Mid-Week Matchup: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trail Blazers

By Max Neuhaus | Nov 2, 2017

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOBEMBER 1: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on November 1, 2017 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 6: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 6, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Center: Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Jusuf Nurkic

Now this is an interesting comparison.

Karl-Anthony Towns could be considered the top option in Minnesota, even with the arrival of Jimmy Butler. On the other hand, Jusuf Nurkic is considered the third option in Portland, behind teammates Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum.

While they are both good players, Towns is simply on another level, averaging 24.1 points per game, 11.9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game through play in Miami on Monday night.

Nurkic, on the other hand, is have a rather pedestrian start to his season. Through seven games, he is only averaging 12.6 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per contest.

The Blazer seems to have the upper hand on the defensive side, however. Looking at his defensive rating, he is in the double digits for three games. KAT is yet to have a game where his defensive rating is under 100.

That is about where the advantages for Nurkic end. Towns has the more versatile scoring touch and is just the better player.

Advantage: Karl Anthony Towns

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