Three Bets to Make for Suns-Timberwolves
The Phoenix Suns are coming off just their third loss of the season, hoping to rebound in a major way against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
The Suns were able to emerge victorious in their first meeting, but things are a bit different this time around with the absence of Cam Johnson, who tore his meniscus and will be out of action for the foreseeable future.
Point guard Chris Paul also exited Monday night's loss to Philadelphia with soreness in his heel.
Could the Timberwolves bounce back and even the season series at 1-1?
While both teams duke it out on the court, here's three bets to make in tonight's action:
Covers.com
"Minnesota has really struggled with spacing this season as they try to adjust to playing Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns at the same time. Those problems should be exacerbated against a Suns team that holds opponents to just 103.5 points per game — the second-lowest number in the NBA.
"That said, Minnesota ranks ninth in the league in defensive rating and Gobert has helped on that end of the floor. The Suns have averaged just 98.7 ppg on 43.3% shooting over their last three games and could be even worse without Chris Paul, who is listed as questionable with a heel injury.
"Cameron Payne is a solid replacement at PG but moving him into the starting lineup creates a hole off the bench (where Phoenix already doesn't get enough scoring) and he isn't anywhere near Paul's level as a passer.
"The total has ticked down from its opening number of 225 but there is still plenty of value in playing the Under."
Best bet: Under 223 (-110 at FanDuel)
BettingPros
"The Timberwolves have won the tip 70% of the time and have scored the first field goal in 90% of their games.
"Minnesota has played in 10 games and scored the first field goal in nine. Let that sink in. They needed 1.8 shots to score their first field goal.
"D’Angelo Russell has taken 1.3 shots of the first three shots taken by Minnesota. He’s also scored the team’s first field goal in four games and has three first-field goals this season.
"Despite this, Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker, and Anthony Edwards are all given a higher probability of scoring the first field goal. Let’s back Russell at +650 to score first. He’s been remarkably consistent in this market."
Bet: D’Angelo Russell First Basket (+650)
Rotoballer
"This pick is less about confidence in Phoenix as it is really being skeptical about Minnesota. They welcome Rudy Gobert back tonight, but I am not sure it makes all that much of a difference. Minnesota has been perfectly mediocre in every way this year so far in their 5-6 start and that's pretty disappointing considering they were supposed to take a big step forward and become contenders in the West after adding Gobert to an already talented lineup.
"They might still get it going, but for now, I am betting against them in the short term and I think the proven winners (Phoenix) get the better of them here. I hate having to bet the hook here at -2.5, so I will just bet the money line for slightly worse odds."
The Pick: PHO ML
Thank you for making Inside The Suns your destination for Phoenix Suns news. Please be sure to give us a like on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @InsideTheSunsFN for news, updates, analysis and more!
Top Phoenix Suns News
Phoenix's Starting Lineup Ranks No. 2 in NBA
Mock Trade Sends Jae Crowder to Cleveland
Jae Crowder, Suns Situation Remains Unchanged
Cam Johnson Has Surgery; Recovery Timetable Unveiled
