NBA Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Charlotte Bobcats Betting Odds and Trends

The Charlotte Bobcats carries a 31-34 win-loss record good for sixth place in the Eastern Conference while the Minnesota Timberwolves are at 32-31 but are just 10th in the West. The teams meet on Friday night in one of the 10 games on tap in the NBA.

The Bobcats want more than a playoff spot however and are now just two and a half games back off the Washington Wizards for 5th place in the conference after winning four of their last five outings.

The Timberwolves are in a similar run-- winning four of their last six games-- but are still five and a half games back the Dallas Mavericks, which currently owns the last and eighth playoff spot in the West.

Charlotte has won back-to-back games over the Denver Nuggets, 105-98 and Wizards, 98-85. Five players scored in double-figures in the win over Washington led by Al Jefferson's 26 points. The former Minnesota slotman also added 10 rebounds and had help from Kemba Walker (16 points and 5 assists) and Gerald Henderson (13 points).

Meanwhile, Minnesota is coming off an easy 112-101 win over Milwaukee. Kevin Love had 27 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists while Kevin Martin added 26 points and Ricky Rubio had 11 points and 10 assists.

The Bobcats want to return the favor to the Timberwolves after suffering an embarrassing 119-92 defeat at Minnesota on January 10.

Nikola Pekovic was the hero in that one ending up with 26 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Love and Martin added 19 points apiece. Minnesota outrebounded Charlotte, 54-33 in their first meeting of the season.

Betting Lines: Minnesota Timberwolves (-1.5) vs. Charlotte Bobcats (O/U: 207.5)
Game time: 10:00 am AEDT

Betting Against the Spread (ATS)

Minnesota Timberwolves Trends
- The Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games
- The Timberwolves are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after a win

Charlotte Bobcats Trends
- The Bobcats are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
- The Bobcats are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games at home