SPORTS N STUFF

Since the days of Kevin Garnett in Minnesota, the Timberwolves have been among the most irrelevant franchises in the NBA Western conference. While Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, and company work hard to try and turn things around for the franchise, their next opponent has taken a much different route to becoming a contender and legitimate sports betting option, as the Los Angeles Cliippers have surrounded emerging superstar Blake Griffin with a talented crop of guards that includes the offseason haul of both Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups. Those additions have had an instant impact on a Clippers roster that is challenging for first in the conference, and has emerged as one of the most exciting teams to watch.

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Los Angeles Clippers
Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
Friday January 20, 2011 10:30 PM ET
NBA Betting Sites Line: Los Angeles Clippers 4.5

The Timberwolves are hoping that their latest import Rubio can have the same effect as Griffin, and attract other talent from around the association to want to be a part of what is being built in Minnesota. Love offers the perfect big man presence for the T-Wolves offense, but they remain a young team still trying to put all of the pieces together.

Betting On Timberwolves Clippers Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves

For a young team looking to grow together, there are a lot of encouraging signs in Minnesota, particularly with the teams commitment to playing hard at both ends of the floor. While Love and Rubio undoubtedly have a big hand in the offense, they are also getting back in time to make plays, as the Timberwolves rank ninth in rebounding and 11 in points allowed. The addition of JJ Barea to a team that already had Rubio and Luke Ridnour didnt seem to make much sense at the time, but all three are averaging double-digit point totals, and doing an excellent job of bringing pace to the offense.

Betting On Timberwolves Clippers Preview: Los Angeles Clippers

Speaking of pace, the Clippers offense will challenge any other team as one of the most exciting in the association, with Griffin and Paul proving to be a highlight-reel tandem. The additions of Billups and Caron Butler have been just as important considering the secondary scoring that they have provided, and young center DeAndre Jordan has been a force down low, with 7.8 rebounds per game. Jordan was originally considered one of the most important pieces to the Paul deal with New Orleans, and Los Angeles really benefited from keeping him in town.

Betting On Timberwolves Clippers Preview: Outlook & Pick

The Clippers have lived up to the lofty expectations put on them, and emerged alongside the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs as one of the top teams in the west. Minnesota appears to be on the right track as well, but they may not be ready for a tough road game against Los Angeles just yet, so stick with the best sportsbook favorite.

Betting On Timberwolves Clippers Pick: Los Angeles Clippers