Clippers vs. Timberwolves 2022 NBA In-Play Tournament Key Matchups
The Minnesota Timberwolves is one of the most exciting teams in the 2021/22 NBA season. They are a few games short of a playoff position, trailing the No. 6 seed Denver Nuggets by just two wins. Nevertheless, the franchise brought us entertaining ball games in the season. They host the No. 8 seed, the Los Angeles Clippers in the Play-In Tournament. Winners of the game line up against the No. 2 seed, Memphis Grizzlies in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the loser has to challenge the Pelicans vs. Spurs game-winner, eventually getting a shot at taking on the No. 1 Western Conference seed, the Phoenix Suns.
Nitrobetting gets you primed for the action with three key matchups in the upcoming Clippers vs. Timberwolves Play-In contest.
3 Key Matchups In Clippers vs. Timberwolves 2022 NBA Play-In Showdown
READ MORE: Clippers vs. Timberwolves NBA Odds and Preview – April 12th, 2022
Paul George vs. Anthony Edwards
Paul George recovered in time to provide crucial help to his team towards the end of the regular season. He helped the franchise collect all-important wins to keep the Clippers’ playoff hopes afloat. The forward returned to the lineup towards the end of March and averaged 22.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.8 steals. On top of that, George lit up the three-point line and shot 52.5% from beyond the arc. With Kawhi Leonard still out of the lineup with an ACL, the Clippers count on George to take the helm on offense.
The Clippers star is out on a mission, but Anthony Edwards is here to make his life more difficult. The second-year guard for the Timberwolves averaged 23.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists on 46.3% shooting in his four appearances against the Clippers this season. He works well alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and takes on a piece of primary scoring duties.
George is in charge of guarding Edwards, rotating with Norman Powell and Nicolas Batum. We look forward to the players lighting up the floor for their respective teams on Tuesday night.
Timberwolves offense vs. Clippers defense
Overall statistics tell us that the Timberwolves enjoy attacking basketball. They ended the regular-season run as the highest-scoring team in the league, averaging 115.9 points per game. The Timberwolves are aggressive on the break as well. As a team, they average 15.2 fastbreak points per game. On top of that, the squad likes to move the ball around and play team ball. Minnesota averages 25.7 assists in 82 games.
The visitors, on the other hand, shine on the defensive end. They have sufficient numbers to put pressure on a more imposing Timberwolves offense. The Clippers’ statistics highlight a 108.4 opponent point per game average and good for an 11th best record in the league. Moreover, the squad puts up impressive shooting defense. Los Angeles carried out a 45.0% opponent shooting percentage and is the sixth-best record this season. They do well to protect the perimeter and the arc, limiting teams to a 51.4% opponent two-point and 34.5% three-point percentage.
At the end of the day, the team that lives up to their overall statistics takes the victory. We should be greeted with intense action from both ends of the court now that both teams are running full throttle.
Chris Finch vs. Tyron Lue
Minnesota excelled under the wing of Chris Finch. The first-year head coach impressed everyone with the system he applied to the Timberwolves’ offense and defense. He is responsible for bringing back Karl-Anthony Towns to superstar status. At the same time, Finch equipped Anthony Edwards with a better arsenal of skills that make him a more versatile player. Add Jarred Vanderbilt to the list of team upgrades. The 23-year-old is now a sturdier defender, helping Minnesota become one of the most regarded teams since the All-Star break.
Tyronn Lue should get more credit for his regular-season performance. He kept the Clippers near .500 all season despite not having star player Kawhi Leonard at his disposal and Paul George for the better half of the season. His postseason record should play its part in this matchup as well.
This is not only a battle of which lineup works better. The strategies in place are just as significant. With this matchup established for some time now, both coaches had enough time to prepare.
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*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.
