Minnesota is statistically the best defensive team in the NBA, while Portland is one of the worst offensive teams in the league. That said, I still expect this game to go over. The Timberwolves have some serious firepower, and I expect them to come out firing heading into the All-Star break. I see this as a 115-105 type of game.

Back-to-backs can be a tricky proposition for the side that wins the first game, then laying double digits to do it again at the same venue two nights later. Impressive as the T-wolves have been, that looks a challenge tonight in Portland, especially as the win two nights ago was not easy, pulling away late for a 121-109 win. Anthony Edwards, though likely to participate, is nursing a sore knee, and will be at the All-Star Game this weekend. Portland has rarely been out of recent games and the hefty spread plus back-to-back dynamics suggest it might not be easy for the t-wolves tonight. Play Blazers

I found it ridiculous that numerous media members and even Blazer fans were ready to proclaim that Scoot Henderson is a bust after just 2 months into the season. While everything is on the table as far as what Scoot looks like as a finished product, he has recently shown a glimpse of his tantalizing upside and why many thought he was an elite prospect worthy of going number one overall if not for Victor Wembanyama who is a once a generation prospect. Henderson has looked extremely impressive averaging roughly 20 PPG, 6 APG, and 4 RPG, paired with excellent shooting splits. The Blazers arent playing for anything other than to look at their young players and help them develop.