The Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves duke it out at the Target Center on Tuesday night. Here’s a Timberwolves vs. Suns prediction. This article will include a Timberwolves vs. Suns pick.
Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
The Phoenix Suns have been in great shape, as they’ve won six of their last nine games overall but they will be hoping to avoid a third straight defeat after getting beaten by the red-hot Celtics in a 120-112 road defeat last night. Devin Booker led the team with 40 points and six assists on 15 of 24 shooting, Jalen Green added 21 points, and Haywood Highsmith chipped in with 16 points off the bench. As a team, the Suns shot 45 percent from the field and 13 of 40 from the 3-point line as they fought hard to take the lead after trailing by 10 points in the fourth quarter but they couldn’t make their shots when it mattered most as they scored just two points in the final 4:45 to let the Celtics off the hook in the end.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have cooled off recently, as they’ve dropped four of their last five games overall and they will be hoping to bounce back here after getting routed by the Thunder in a 116-103 road defeat on Sunday. Julius Randle led the team with 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists on 11 of 18 shooting; Anthony Edwards added 19 points; Ayo Dosunmu scored 18 points; and Donte DiVincenzo chipped in with 16 points and nine rebounds. As a team, the Timberwolves shot 47 percent from the field and 15 of 33 from the 3-point line as they poured in 31 points in the second quarter to take the lead at halftime, but that all changed in the second half, where the Timberwolves leaked 69 points to lose by double digits in a disappointing finish. Edwards couldn’t get going all night as he racked up six turnovers while Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels scored just two points apiece.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Suns have lost each of their last 11 road games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The Timberwolves have won 13 of their last 14 home games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Suns have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in four of their last five games on the first leg of a back-to-back against the Suns.
Why the Phoenix Suns will win
- The Suns have won four of their last five games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
- The Timberwolves have lost three of their last four games as favorites on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Suns have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 road games following a loss.
- The Timberwolves have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games as home favorites when playing with a rest advantage.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last seven home games against Pacific Division opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Eleven of the Suns’ last 12 road games against Northwest Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Facts
- Rudy Gobert ranks 1st amongst qualified players for FG% (70.6%) this season.
- Julius Randle is one of only five players in the league to have recorded 12+ assists without a turnover in a game this season.
Phoenix Suns Player Facts
- Grayson Allen ranks 7th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per 36 minutes (4.0) this season.
- Devin Booker ranks 9th amongst qualified players for points per 36 minutes (27.6) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Timberwolves have used only seven different starting fives this season—the fewest in the league.
- The Timberwolves rank 2nd in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.8).
- The Suns have suffered the largest comeback loss when leading through Q3 this season—led by 18 points vs. the Hawks on November 16.
- The Suns rank 30th for points in the paint per game (42.7) this season.
Timberwolves vs Suns Prediction
The Suns are still shorthanded with Mark Williams and Dillon Brooks both out, while the Timberwolves have ruled out Anthony Edwards and they are keeping an eye on Naz Reid, who is questionable with a shoulder injury. This is definitely a game where you should check the lineups before tipoff but if Edwards sits this one out, the Suns are excellent value as the underdogs in this spot. This one could go either way, but in what should be a close one, I am looking at the Suns to pull off the minor upset on the road.