Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns Picks and Predictions November 17th 2024

The Timberwolves (-286) are favored by 7 points over the Suns (+233) in this Western Conference matchup. The over/under line is set at 219.5 points.

Phoenix is currently on a two-game losing streak and is 5th in the Western Conference. Minnesota is 9th in the West and has a 7-6 record.

Suns vs. Timberwolves Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Phoenix Suns at Minnesota Timberwolves
• Where: Minneapolis at Target Center
• Date: Sunday, November 17th
• Betting Odds MIN -7, PHO +233 | MIN -286 O/U 219.5

The Suns Can Win If…

The Suns fell to 9-4 on the season after a 99-83 road loss to the Thunder on Friday. Phoenix entered the game as +8 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points of 182 were well below the O/U line of 227.5.

Oklahoma City took control early with a 12-0 run, extending their lead from 16-10 to 28-10. Phoenix tried to rally, winning the 2nd and 4th quarters, but a 35-24 3rd quarter by the Thunder put the game out of reach.

The Suns struggled offensively in their 99-83 loss to the Thunder, shooting just 29.3% from the field and 24.3% from three-point range. They made only 9 threes in the game.

Josh Okogie led the Suns with 15 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 33.3%. Devin Booker added 12 points, hitting 6 of them in the 4th quarter despite shooting 20% overall. Royce O’Neale contributed 11 points, including 7 in the 3rd quarter, and made 2 threes at 33.3% efficiency.

Despite a strong defensive effort, the Suns couldn’t capitalize, allowing 99 points in their loss to the Thunder. Phoenix gave up 35 points in the 3rd quarter but tightened up in the 4th, allowing just 16 points. They held Oklahoma City to 39% shooting overall.

The Suns limited the Thunder to 10 made threes on 25% shooting from beyond the arc. Oklahoma City went 17/18 from the free-throw line. Defensively, Phoenix grabbed 39 rebounds, including 13 offensive boards allowed, and recorded 6 steals and 4 blocks.

• Across their last five road contests, Phoenix has been good against the spread posting a mark of 3-2. Their overall mark in these games was 3-2, while averaging 109 points per game.
• Looking back on the team’s last three games as the underdog, the Suns have a straight up record of 0-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 0-3.
• Over their last five games, the Suns have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Timberwolves Can Win If…

With a 130-126 win over the Kings on Friday, the Timberwolves improved to 7-6 this season. Minnesota was favored by 1.5 points and covered the spread, while the game’s total of 256 points exceeded the 223-point line by 33.

A key 14-0 run helped the Timberwolves take control, turning a 62-54 deficit into a 68-62 lead. They extended their lead to 98-82 after the 3rd quarter but were outscored 33-17 in the 4th, making the final score closer than expected.

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves to a 130-126 win over the Kings, hitting 6 threes at 42.9% and finishing with 36 points, including 7 in overtime. Minnesota connected on 20 threes, shooting 40.8% from deep.

Julius Randle added 26 points, with 5 coming in the extra period. The Timberwolves shot 47.5% from the field overall, with Naz Reid contributing 16 points and 5 rebounds.

Despite giving up 126 points, the Timberwolves’ defense managed to hold off the Kings, allowing 27 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters, and 28 in the 3rd. Their toughest stretch came in the 4th, where they conceded 33 points.

Minnesota limited Sacramento’s three-point shooting, holding them to 32% from beyond the arc with 12 made threes. The Timberwolves also recorded 9 steals and 4 blocks in the game.

• Through their last ten home games, Minnesota has an ATS record of just 5-5. However, their overall record was 5-5 while averaging 110 points per game.
• Spanning across their last five games as the betting favorite, the Timberwolves have gone 2-3 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 2-3.
• In their last three games, the Timberwolves have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.

The Lean

The Timberwolves is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 141-99. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Timberwolves at -7.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 219.5 and given that our model is projecting 240 points between the teams, we like the over.

After ‘Important’ Win, Wolves Meet Low-Scoring Suns

The Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves are on divergent paths as they prepare to clash on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis. The Suns, reeling from a season-low offensive performance, are desperate to find answers, while the Timberwolves seek to build on a critical road victory.

Suns’ Offensive Struggles

The Phoenix Suns (6-8) are mired in inconsistency, especially on the offensive end. A 99-83 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday marked their lowest-scoring effort of the season.

Shooting woes plagued the team:

• Overall shooting: 29.3% (22 of 75)
• Three-point shooting: 24.3% (9 of 37)

Veteran forward Royce O’Neale acknowledged the missed opportunities:

“We played great defense. Offensively, we missed a lot of shots, especially wide open.”

Coach Mike Budenholzer emphasized the need for improvement:

“We’ve got to play better offensively. Games like this test you and show you what you need to work on.”

The Suns’ scoring challenges are magnified by the absence of stars Kevin Durant (calf injury) and Bradley Beal (calf injury). That leaves the bulk of the responsibility on Devin Booker, who struggled mightily against Oklahoma City, scoring just 12 points on 2-for-10 shooting.

Timberwolves Riding High

The Timberwolves (10-4) are enjoying a strong start to the season, powered by an overtime 130-126 win against the Sacramento Kings on Friday. The victory snapped a two-game skid and reaffirmed the team’s resilience.

Anthony Edwards led the way with 36 points on 14-for-27 shooting, emphasizing the importance of the win:

“This game was super important. I’m glad we were able to come out with the win.”

Other key contributors:

• Julius Randle: 26 points
• Rudy Gobert: 11 points, 11 rebounds

The Timberwolves boast a balanced attack, with five players averaging double-digit points:

1. Anthony Edwards: 28.4 PPG
2. Julius Randle: 20.6 PPG
3. Naz Reid: 15.4 PPG
4. Rudy Gobert: 10.8 PPG
5. Jaden McDaniels: 10.1 PPG

Keys to the Game

1. Suns’ Offensive Adjustments
   Phoenix needs a strong showing from Devin Booker and role players like Royce O’Neale to offset the absences of Durant and Beal.
2. Timberwolves’ Momentum
   Minnesota’s depth and balance make them tough to defend. If Edwards continues his hot streak, the Suns will struggle to keep pace.
3. Defensive Matchups
   Rudy Gobert’s dominance in the paint will test Phoenix’s ability to generate points inside, especially with their depleted roster.

Recent Rivalry History

This game marks the Suns’ first visit to Minnesota since last season’s Western Conference quarterfinals, where the Timberwolves swept Phoenix in four games.

• Game 1: Wolves 120-95
• Game 2: Wolves 105-93
• Game 3: Wolves 126-109
• Game 4: Wolves 122-116

That series emphasized Minnesota’s ability to stifle Phoenix’s offensive rhythm, a trend they’ll aim to continue.

Unlock Your Betting Potential! Sign Up Now.

Prediction

The Timberwolves’ depth and recent form make them clear favorites. Meanwhile, the Suns’ inability to generate consistent offense without Durant and Beal could lead to another frustrating outing.

Final Score: Timberwolves 112, Suns 97

The Timberwolves are poised to ride their momentum, while the Suns face mounting pressure to solve their scoring struggles and snap their skid.