The Minnesota Timberwolves went toe-to-toe with the goliath Golden State State Warriors yesterday, even making them sweat down the stretch. Tonight though, their competition gets tougher—scheduled to trade blows with the Western Conference leading Phoenix Suns for the second time this season.
The Valley Boys and the Wolves put on an absolute show when they first faced off in mid November, where the Suns eventually won by a 99-96 final score. Almost halting Phoenix’s eventual record-breaking win streak, Minnesota had every Suns fan at the edge of his or her seat. Karl-Anthony Towns looked unstoppable, going off for 35 points and 12 rebounds. D’Angelo Russell added 22 points as well.
But once again, the Suns pulled it out in the clutch thanks to Devin Booker and Chris Paul, who combined for 28 of their team’s 33 points in the fourth period.
HUGE BOOKER BUCKET. pic.twitter.com/gtfjGu9kBd
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) November 16, 2021
Tonight, they can only hope for a similar result in this next chapter of their season series. After this game, both teams will meet only one more time, traveling back to the twin cities in late March.
Phoenix Suns vs Minnesota Timberwolves Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
According to WynnBET, the Suns come into this one favored at a -8.5 point spread. Their moneyline odds are -400, and the game’s over/under currently sit at 230.0 points.
Despite their injuries, the Suns keep on cruising, having won eight straight games. Their ability to bend but not break cannot be overlooked, and it makes them favorites again tonight even without some key guys.
The Timberwolves also find themselves playing this one as the second part of a back-to-back. Fatigue will certainly play a factor, as will Phoenix’s home court advantage on a Friday night.
The over/under does call for a notably high scoring affair. In their last ten games though, no team averaged more points per contest than the Timberwolves, and with Phoenix’s efficient offense still functioning well, don’t let that big number scare you from taking the over.
Phoenix Suns vs Minnesota Timberwolves Lineups
Without Jae Crowder, JaVale McGee, and Deandre Ayton tonight, expect a high dosage of Bismack Biyombo and Jalen Smith. Having already started several games at the four this year, Cameron Johnson is a lock to fill in there. Beyond that, everything else should look familiar.
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Devin Booker
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: Cameron Johnson
- C: Bismack Biyombo
Patrick Beverley missed last night’s game and feels unlikely to play just a day later. Russell did suffer a leg contusion last night as well, but remains day-to-day and likely wants to play against his friend in Booker. The Wolves will also need him even more so should Beverley indeed sit out.
- PG: D’Angelo Russell
- SG: Anthony Edwards
- SF: Jaden McDaniels
- PF: Jarred Vanderbilt
- C: Karl-Anthony Towns
Phoenix Suns vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
The Suns learned during their previous game against Minnesota that these are not the Timberwolves of old. Although not exactly a title threat, they resemble a team with true playoff potential behind a solid big three of Russell, Towns, and now Edwards.
But to fuel their high powered offense, the Wolves rely on their offensive rebounding perhaps more than any other team. They constantly earn extra possessions to score more points, as they average the third most offensive boards per game. Those extra shots even have them as the only NBA team in the top-10 in points per game while also ranking in the bottom-10 for field goal percentage.
If there were ever a game in which the Suns needed their two best rebounders in McGee and Ayton, it would be tonight. So without them, the Timberwolves pull off the upset, narrowly beating the Suns and ending their streak this time around.
Final: Phoenix Suns 118, Minnesota Timberwolves 122
Phoenix Suns Up Next
The Suns host the Spurs on Sunday night following this one for the final time this season. Even with San Antonio struggling this year, it still feels good to beat up on them given their dominance over Phoenix in the past decade.
Their Spurs did give the Suns a solid run for their money though in their first two games this year, losing by only four points each time. So despite each team’s opposite trajectory this season, this pending game still offers plenty of entertainment.