Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction: Trust The Finnisher
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction: Trust The Finnisher
Lauri has really seen an uptick in production with Darius Garland out. That will continue to be the case on Monday afternoon as Garland has already been announced out yet again with his back injury. Markannen has scored 23 and 22 in his last two games without Darius and has really seemed to have found his confidence. More importantly than the points for me is the volume and Lauri has shot 16 and 18 times in those two games. If he does that again it is very tough to imagine a world he can’t score 16 points with that many shots.
Click Here for Cavaliers vs Timberwolves Odds
Lauri Markannen Over 15.5 PTS (+105) ($100 to win $105)
*Odds Available at Caesars at Time of Publishing*
Lauri finds a Minnesota team who he already torched for 19 PTS in just 22 minutes this season. Now likely seeing 30+ minutes and only needing 16 PTS feels like a gift, and not to mention that it’s literally plus odds at the time of writing! Not to dumb down this bet but it also comes down to matchups. Lauri Markannen is not naturally a small forward but it's the position he’s been playing opposite of Mobley and Allen. The Timberwolves, however, run a short small forward with Anthony Edwards as he’s naturally a shooting guard opposite Beverly and Russell. Markannen having a 7-inch height advantage on his likely defender should lead to some open shots that he’s not accustomed to seeing.
Minnesota allows the 3rd most points to the SF position and the most 3PM to the position where Lauri is no stranger to scoring from. More than half of Markannen’s field goal attempts are from the long line. All we need is 4 pts a quarter which should be more than doable. Allen and Towns will be going at it and Markannen scoring will be needed from the perimeter to keep the defense honest. This game should remain close as there is currently only a 2 point spread so hopefully, we don't sit as a victim from another blowout. I personally had this projected at 16.5 so getting a point less at plus odds is just too good to pass up.