The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Indiana Pacers on March 24 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Both teams are fighting for playoff positioning with the Pacers holding fourth place in the Eastern Conference at 41-29, while the Timberwolves are eighth in the West at 41-31. Indiana won the last meeting between these teams 132-130 in overtime on March 17.
Indiana enters this game on a four-game win streak, including back-to-back wins over Brooklyn. Minnesota recently ended an eight-game win streak with a loss to New Orleans before bouncing back with a dominant 134-93 win over the Pelicans. Both teams will look to stay on track as they battle for key playoff spots.
Pacers Preview – Strong Play at Home
Indiana is 23-9 at home this season, and they have been winning close games lately. In their most recent win against Brooklyn, the Pacers led by 20 points before nearly letting the game slip away, but Pascal Siakam helped secure the win. Siakam had 26 points in that game and has been a key scorer in recent weeks.
Tyrese Haliburton returned to the lineup after missing three games with a back issue. He posted 16 points and 12 assists in the win over Brooklyn and is vital to Indiana’s offense. Obi Toppin has also been stepping up, including a 34-point performance against Minnesota in their recent meeting.
Indiana’s offense ranks 16th in points per game at 113.7, while their defense allows 115.3 points per game. The Pacers have been strong in the fourth quarter, winning 25 of their last 35 final periods. Indiana’s ability to close games has been key to their recent winning streak.
Defensively, Myles Turner has been important with his ability to protect the rim. Turner is averaging 2.3 blocks per game this season and is a key piece of Indiana’s inside presence. If Indiana can keep Minnesota’s shooters under control, they should have a solid chance to win this game.
Timberwolves Preview – Edwards Leading the Way
Minnesota is coming off a dominant 134-93 win over New Orleans. Julius Randle scored 20 points to lead seven Timberwolves players in double figures. Minnesota’s ability to share the ball and involve multiple scorers has been key to their success.
Anthony Edwards continues to be the team’s top scorer, averaging 27.5 points per game. Edwards had 38 points in the previous matchup with Indiana but struggled from three-point range, shooting just 1-for-11. He has since bounced back with a combined 7-of-17 from beyond the arc in Minnesota’s last two games.
The Timberwolves rank fifth in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage at 38% and average 15.2 made threes per game. Their defense has been solid, allowing 115.3 points per game, close to the league average.
Rudy Gobert anchors Minnesota’s defense, averaging 10.3 rebounds and serving as a key shot-blocker. Gobert’s presence inside will be important against Siakam and Turner in the paint. If Minnesota can control the boards and limit second-chance points, they will improve their chances of winning.
Betting Prediction
Indiana is a slight 1.5-point favorite with a total set at 232.5. The Pacers have been winning tight games lately, while Minnesota is coming off a big blowout win. Indiana’s strong home record and Haliburton’s return provide an edge in this matchup.
Both teams are capable of scoring in bunches, but Indiana’s late-game execution has been reliable. The Pacers have consistently found ways to close out close games, especially with Haliburton’s playmaking back in the mix. Expect a close game with Indiana making key plays down the stretch.
Pick: Pacers -1.5
