The Timberwolves are 2-0 since their on and off court leader Jimmy Butler suffered what likely is a regular season-ending knee injury. Those victories have come against the Bulls and Kings, two of the worst teams in the NBA.

Now the Timberwolves face their first real test since Butler went down: a road game against the Trail Blazers, who have won four in a row.

I don't see Minnesota passing this test.

This isn't a good time to be playing on the road against the Trail Blazers, who are are 7-1 ATS in their last eight home games. Damian Lillard is playing as well as anyone in the NBA averaging 37.1 points in his last six games. Portland is jockeying for playoff position and should encounter little trouble scoring big against the Timberwolves.

The Timberwolves rank second-to-last in defensive field goal percentage. Portland is averaging 111.2 points in its last four games. Minnesota is a poor road club, too. The Timberwolves are 14-17 ATS away from Target Center, failing to cover in six of their last eight road matchups. They are 0-3 SU and ATS during their past three visits to Moda Center, including losing 123-114, to Portland on Jan. 24.