Timberwolves vs. Heat: NBA Betting Preview, Tips and Picks – December 18, 2023

Written By PlayPicks Staff on December 18, 2023

A matchup featuring an NBA squad on a roll, the Minnesota Timberwolves (19-5 overall and 8-2 over their past 10 games), and the Miami Heat (15-11) will commence at FTX Arena on December 18, 2023. The Timberwolves are 1.5-point favorites as they look to continue their hot streak. The point total in the contest is set at 217.

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Timberwolves vs. Heat Betting Odds

Favorite Spread Total
Timberwolves -1.5 217

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Injury Report as of December 18

Timberwolves: Jaylen Clark: Out (Achilles), Anthony Edwards: Questionable (Hip), Jaden McDaniels: Questionable (Back), Josh Minott: Questionable (Illness)

Heat: Dru Smith: Out (Knee), Kyle Lowry: Out (Soreness)

Computer Picks

Spread Pick Timberwolves (-1.5)
Total Pick Over (217)

Predictions are calculated by a data-driven algorithm (raw power score) that ranks head-to-head matchup results within a closed network of games. Prediction confidence is determined by the delta between each team’s raw power score.

Timberwolves vs. Heat Stat Rankings

Timberwolves Avg. (Rank) Heat Avg. (Rank)
113.6 (18th) Points Scored 113.0 (20th)
105.8 (1st) Points Allowed 112.0 (10th)
45.5 (6th) Rebounds 40.7 (28th)
9.8 (25th) Off. Rebounds 9.3 (27th)
12.1 (20th) 3pt Made 12.9 (12th)
25.9 (15th) Assists 26.4 (11th)
14.0 (23rd) Turnovers 12.3 (6th)

Best Betting Site for Timberwolves vs. Heat

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Timberwolves Key Players

Name GP PTS REB ASST STL BLK 3PM
Anthony Edwards 21 24.2 5.3 5.1 1.3 0.4 2.5
Karl-Anthony Towns 24 22.4 9.5 3 0.9 0.7 2
Naz Reid 24 13.5 4.6 0.9 0.7 0.5 1.9
Rudy Gobert 24 12.7 12 1.2 0.7 2.4 0
Mike Conley 24 11.3 3 6.2 1 0.1 2.2

Heat Key Players

Name GP PTS REB ASST STL BLK 3PM
Tyler Herro 8 22.9 5 4.6 1.4 0 3.1
Bam Adebayo 16 22.3 9.9 3.9 1.2 1 0.1
Jimmy Butler 22 21.8 5.2 4.6 1.1 0.4 0.9
Duncan Robinson 24 14.7 2.7 3 0.5 0.1 3.1
Jaime Jaquez Jr. 26 13.2 3.7 2.8 1 0.2 1.2

Betting Trends

  • The Timberwolves’ record against the spread is 13-9-2.
  • Against the spread as 1.5-point favorites or more, Minnesota is 10-6-2.
  • This year, 12 of the Timberwolves’ 24 games have hit the over.
  • Minnesota’s games have finished with more than 217 points 15 times so far this season.
  • Timberwolves games have had an average of 219.4 points this season, 2.4 points higher than the over/under for this matchup.
  • The Heat have 11 wins in 26 games against the spread this year.
  • Against the spread, as a 1.5-point underdog or more, Miami is 5-5.
  • The Heat have seen 13 of their 26 games hit the over.
  • Miami’s games have finished with over 217 points scored 15 times this year.
  • This season, Heat games have resulted in an average scoring total of 225.0, which is 8.0 points higher than the over/under for this matchup.

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