Minnesota Timberwolves vs Milwaukee Bucks Preview
At 10:00 ET on ESPN, the Timberwolves will host the Bucks at the Target Center. Minnesota is favored by 4.5 points and has won four straight games. The Bucks, who have lost two straight, are +156 on the moneyline.
This non-conference matchup features the top team in the Western Conference, Minnesota, against the third-place team in the Eastern Conference, Milwaukee. The over/under line for this game is currently set at 225.5 points.
Check out BetCoco for Minnesota Timberwolves – Milwaukee Bucks odds
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Milwaukee Bucks Head-to-Head and Key Stats
Heading into this week’s matchup, the Bucks have the edge in their recent matchups against Minnesota, going 2-1. In the last three games Milwaukee is averaging 114 points per game compared to 115 for the Timberwolves.
- Through their last three road contests, the Bucks offense has averaged 108 points per game while allowing an average of 116. Milwaukee posted an overall record of 0-3 while going 0-3 ATS.
- When looking at their past ten home matchups, Minnesota has an ATS record of 6-4 while averaging 117 per game. The team went 8-2 overall in these games.
- Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Bucks have a straight up record of 0-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 0-3.
- In their last five games as the betting favorite, the Timberwolves have a strong straight up record of 4-1. In addition, their ATS record was 4-1 in these scenarios.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction
As the underdog, the Bucks have lost their last six games ATS and are 0-6 straight-up. Today, they are 4.5-point underdogs. In their last two games, they have also failed to cover the spread and are 21-35 ATS for the season.
On the road, the Bucks have an average scoring margin of +0.3 points per game. Their overall road record is 12-14, which is the best in the Eastern Conference. Currently, they are 2nd in the Central Division and 3rd in the East.
In their last game against the Grizzlies, the Bucks lost 113-110 as 14-point favorites. The O/U line for that game was 222.5 points. This season, Milwaukee has an O/U record of 30-26.
Out of their 56 games this season, the Bucks have been the underdog in just six of them. In those games, their average scoring margin is -16 points per game. Today’s O/U line of 225.5 is lower than the average line of 238.6 in their games.
On the season, the Bucks are the 2nd highest-scoring team in the league at 122 points per game. They have outscored the NBA scoring average in 69.6% of their games. In terms of pace, Milwaukee is 4th in the league at 101.4 possessions per game.
When it comes to shooting, the Bucks are 5th in field goal percentage at 49%. They are also 5th in true shooting percentage. In terms of two-point shooting, Milwaukee is 2nd in the league at 58%.
From beyond the arc, the Bucks are 5th in three-pointers made per game at 14.2. However, they are just 8th in three-point shooting percentage at 37%. In terms of free throws, Milwaukee is 4th in makes and 2nd in attempts.
So far, the Bucks’ defense is ranked 23rd in the league at 118.8 points per contest. Inside the arc, the Bucks defense is giving up a shooting percentage of 54.5% and 35.1% from three-point territory.
In their games this season, the Timberwolves have an average over/under line of 222.7, which is lower than today’s line of 225.5. Minnesota has gone 28-27 on the O/U for the season and has seen the over hit in their last two games.
Minnesota’s last game was a 128-91 win over the Trail Blazers. The O/U line for that game was 216 points. The Timberwolves easily covered the spread, going in as 9.5-point favorites.
Looking at their ATS record, the Timberwolves are 29-25 for the season and have covered the spread in four straight games. As the favorite, they are 22-21 ATS and have gone 33-11 straight-up as the favorite.
Minnesota is currently 1st in the Western Conference with a record of 39-16. In the Western Conference, they have gone 27-8 and are 8-2 against other teams in the Northwest Division. The Timberwolves have won four straight games.
At home, the Timberwolves are averaging 112.7 points per game, which is 24th in the NBA. Overall, they are 20th in the league at 114 points per game. In terms of pace, Minnesota is 26th in the NBA at 97.3 possessions per game.
When it comes to three-point shooting, the Timberwolves are 3rd in the league in three-point shooting percentage at 39%. They are also 15th in three-pointers made at 12.6 per game. In terms of overall field goal percentage, Minnesota is 7th in the NBA at 49%.
So far this season, the Timberwolves have outscored the NBA scoring average in 47.3% of their games. In terms of free throws, Minnesota is 10th in the NBA in made free throws at 18.7 per game.
This season, the Timberwolves defense has been impressive, holding the 1st position in the league while permitting an average of 106.7 points per contest. Opponents are hitting 50.3% of their two-point field goal attempts this season, and they’re also connecting on 35.4% of their three-point attempts.
Despite being 4.5 point underdogs, we predict the Bucks to come out on top with a final score of 158-125.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Milwaukee Bucks Betting Tips
- We like the Bucks on the moneyline (+156)
- The Bucks are also our pick on the spread at +4.5
- Projecting a combined 283 points, we like the over
Minnesota Timberwolves Injury Report
- Wendell Moore Jr. – Knee – Questionable
- Jaylen Clark – Achilles – Out
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – Knee – Probable
- Khris Middleton – Ankle – Questionable
