NBA picks: Timberwolves vs. 76ers prediction, odds, over/under, spread, injury report for Wednesday, Dec. 20
The Minnesota Timberwolves (20-5) will face off agains the Philadelphia 76ers (18-8) Wednesday evening in a matchup of two teams hoping to prove themselves as title contenders this season. The Timberwolves have won three in a row and hold the best record in the West, while the Sixers saw a six-game winning streak end Monday at the hands of the Bulls. These teams met earlier this season, with Minnesota winning 112-99.
Anthony Edwards has recovered from a hip injury and is off the injury report. Nicolas Batum is out for Philadelphia with a hamstring issue, while Robert Covington and Marcus Morris are listed as questionable.
The 76ers are 3.5-point favorites according to DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total coming in at 226. Philadelphia is -155 on the moneyline while Minnesota is +130.
Timberwolves vs. 76ers, 7 p.m. ET
Pick ATS: 76ers -3.5
These are two of the best teams against the number. Philadelphia is 18-8, which is identical to its record, while Minnesota is 14-9-2. The Timberwolves are a much stronger home side though, going 8-2-2 ATS at home as opposed to a 6-7 ATS mark on the road. Minnesota has covered the spread in three of its last four, while Philly had covered in five straight prior to Monday’s loss to Chicago.
The Timberwolves won the first game by a big margin but Joel Embiid did not play in that contest. He’s averaging 40 points and 13 rebounds per game over the last seven contests, and should be able to continue to dominating. I like Embiid’s presence to propel the 76ers to a win and bounce back from Monday’s disappointing result. Take the Sixers to win and cover.
Over/Under: Over 226
Minnesota is 13-12 to the over this season, but sports the best defense in the league. The 76ers have been an offensive juggernaut, and that’s helped them go 17-9 to the over. At home, Philadelphia is 9-5 to the over. The Timberwolves are 9-4 on overs in road games.
Over the last five games, the Sixers are averaging 127.6 points per game. The Timberwolves aren’t too far behind at 118.4 points per game during the same span. I like the over to hit in this one.
