Picking the Minnesota Timberwolves Over the New York Knicks

(Odds for the Minnesota Timberwolves ML is currently around 1.30.)

The Minnesota Timberwolves are 3-2 in their last 5 games and are coming off an important win over the Los Angeles Clippers in their last game. Unlike the Eastern Conference where most of the likely playoff contenders look pretty obvious with only seeding left to be determined, the Western Conference's playoff race is still red hot. The Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors have clinched a playoff spot already and the Portland Trail Blazers are near to clinching but the rest of the field is still uncertain. The Minnesota Timberwolves are only 2 games up on the Denver Nuggets for the last playoff spot.

The New York Knicks had a surprising 2 game winning streak snapped in their last game. The Miami Heat crushed them 119-98 in Miami. The Knicks were eliminated from playoff contention long ago and are 2-10 in their last 12 games. I'm leaning towards the Minnesota Timberwolves here because they should be the team more desperate for a win.

My pick is the Minnesota Timberwolves ML.

(Game starts in about 1 hour 39 minutes.)