Wolves.
Keep reading for my NBA picks for Saturday, October 26.
My best bet
Race to 10 points - Raptors (+160 at PointsBet)
My analysis
The Toronto Raptors earned their first win of the season thanks to a complete team effort (and the fact the 76ers were without Joel Embiid and Paul George didn’t hurt).
The Raps did the little things teams need to do to win. Toronto outworked Philly on the glass, out-rebounding the Sixers 52-28. It also moved the ball well, with 22 assists on 35 buckets. And the bench contributed 41 points.
The Raptors did that without Immanuel Quickley, RJ, Barrett, Kelly Olynyk, Bruce Brown, and Ja’Kobe Walter. So, the Raptors are feeling pretty positive heading into tonight’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Now, the T-wolves pose a much bigger problem than the undermanned Sixers did. Anthony Edwards & Co. are legitimate contenders in the Western Conference this season and have been prepping for their home opener since notching their first win of the season against the Sacramento Kings.
That said, the T-wolves have had some slow starts this season. They enter this game ranked 18th in first-quarter scoring and have lost the 'Race to 10' in each of their first two games.
Race to 10 Points - Raptors
Jakob Poeltl Over 8.5 rebounds
Scottie Barnes Under 21.5 points
The Timberwolves led the NBA in defensive rating a season ago, and that defense is anchored, of course, by center Rudy Gobert. Facing Gobert and no Kelly Olynyk for the Raptors should mean plenty of minutes for Jakob Poeltl in this one.
Jakob Poeltl has become one of the leaders of this young Raptors team, particularly on the defensive end of the floor, and he's gotten off to a good start this season, averaging 12.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.
With Minnesota shooting just 44.4% from the floor for the season, I think there is a solid opportunity for Poeltl to have another solid night on the glass, even if he has to battle with Gobert.
Meanwhile, it’s been a tale of two games for Scottie Barnes. The former Rookie of the Year was stifled for just nine points on 3-for-14 shooting against the Cavaliers in the opener but bounced back against the Sixers, going for 27 points on 8 of 11.
Barnes looked uncomfortable driving against the Cavs’ bigs of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. The T-wolves present a similar problem with Gobert. Buckets could be tough to come by for Barnes once again.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on Raptors basketball at PointsBet Canada
Get the latest Raptors vs Timberwolves NBA odds.
The Timberwolves have only covered the 1Q spread in 37 of their last 93 games for -26.80 Units and a -25% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Timberwolves.
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