The Atlanta Hawks (7-7) drop by the Target Center Friday for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off against the Minnesota Timberwolves (3-10). Below, we analyze the Hawks-Timberwolves NBA odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
The Hawks clawed back from a 17-point deficit to beat the Detroit Pistons 123-115 in overtime and cover as 4.5-point favorites at home. Atlanta got amazing performances out of its frontcourt—PF John Collins put up 31 points and 11 rebounds and C Clint Capela dominated the interior with 27 points and 26 rebounds—while All-Star PG Trae Young dropped 38 points with 11 assists. Over their past five games, the Hawks are 3-2 straight-up and against the spread, including a 108-97 win over the Timberwolves in Atlanta Jan. 18.
Minnesota has been terrible all season, losing three straight and 10 of its last 11 games. The Timberwolves have the second-lowest net rating in the NBA and are in the bottom-10th in effective field goal percentage, defensive rebounding percentage and assist to turnover ratio.
Hawks at Timberwolves: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:50 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Hawks -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | Timberwolves +185 (bet $100 to win $185)
- Against the spread/ATS: Hawks -6.5 (-105) | Timberwolves +6.5 (-115)
- Over/Under: 225.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Hawks at Timberwolves: Key Injuries
Hawks
- SF De’Andre Hunter (knee) questionable
- SF Cam Reddish (knee) questionable
- SF Danilo Gallinari (ankle) doubtful
- SG Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) out
Timberwolves
- SG Josh Okogie (hamstring) probable
- PG Ricky Rubio (COVID-19) out
- C Karl-Anthony Towns (COVID-19) out
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Hawks at Timberwolves: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Hawks 117, Timberwolves 113
Money line (ML)
PASS with a slight lean to the Timberwolves (+185) since I like Minnesota to cover. Atlanta has a lot more talent and if they can shoot well—keep in mind the Timberwolves are one of the worst defensive teams in the league—this game could get out of hand.
Against the spread (ATS)
While on one hand, you could argue that the first Hawks-Timberwolves meeting was way more lopsided than the final score indicates, the biggest factor in the rematch is the probable absence of SF De’Andre Hunter.
There’s a lot of intriguing pieces on the Hawks, and if they can work out the kinks in their offense, Atlanta should be a lock for at least the postseason play-in tournament for the Eastern Conference.
However, I am here to tell you that Hunter is Atlanta’s best player with the most upside. The NBA is run by wings, and his ability to shoot from deep, finish around the rim and defend positions 1-4 make Hunter special.
Hunter scored a team-high 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting in the first Hawks-Timberwolves game and was key in making Minnesota’s SG Malik Beasley and SF Josh Okogie essentially non-factors.
BetMGM also saw the box score from this game and brought the line down a half-point from that meeting not because the Timberwolves are at home, but because Hunter will probably not be available.
GIMME TIMBERWOLVES +6.5 (-115) for a half-unit (pending final injury report).
Over/Under (O/U)
TAKE OVER 225.5 (-115) for 1 unit because BetMGM has overreacted too greatly to the first Hawks-Timberwolves result. In their first meeting this season, the Hawks-Timberwolves’ final score fell short of the 228.5-point projection by 23.5 points.
Bookmakers’ reacted by opening this total at 222 points, and the market has already steamed it up 3.5 points. Also, the previous five Hawks-Timberwolves meetings before the last went Over the total.
Finally, part of me thinks Atlanta’s ninth-best defensive rating is a bit of a mirage, and Hunter is the Hawks’ best on-the-ball defender. The OVER 225.5 (-115) is my favorite play here.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- Viewership for NBA national TV games up to begin 2020-21 season (Rookie Wire)
- Hoops Hype Rumors: Hawks | Timberwolves
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