The Timberwolves will try to cover the spread at Target Center on Friday when they get a visit from the Heat in basketball action.

The Timberwolves are 0-2 so far on the season, and 2-0 ATS vs. the number. The Heat, meanwhile, are 3-0 and 1-2 ATS. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen Minnesota go 0-1-1 and the Heat go 2-1 on the totals.



View Miami vs Minnesota Odds and Stats.

Betting Line:
The Heat are listed as 9-point favorites at many online sportsbooks, with the total listed at 204.5.

Power Rankings / Prediction:
According to new Power Rankings at Odds Shark, it's the No. 22-rated Timberwolves and the No. 3-rated Heat in this matchup. Predictive computer formulas point to a 107-97 win for the Heat on Friday.



How They Match Up:
In rebounding, the battle of the boards features Minnesota's No. 6-rated squad against Miami's No. 23-rated roster. When it comes to long-range shooting, Minnesota rates No. 24 in the league with 4.5 per game, while their foes tonight rank No. 26 with 3.7 per outing.

Defensively, the Heat feature the league's No. 11-rated defense on the road, allowing 94.5 points per game. Minnesota, meanwhile, comes in at No. 9 in the league in scoring at home.

In their last action, Miami was a 96-95 Sportsbook on the road against the Bobcats. They failed to cover the 11–point spread as favorites, while the combined score (191) was profitable news for UNDER bettors. The Bobcats were burned for 35 points by LeBron James on Wednesday as the Heat picked up a 96-95 win at Time Warner Cable Arena.

In their last action, Minnesota was a 98-95 loser on the road against the Bucks. They covered the 5.5–point spread as underdogs, while the combined score (193) was profitable news for UNDER bettors. The Timberwolves got a terrific 31-point performance from Kevin Love but Milwaukee handed them a 98-95 defeat on Tuesday at Bradley Center.


Miami Heat Trends:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Charlotte are 6-4
After playing Charlotte are 8-2
After a win are 7-3

Minnesota Timberwolves Trends:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Dallas are 3-7
After playing Milwaukee are 2-8
After a loss are 0-10

A few Heat at Timberwolves trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Miami is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
Miami is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Minnesota's last 20 games at home
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami
Minnesota is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Miami
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games at home


Next up:
Miami home to Charlotte, Sunday, January 1
Minnesota home to Dallas, Sunday, January 1