The Knicks will take on the Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden on Friday.
If this game goes anything like the last time these two teams squared off, it’s going to be a long night for All-Star big man Rudy Gobert.
On Dec. 19, when the Knicks traveled to Minnesota, Gobert was essentially played off the court, logging just 22 minutes – his fewest this season.
Gobert made just one basket and added a free throw, scoring just three points, his second-fewest of the season, with four rebounds.
The Knicks completely blew out the Wolves in that game, 133-107, with Gobert putting up a team-worst minus-37.
Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks’ wing-heavy lineup provide a terrible match-up for Gobert, with the ability across the rotation to take the heavy-footed big man off the dribble.
Knicks vs. Timberwolves odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks | -4.5 (-105) | -190 | Over 219.5 (-105) |
| Timberwolves | +4.5 (-115) | +155 | Under 219.5 (-115) |
Knicks vs. Timberwolves prediction
Even if Towns, who missed Wednesday’s game with a thumb injury, can’t go, Precious Achiuwa has the athleticism to give Gobert problems.
Look for the Wolves to, once again, lean on more athletic front-court options like Julius Randle and Naz Reid against this Knicks lineup.
Even against other teams, Gobert’s minutes have taken a hit as the season has gone on, falling from 35 per game in October to fewer than 32 minutes a game this month.
His scoring (8.4 points per game) and rebounding (10.3 per game) have also unsurprisingly taken a hit this month – both of which would be his fewest over a full season since his sophomore season in the NBA ten years ago.
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Gobert has had double-digit rebounds in just ten of his last 20 games, and double-digit points in even fewer than that.
Bet the Knicks to hold him in check once again.
The play: Rudy Gobert under 20.5 points + rebounds (-115, Bet365)
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Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
