What a disastrous start to the season for the Wolves. While their 2-2 start looks nice, the crowd back home has been booing (and giving MVP chants to…?) Jimmy Butler, and then hard-core booing Coach Thibs. Derrick Rose is looking a bit like his old self, but that is the only plus for these guys,
Toronto on the other hand, is looking dominant. Kawhi is fitting like a glove, and the team’s tremendous depth is paying off significantly for the second year in a row. Nick Nurse has done a good job with his new squad, as they are one of five remaining unbeaten teams.
Timberwolves at Raptors Odds
Spread: Raptors -8
O/U: 226.5
Timberwolves at Raptors Stats
In the three games he has played in, Jimmy Butler is averaging a team-high 25.3 ppg on 53% shooting. Towns has slipped back a bit, averaging 17 points and nine rebounds per contest. D-Rose is averaging 14.8 points and 5.0 assists per game in about 28 minutes a night, and has been a player seriously trying to show us that he’s still got it and can be GREAT again.
Kawhi Leonard is averaging 25.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, making nine of 20 shots on average. Kyle Lowry is right behind him with 21.5 ppg, only taking TWELVE shots per game, a guy who has been extremely efficient (10 assists per game too). Danny Green, Serge Ibaka, Fred Van Vleet, and Jonas Valanciunas are also all averaging 10+ points per game.
Timberwolves at Raptors News
For Minnesota, as long as Jimmy Butler remains on this team, we are going to be talking about it. He probably wants out now as much as he ever has, so as he continues to try and make it work, the Wolves are likely working the lines to try and find him the trade he wants. Wiggins and Towns have not responded to his criticisms with great play, so it’d be interesting to know where things behind the scenes and in the locker room stand.
For the Raptors, it has been all about the hand in glove fit for Kawhi Leonard, who has helped keep them at an elite level this year. Everybody has bought in, and the team’s four starting lineups in four games have not negatively affected Siakam, Ibaka, or Valanciunas. Various players have seen front-court starts and reserve appearances for Toronto.
Timberwolves at Raptors Predictions
Kawhi Leonard will go for 30+ points to help take the Raptors to a 5-0 start. This is a dynamic team and one that will not be slowed at home tonight.
Jimmy Butler will lead the Wolves in scoring, but will not do enough. Kyle Lowry is also going to be unstoppable for Toronto, so KL ^ 2 is going to power the Raps to victory.
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