After a three-day break, the Minnesota Timberwolves (41-32) are set to play at home against the Phoenix Suns (35-38) on Friday night. The Timberwolves have been struggling recently, losing three of their last four games, including a 119-103 defeat to Indiana on Monday. The Suns, after a four-game winning streak, faced a setback with a 132-102 loss to Boston on Wednesday, concluding their five-game home stand. In the Western Conference standings, the Suns are closely trailing the Mavericks for the final play-in tournament spot, while the Timberwolves are just behind the Clippers and Warriors for sixth place.
The game will take place at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves are favored by 7 points, according to sports betting consensus. The over/under for the game is set at 224.5 points. Experts from SportsLine have provided predictions for this game.
The SportsLine Projection Model, known for its accuracy in NBA predictions, has simulated this game 10,000 times to generate its picks. This model has a strong track record, with significant returns for bettors over the past seasons.
Here are the betting lines for the Timberwolves vs. Suns game:
- Spread: Timberwolves -7
- Over/Under: 224.5 points
- Money Line: Timberwolves -286, Suns +228
Timberwolves Strengths
Minnesota aims to avoid the play-in tournament and needs to gain ground in the Western Conference. They have been successful against the Suns this season, winning all three previous encounters, including a 116-98 victory on March 2nd. Key player Anthony Edwards leads the Timberwolves, averaging 27.3 points per game with a 44.1% field goal percentage and 39.5% from three-point range. Julius Randle also contributes significantly with 18.6 points per game. Historically, Minnesota has a good record against the spread in games against Western Conference teams, and Phoenix has struggled in their recent road games.
Suns Strengths
Despite a recent loss to Boston, where they conceded 132 points, the Suns had been on a four-game winning streak, improving their position in the Western Conference. Kevin Durant has been a standout performer for Phoenix, scoring 42 points against Cleveland and 38 against Milwaukee, showcasing his scoring prowess. The Suns have a solid record against the spread in their recent games.
Timberwolves vs. Suns Prediction
SportsLine`s model has simulated the game 10,000 times and is predicting a total score exceeding 224.5 points (Over). The model also indicates a strong probability of one side of the spread being a successful bet.
For detailed predictions and the recommended side to bet on, please visit SportsLine.
Jasper Hawthorne