The Minnesota Timberwolves announced on Thursday that their star center Karl-Anthony Towns has a torn meniscus in his left knee and will undergo surgery next week. The recovery time is expected to be at least one month, which means Towns could miss the rest of the regular season and possibly some of the playoffs. This is a huge blow for the Wolves, who are currently the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and have the third-best net rating in the league. How does Towns’ injury impact the NBA betting market? Here are some key points to consider.
The Wolves’ odds to win the West and the title have dropped significantly
Before the news of Towns’ injury, the Wolves were among the favorites to win the West and the NBA championship. According to BetMGM, they had +300 odds to win the conference and +600 odds to win the title, trailing only the Boston Celtics (+250) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (+400) in the latter category. However, after the injury update, their odds have plummeted to +800 for the West and +1600 for the title, putting them behind the Los Angeles Lakers (+700 and +1400), the Denver Nuggets (+700 and +1400), and the Phoenix Suns (+750 and +1500) as well.
This is a reflection of how important Towns is to the Wolves’ success. He is averaging 22.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, while shooting 50.4% from the field and 40.2% from the three-point line. He is also a four-time All-Star and one of the best offensive big men in the league. His absence will leave a huge void in the Wolves’ lineup, especially on the offensive end, where they rely on his scoring, spacing, and playmaking.
The Wolves’ remaining schedule is tough and their depth is thin
Another factor that could hurt the Wolves’ chances of maintaining their top spot in the West is their remaining schedule. They have 19 games left in the regular season, and 12 of them are against teams with winning records. They also have to face the Lakers, the Nuggets, and the Suns twice each, as well as the Thunder, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Utah Jazz once. These are all potential playoff opponents that will test the Wolves’ resilience and chemistry without Towns.
The Wolves will also have to deal with their lack of depth at the center position. Their backup big man Naz Reid is having a solid season, averaging 13.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, but he is not nearly as versatile or dominant as Towns. The Wolves also have Kyle Anderson, who can play some minutes at the four or the five, but he is more of a defensive specialist than an offensive threat. The Wolves may have to rely more on their perimeter players, such as Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Malik Beasley, to carry the scoring load and create shots for themselves and others.
The Wolves’ opponents may see more value in their odds
While the Wolves’ odds have taken a hit, their opponents may see more value in their odds to win the West and the title. The Lakers, the Nuggets, and the Suns are all within striking distance of the Wolves in the standings, and they all have star players who can lead them to deep playoff runs. The Lakers have LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who are both healthy and motivated to defend their title. The Nuggets have Nikola Jokic, who is having an MVP-caliber season, and Jamal Murray, who is a proven clutch performer. The Suns have Chris Paul and Devin Booker, who are forming one of the best backcourts in the league, and a balanced roster that can play both ends of the floor.
These teams may also have an easier time matching up with the Wolves without Towns, as they can focus more on containing their guards and wings, and exploit their weaknesses in the paint. The Lakers, the Nuggets, and the Suns all have capable big men who can defend, rebound, and score inside, such as Davis, Jokic, Deandre Ayton, and Montrezl Harrell. They may also have an edge in experience and chemistry, as they have played together longer and have more playoff experience than the Wolves.
The Wolves’ individual player props and team totals may change
Another aspect of the NBA betting market that may be affected by Towns’ injury is the individual player props and team totals. These are bets that focus on the performance of a specific player or team in a given game, such as points, rebounds, assists, three-pointers, and so on. With Towns out, the Wolves’ individual player props and team totals may change in several ways.
For example, the Wolves’ team total points may go down, as they will lose a significant amount of scoring and efficiency without Towns. The Wolves are averaging 114.8 points per game, which ranks seventh in the league, but they are scoring only 106.1 points per 100 possessions without Towns on the court, which ranks 29th in the league. The Wolves may also struggle to score against some of the better defensive teams in the league, such as the Lakers, the Jazz, and the Thunder.
On the other hand, the Wolves’ individual player props may go up, as some of their players may see an increase in their usage and production without Towns. For instance, Conley, Edwards, McDaniels, and Beasley may have more opportunities to score and create, as they will have to shoulder more of the offensive burden. Reid may also see a boost in his points and rebounds, as he will likely start and play more minutes at the center position. These players may have more value in their over/under bets for their individual stats, depending on the matchup and the line.
The Wolves’ injury situation is still fluid and unpredictable
One final point to keep in mind is that the Wolves’ injury situation is still fluid and unpredictable. While Towns is expected to be out for at least one month, there is no guarantee that he will be back by then, or that he will be at full strength when he returns. There is also a possibility that he may suffer a setback or a complication during his recovery, which could extend his absence or limit his effectiveness. The Wolves may also face other injuries or health issues that could affect their roster and rotation, such as COVID-19 protocols, rest days, or minor ailments.
Therefore, it is important to stay updated on the latest news and reports regarding the Wolves’ injury status, as well as their opponents’ injury status, before placing any bets on their games or futures. The NBA betting market is constantly changing and adjusting to new information and developments, and the bettors who can adapt and react quickly and wisely will have an advantage over the others.