The Minnesota Timberwolves look to keep their spotless, 7-0 home slate alive against a Sacramento Kings team that has lost its last two.
Catch the game tomorrow at 9:00 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: Sacramento Kings (8-6, 4-5 AWAY)
Projected starting five:
- De’Aaron Fox
- Kevin Huerter
- Harrison Barnes
- Keegan Murray (day-to-day)
- Domantas Sabonis
After racking up six-straight wins, the Kings are now losers of two consecutive games. They dropped their back-to-back matchups against the New Orleans Pelicans, one was a 129-93 massacre, the other was a hard-fought, 117-112 battle. They shot a combined 41.1% after going over 50% in their four previous outings.
The Kings are relatively healthy outside of second-year forward and no. 3 scorer Keegan Murray (13.2 PPG), who missed Thursday’s game due to a back injury. Chris Duarte may get the start again if Murray is unavailable.
As always, De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis will be the main men. The former is at a career-best 29.2 points per game on the season, while the latter is once again filling the statsheet with 20.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists, all while on a smooth 63.4% shooting.
The Kings have a -0.7 net rating as they score 114.9 PPG but give up 115.6.
HOME: Minnesota Timberwolves (11-3, 7-0 HOME)
Projected starting five:
- Mike Conley
- Anthony Edwards
- Jaden McDaniels
- Karl-Anthony Towns
- Rudy Gobert
The Timberwolves are enjoying their best start in who-knows-how-long, and have climbed atop the West. They’ve also defended their home well and are still unbeaten in Minnesota
Much of the success is thanks to the energy of Anthony Edwards, the next likely superstar of the league. The 22-year-old is posting 26.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, and is also showcasing good defensive effort apart from his offensive prowess.
But, of course, Edwards is also benefiting from being surrounded with guys that fit him. Karl-Anthony Towns (21.6 PPG) is a top-tier big man, Rudy Gobert (12.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.2 BPG) is an elite rim protector and rebounder, and Mike Conley (10.1 PPG, 5.3 APG) is a veteran floor general. It’s a good mix.
Minny has a +7.4 net rating as it scores 113.1 PPG and allows just 105.8.
PREDICTION:
Handicap: The Timberwolves (-3.5) cover the spread.
Over/Under: The total goes over 229.5
