We have a divisional rivalry game as a part of a seven-game slate in the NBA on Monday, December 12, and here you can check out the best Timberwolves vs. Trail Blazers betting pick and odds.

Portland is hoping for back-to-back victories over Minnesota when they welcome the Timberwolves at Moda Center. The Trail Blazers are 5-point favorites on BetUS Sportsbook, while the total is set at 232.5 points. These Northwest Division foes have met a couple of nights ago when the Blazers won 124-118 at home.

Timberwolves couldn’t stop Lillard and Simons in a loss to the Blazers

The Minnesota Timberwolves (13-13, 10-16-0 ATS) were on a good run of five wins before losing five of the next eight games, including the most recent one against the divisional rivals Portland Trail Blazers on the road. Minnesota was playing very well offensively and shot 54.2% from the field, but the Wolves were inferior in rebounds and couldn’t handle Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves in a 124-118 defeat with 26 points, team-high seven assists, six rebounds, and two steals. Rudy Gobert had 24 points and a team-high nine boards, D’Angelo Russell scored 23 points with a game-high three thefts, while Kyle Anderson chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds, and six dimes.

C Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) and SF Taurean Prince (shoulder) are out indefinitely. PG Jordan McLaughlin (calf) is questionable to play on Monday against Portland.

Trail Blazers beat the Wolves despite allowing 66 in the first half

The Portland Trail Blazers (14-12, 17-9-0 ATS) responded to a three-game losing skid with three wins in the next four games. With this tilt against Minnesota on Monday, the Trail Blazers will conclude a four-game home stand, after which they will hit on a six-game road trip. Although they were not good defensively against the Timberwolves at home, the Blazers did dominate the boards (45-28) and deservedly celebrated a 124-118 victory.

Damian Lillard led the team with 36 points, game-high eight assists, and two steals. Anfernee Simons followed him with 31 points, Jerami Grant had 17 points and seven rebounds, Josh Hart posted an 11/8/4/2 line, while Jusuf Nurkic contributed eight points, game-high 15 boards, and game-high two blocks.

SG Gary Payton II (abdomen) and SF Nassir Little (hip) are out indefinitely and will not be able to help against the Timberwolves on Monday.

Trends:

Minnesota:

  • 2-5 ATS in the last seven games against the Western Conference rivals

Portland:

  • 4-0 ATS in the last four games overall
  • 5-1 ATS in the last six Monday games

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trail Blazers Pick

Minnesota lost two of the last five games in which they played without Karl-Anthony Towns, and I think his absence will be felt again on Monday as it did a couple of nights ago against the Blazers. Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid can contribute below the rims, but KAT is far more talented than both when it comes to scoring. His offensive production is what the Wolves lack, and that’s an advantage for the hosts here. Portland has a stronger defense that is allowing 111.6 points per game, while Minnesota allows 116.1 ppg. The Blazers showed how they can hurt the Wolves, and I expect another strong showing from Lillard and Simons.

Pick: Take the Blazers at -4.5 (-110)

The Total

Both teams are below average in defensive rating, so I expect to see plenty of points here. The rivals combined for 242 on Saturday, and a similar outcome is quite possible on Monday. Although the Blazers have one of the slowest offenses in the NBA, they are facing the third-fastest offense in the league. Minnesota and Portland are in the top half of the offensive rating standings, which is another reason to expect a high-scoring affair. Over is 4-1 in the Trail Blazers’ last five home games, while Over is 5-2 in Portland’s previous seven games playing on one day of rest.

Pick: Go Over 232.5 points (-110)