[8:05 PM] 76ers @ Timberwolves

What will be the GAME RESULT?

76ers: Win or Single Digit Loss

@ Timberwolves: Win By Double Digits

 

• The line for this game is Timberwolves by 11.5 points.

• Tom Thibodeau is trying to change the culture of a Minnesota Timberwolves squad that is accustomed to losing. The task gets frustrating at times for the veteran coach, but the Timberwolves do have an increased shot at winning when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday.

• Philadelphia still is observing Embiid closely after he missed the last two seasons due to his foot issues but is starting to loosen up the minutes restriction on power forward Jahlil Okafor. The second-year pro underwent season-ending knee surgery during his rookie campaign and still was hindered into the fall. Okafor scored a season-best 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting against the Wizards and is averaging 11.3.

• Minnesota repeatedly has struggled in the third quarter of games and was pounded 37-18 in the period by the Hornets. Point guard Ricky Rubio and standout small forward Andrew Wiggins joined the coach in being highly disturbed with the play in a quarter in which Charlotte was 13-of-22 shooting (including six 3-pointers) while the Timberwolves were 4-of-22.

• The 76ers have won three of the last four meetings.

• Wiggins is averaging 32.6 points over his last five contests.

• Embiid is averaging a team-best 18 points and has scored in double digits in all seven games in which he has played, with his best outing being a 25-point performance versus Indiana on Nov. 11.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Timberwolves: Win By Double Digits

Confidence: 4/10

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