The Minnesota Timberwolves bring a new-found energy and lineup to Canada Monday to take on the Toronto Raptors. Minnesota comes into this game off a 142-point effort in a win over the Clippers, while the Raptors have won 14 in a row.
Now that the Timberwolves’ month-long losing streak and three-month streak of no wins with Karl-Anthony Towns in the lineup is over, Minnesota is finally able to move forward. The moves they made at the deadline will definitely help them now and in the immediate future.
Malik Beasley was draining threes all game in their last outing, while James Johnson brought a lot of energy off the bench. The Timberwolves beat the Clippers by 27 without newly-acquired D’Angelo Russell to break their 13-game losing skid, and this was a Los Angeles team with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard playing. So you never know if that will continue.
Toronto has been dealing with several injuries but just cannot seem to lose. The Raptors have 14 wins in a row despite limited appearances from Marc Gasol and Norman Powell, plus an injury to Kyle Lowry two games ago. The train just keeps on chugging, somehow able to continue to lead to Raptors wins.
This is an extremely well-coached bunch, with talent to spare. Nick Nurse should get strong consideration for Coach of the Year once again, considering what the Raptors lost last offseason and what they have dealt with in 2019-20 to get to this point.
Toronto is a 10-point favorite as it goes for win No. 15 in a row Monday night. The moneyline has the Raptors -560 and the Timberwolves +425.
Minnesota Looking For Road Win
Now that the Timberwolves finally got the monkey off their back, they are riding a positive streak of some kind coming into a game. Beasley had 23 points, 10 rebounds and four assists and drilled seven threes in his team debut, with Johnson adding 15 points, three rebounds and five assists in just 20 minutes of action.
Jordan McLaughlin has had his moments this year, with the undrafted rookie guard posting 24 points and 11 assists against the Clippers in his first-ever start. The Timberwolves have traded multiple point guards this year, and if Russell can’t suit up Monday night, McLaughlin will be ready to go again.
Minnesota gave Juancho Hernangomez the start at power forward, and he added 14 points to the winning effort. It seems that the Timberwolves knew exactly what they were doing at the deadline, as they acquired productive new faces and players who fit in well.
Going For 15
If any other team had the injuries that Toronto has gone through this year, it is unlikely they’d have a record as impressive as the Raptors do. Lowry has missed 12 games, Fred VanVleet 10, Pascal Siakam 11, Powell 15, Gasol 18, and Serge Ibaka 10. But, nothing has gotten in their way, because whenever this happens, a new guy steps up and contributes as needed.
Matt Thomas added 15 points in the team’s latest win against the Nets, while undrafted rookie Terence Davis II continues to be productive. Patrick McCaw had some stellar performances this season already, with former G-League MVP Chris Boucher playing well in his opportunities.
Lowry or not, here they come. Toronto will be ready for this one, and as always, the support of the home crowd will be a huge factor.
Timberwolves Back To Losing
Toronto just can’t be beat. The unstoppable Raptors improve to 40-14 with another win in this one. Take Toronto -10.
Free Play: TOR -10
100% up to $3,000 Bonus
Bovada is our most recommended ONLINE CASINO and POKER ROOM for US players with excellent deposit options. Get your 100% signup bonus today.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.