The Minnesota Timberwolves (4-4) welcome the Milwaukee Bucks (7-0) to Target Center Friday. Tip is set for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Bucks vs. Timberwolves odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Bucks are the last undefeated team in the NBA and are coming off a blowout 116-91 win over the Detroit Pistons Wednesday, covering as 11.5-point favorites. They’ve won 4 of their 7 games by 10 or more.
Milwaukee is led by two-time MVP F Giannis Antetokoumpo. Antetokounmpo is averaging 33.6 points and 12.7 rebounds per game and has led the Bucks to an undefeated record without G Khris Middleton.
The Timberwolves are riding a 2-game losing skid, 107-98 at the San Antonio Spurs Saturday and 116-107 at the Phoenix Suns Tuesday. They are 3-2 at home.
The Wolves are led G Anthony Edwards, who is averaging 23.1 points per game. C Karl-Anthony Towns is also a high-impact player, scoring 21.6 per game.
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Bucks at Timberwolves odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:28 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Bucks -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Timberwolves +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -3.5 (-115) | Timberwolves +3.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Bucks at Timberwolves key injuries
Bucks
- F Giannis Antetokoumpo (knee) probable
- G Pat Connaughton (calf) out
- G Khris Middleton (wrist) out
Timberwolves
- G Anthony Edwards (illness) questionable
- C Rudy Gobert (illness) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Bucks at Timberwolves picks and predictions
Prediction
Timberwolves 116, Bucks 113
Moneyline
PASS.
With the Wolves getting points here, I would rather take their spread.
Against the spread
BET TIMBERWOLVES +3.5 (-105).
If Gobert and Edwards play, the Wolves have a defense that should be able to counter Milwaukee well. KAT and Gobert’s length would work well preventing the straight drives of Giannis.
The Wolves have the 11th-best net rating, have played better than their record indicates and have the scoring to be able to keep pace with Milwaukee.
A weakness for Minnesota is on the fast break. The Wolves have allowed the 6th-most fast breakpoints. The Bucks sit 16th and don’t play at a breakneck pace either which should play to the Wolves’ strength in the halfcourt.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 226.5 (-115).
Both teams rank in the top half of the league in pace with Minnesota 4th and Milwaukee 15th. Expect this to be an exciting game, one in which the Wolves look to up the tempo.
Minnesota has high-level scorers in Edwards and KAT, players that can get hot and score in bunches.
The Timberwolves have a 2-6 O/U record after a similar roster was a league-best 52-37 O/U last season, back the OVER 226.5 (-115) here as the Wolves should get back to their typical scoring selves at home.
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