The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Milwaukee Bucks at Target Center on Wednesday night. The game is set to tip off at 8:00 PM ET, marking Milwaukee’s last game before the All-Star break. The Bucks come in with a 28-24 record, ranking fifth in the Eastern Conference, while the Timberwolves hold a 30-24 record, sitting seventh in the Western Conference.
Milwaukee and Minnesota have already played once this season, with the Bucks winning 112-107 on February 23. However, the Bucks are dealing with key injuries, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is out with a calf strain. Minnesota is also missing Julius Randle but has seen strong performances from Anthony Edwards, who has scored over 40 points in each of his last three games.
Timberwolves Preview – Can Edwards Keep Carrying the Offense?
Minnesota has played well recently, winning eight of its last 10 games before a 128-107 loss to Cleveland. Edwards has been the focal point of the offense, leading the team with 27.5 points per game. He put up 44 points in the loss to the Cavaliers, hitting eight three-pointers.
Mike Conley and Naz Reid have contributed, but the team has struggled with ball movement. Head coach Chris Finch noted that the Timberwolves had just 17 assists in their last game, emphasizing the need for more passing. With Randle sidelined, Jaden McDaniels and Reid will need to step up.
Defensively, Minnesota allows 108.3 points per game, ranking fifth in the league. They will need to slow down Damian Lillard, who will be the primary scorer for Milwaukee with Antetokounmpo out. Rudy Gobert anchors the defense, leading the team in rebounds and blocks.
Bucks Preview – Can Lillard Carry the Load?
Milwaukee is coming off a 125-111 loss to Golden State and has struggled to find consistency, alternating wins and losses over the past five games. With Antetokounmpo out, Lillard has taken on the scoring load, averaging 25.8 points per game. He had 38 points in the loss to the Warriors.
Kyle Kuzma has been a solid addition, averaging 15.3 points in his first three games with the Bucks. Bobby Portis has also been a key contributor, averaging 13.8 points per game. Head coach Doc Rivers is still adjusting rotations, giving minutes to newcomers like Kevin Porter Jr.
The Bucks rank seventh in the NBA in field goal percentage at 47.9% but have struggled defensively, allowing 114.2 points per game. They will need to improve their perimeter defense against a Timberwolves team that relies on Edwards’ shooting.
Betting Prediction
Minnesota is favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 225.5. The Timberwolves have covered the spread in 56 of their last 89 games in the third quarter, a key trend to watch. The Bucks have struggled to cover late in games, only covering the fourth-quarter spread in 33 of their last 88 contests.
Without Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee will rely heavily on Lillard, but Minnesota’s defense should make things difficult. Edwards is playing at a high level, and the Timberwolves have been strong at home. The Timberwolves should cover the spread and head into the break with a win.
Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves -6.5 over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
