Steve Starr
- Head to BetOnline or Bovada for the latest odds on Los Angeles Clippers vs Minnesota Timberwolves
- Russell Westbrook made his LAC debut in a 176-175 loss to the Kings on Friday
- The game tips off from Crypto.com Arena at 10:00pm ET on Tuesday, February 28th
Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers host Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night in a contest between two Western Conference playoff teams.
Before we break down the matchup, check out our guide to betting on the 2023 NBA Finals and our tips for betting on the NBA.
Clippers vs Timberwolves
 | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Los Angeles Clippers | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Russell Westbrook’s arrival
Russell Westbrook scored 17 points with 14 assists in his Clippers debut on Friday night. However, he also committed seven turnovers and fouled out of the 176-175 double-overtime loss to the Kings. It was the second-highest-scoring game in NBA history. And, a perfect example of why Los Angeles isn’t a true contender in the Western Conference.
After signing the nine-time All-Star, coach Tyron Lue said he “wants Russ to be Russ.” But, “Russ being Russ” will only hurt a Clippers team defense that ranked fourth in the NBA in points allowed per game (111.1) before Friday’s game.
Charles Barkley believes Russell Westbrook with the Clippers will be "fun to watch."pic.twitter.com/gjc9YE4bo2
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 24, 2023
Timberwolves fading?
Before facing the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, the Timberwolves were tied for eighth-place in the league with a 31-31 record. While they should be a shoo-in for the NBA Play-In Tournament, Minnesota has dropped two-straight games against non-playoff teams.
A 114-106 loss to the Wizards on Thursday followed by a 121-113 defeat at the hands of the Charlotte Hornets, the fourth-worst squad in the league.
Los Angeles vs Minnesota
When the odds are posted, Los Angeles should be a heavy home-favorite over the visiting T-Wolves on Tuesday. But, keep in mind that the Clippers have the worst home record (15-14) among teams currently in the postseason. In addition, they have covered in less than 45% of home games (13-16). Meanwhile, Minnesota is a middling 11-17 on the road (12-16 ATS).
These clubs have split the season-series so far. Paul George scored his first triple-double in a 99-88 LAC victory back in December. However, both he and Kawhi Leonard skipped the 128-115 loss to Minnesota in early January as it was the second night of a back-to-back. Rudy Gobert put up a monstrous 25 points and 21 rebounds in the win.
Kawhi Leonard played the most minutes in a regular-season game in his career Friday night. pic.twitter.com/9VVhSpROFQ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 25, 2023
When will Towns return?
Both these teams have changed since their last meeting in January. LAC has Westbrook of course, and Minnesota dumped D’Angelo Russell in favor of Mike Conley. With the pass-first veteran point-guard reteaming with Gobert, the Timberwolves could be interesting when Karl-Anthony Towns finally returns from injury.
Coming off his first NBA All-Star Game appearance, Anthony Edwards in averaging 25 points per game with 5.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
Best Bet
Kawhi scored a season-high 44 points for the Clippers in Friday’s loss. Assuming he and George are in the lineup on Tuesday, Tyron Lue’s club should have no trouble with Minnesota at home.
Expect a double-digit victory for Los Angeles.
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