The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on Wednesday night. Minnesota is 26-21 and sits seventh in the Western Conference, while Utah has struggled at 10-35, ranking last in the conference. The Timberwolves have won four straight games and will look to extend their streak against a Jazz team on a seven-game losing skid.
These teams last met on March 18, 2024, when Minnesota won 114-104. The Jazz are getting key players back from injury, including Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson, which could help them compete against a surging Timberwolves squad.
Timberwolves Preview – Can They Keep the Streak Alive?
Minnesota pulled off a 121-113 win over Phoenix in its last game, rallying from a double-digit deficit. Anthony Edwards led the way with 33 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Julius Randle added 28 points, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 23 points while hitting five three-pointers.
The Timberwolves’ defense has been key during their winning streak, holding opponents to 110.6 points per game. Rudy Gobert continues to protect the paint, averaging 12.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. Despite this, Minnesota has had issues with turnovers, committing 15.6 per game, which could allow Utah to stay competitive.
Minnesota is looking for its first five-game winning streak of the season. This is the second time the team has won four in a row, but they have yet to extend it beyond that.
Jazz Preview – Can They Snap the Losing Streak?
Utah has dropped seven straight games, including a 114-103 loss to Golden State. Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting, but the team struggled late in the game. Head coach Will Hardy praised the team’s effort but acknowledged their inconsistency.
The Jazz rank near the bottom of the league in scoring, averaging just 110.6 points per game. They struggle from beyond the arc, shooting 35.6% from three, and have one of the worst assist-to-turnover ratios in the NBA. Markkanen and Clarkson returning should help, but they will need to be efficient against Minnesota’s defense.
Utah is 3-16 at home this season, making it one of the worst home records in the league. They will need a strong performance to avoid their eighth straight loss.
Betting Prediction
Minnesota is a 7.5-point favorite, with the total set at 224.5. The Timberwolves have covered the spread in 30 of their last 47 road games, while Utah has only won 10 games all season. With Edwards and Randle leading the way, Minnesota should have the advantage.
Utah’s home struggles and Minnesota’s recent form suggest the Timberwolves will win and cover. Expect a strong defensive performance from Gobert against his former team, helping Minnesota control the game.
Pick: Timberwolves -7.5
