The Minnesota Timberwolves will play the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. This game is a rematch of the Western Conference Finals and one of the highlights of the NBA’s holiday schedule. The Timberwolves come in with a record of 14-13, while the Mavericks are sitting at 18-10, making this an important game for both teams as they look to build momentum.
These teams have already met once this season, with the Mavericks winning 120-114 on October 29, 2024, at the Target Center. Dallas holds a 78-59 advantage in the all-time series, including a 3-2 edge over the past five meetings at home. The Timberwolves are 6-4 against the Mavericks in their last 10 overall matchups, which suggests this could be a closely contested game.
The game tips off at 2:30 PM ET and will be televised nationally on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN+. Fans can also stream the action live on Disney+ and fuboTV. Both teams bring intriguing storylines into this Christmas Day showdown, including injury concerns and recent struggles that could impact the outcome.
Timberwolves Preview – Struggling to Find Consistency
The Timberwolves have had a tough stretch leading up to this game, losing three straight games, including a 117-104 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle combined for 13 turnovers in that game, highlighting the team’s struggles with ball security. Minnesota has also been inconsistent on defense, particularly on the perimeter, allowing opponents to shoot 44% from three-point range over their last three games.
Anthony Edwards continues to be a bright spot, averaging strong numbers similar to last season but with improved efficiency from beyond the arc. Julius Randle, while a solid addition, has seen a slight dip in his scoring and rebounding compared to his time with the Knicks. The Timberwolves rank in the bottom five in rebounding, which has been a weakness despite Randle’s presence in the lineup.
One of the biggest challenges for Minnesota has been getting contributions from their supporting cast. With Edwards and Randle carrying much of the scoring load, the team needs others to step up, especially against a Dallas team that ranks among the league’s best in rebounding and shooting. Defensive issues have also been a concern, as the Wolves are in the bottom 10 in blocked shots.
For the Timberwolves to cover the spread or pull off the upset, they need better team-wide effort on both ends of the floor. Winning the rebounding battle and limiting turnovers will be critical as they face a talented Mavericks squad.
Mavericks Preview – Building Momentum Behind Doncic
The Mavericks are coming off a 120-114 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, improving their home record to 10-4. Luka Doncic returned from a heel injury to score 27 points, showcasing why he remains the centerpiece of Dallas’ success. The team has won 10 of its last 12 games and is looking like a strong contender in the Western Conference.
Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson have had inconsistent shooting performances recently but remain crucial to the Mavericks’ offense. Irving shot just 6-for-25 in his last game but will look to bounce back. Thompson, while inconsistent, provides additional scoring threats alongside Doncic. The Mavericks also benefit from solid depth, with players like PJ Washington Jr. and Daniel Gafford stepping up when needed.
Dallas has been one of the league’s top rebounding teams, ranking in the top five in that category. Their ability to control the boards gives them an edge against a Timberwolves team that struggles in this area. Additionally, the Mavericks are a top-10 team in shooting efficiency, which has been a key factor in their success this season.
For the Mavericks to cover the spread, they need to continue their strong rebounding and shooting while containing Edwards and Randle. If Doncic can replicate his past Christmas Day success, Dallas should have a strong chance to secure the win.
Betting Prediction
The Timberwolves are 11-17 against the spread this season, while the Mavericks are 17-11 ATS. On the road, Minnesota is 7-7 against the spread, while Dallas is 9-5 ATS at home. The Mavericks have a history of performing well on Christmas Day, going 4-3 in previous appearances, and they’ve beaten the Timberwolves in 7 of their last 10 home games.
With Luka Doncic expected to play, the Mavericks are the more consistent team heading into this matchup. The Timberwolves’ recent struggles on defense and rebounding, combined with turnover issues, make it tough to see them keeping pace with Dallas. Expect the Mavericks to take care of business at home.
- Pick: Dallas Mavericks -5
- Predicted Score: Mavericks 117, Timberwolves 109
