The 28-19 Timberwolves will be hosting the 19-27 Mavericks, and this is the second time these teams will face off against each other for the second time this season. Their first meeting ended up in a lopsided 120-96 victory for the Timberwolves, and it’s difficult to envision a different fate tonight.
The Timberwolves are currently –290 favorites on the Moneyline at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the point total set to 228.5. Below, I’ll break down tonight’s matchup and offer my prediction.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves preview, prediction
Minnesota has been a playoff team for most of Anthony Edwards’ tenure there, and his selection at number one overall catalyzed their reemergence into the Western playoff picture. He’s been delivering big time, and has never played fewer than 71 games for Minnesota since he got drafted. He’s a perennial All-Star caliber SG and should make another appearance this season with a career-high 29.7 PPG to go alongside 5.2 RPG and 3.6 APG. Edwards is one of the most athletic players we’ve ever seen and continues to improve every season. The Timberwolves shook up their roster a season ago by moving Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks, a blockbuster move that left them without Towns and with Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop, and a 2025 first-round pick. The move didn’t affect the quality of their team in a big way, but the Wolves still feel like they’re one piece short from being able to truly contend for a championship. Rudy Gobert is still a DPOY-caliber player whose defensive metrics validate his expensive price tag, and they also have an elite wing defender in Jaden McDaniels to boot.
As for the Dallas Mavericks, there’s much work to be done, and a lot has already been said. They’ve been all over the news cycle due to Nico Harrison’ infamous trade, sending homegrown superstar Luka Doncic to LA in exchange for Anthony Davis, with ultimately little to show for it. The Mavericks lucked into drafting Cooper Flagg this season with the number one overall pick, and they have to be thrilled so far with what they’re seeing. Flagg has been impressive thus far, putting up 18.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 4.1 APG in his rookie season. He’s becoming something of a swiss-army knife, and head coach Jason Kidd is keen on developing every facet of his game throughout the season for when the Mavs will finally be ready to contend. Due to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving’s extended absences, this team has had to rely on Max Christie, Naji Marshall, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford. There likely won’t be a ton of winning in store for Dallas, but they could be cooking something up special.
Mavericks vs. Timberwolves pick, best bet
Best bet: Under 228.5
The Timberwolves have a top-six defensive rating and top-ten offensive rating, and will make it tough for the Dallas Mavericks to eek out a win tonight. The Mavericks also boast a good defense, with the ninth best defensive rating on the season. I’m expecting a gritty, low-scoring affair between these two teams tonight despite the blowout that occurred in their first meeting.
