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The Toronto Raptors welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves to Scotiabank Arena Wednesday as both teams will kick off the 2023-24 NBA season with the 7:30 p.m. ET tip. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Timberwolves vs. Raptors odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; teams split 2 games last season, each winning at home
The Raptors had a disappointing season last year, ending with a 41-41 record and the 9th seed in the Western Conference and losing the play-in game to the Chicago Bulls. With no premier offseason additions, they hope F Scottie Barnes, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, can take another step forward to help F Pascal Siakam, who led the team at 24.2 points per game. Toronto was 41-42 against the spread (ATS) last season.
The Timberwolves were 42-40 last season and ended with a 44-45 ATS record (playoffs included). Minnesota was eliminated in 5 games by the NBA Championship-winning Denver Nuggets. The Timberwolves will again be led by former No. 1 overall picks G Anthony Edwards and F Karl-Anthony Towns.
Timberwolves at Raptors odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:40 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Timberwolves -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Raptors +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Timberwolves -1.5 (-105) | Raptors +1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 222.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Timberwolves at Raptors key injuries
Timberwolves
- F Jaden McDaniels (calf) out
Raptors
- None
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Timberwolves at Raptors picks and predictions
Prediction
Timberwolves 114, Raptors 107
Moneyline
BET TIMBERWOLVES (-120).
The Raptors lost an important piece of their roster this offseason as G Fred VanVleet took his talents to Houston. VanVleet averaged 19.3 PPG last season and over 17 per game for Toronto over the last four seasons. His absence will be felt.
On the other hand, the Timberwolves should see notable improvements from Edwards, who played with Team USA in the FIBA Basketball World Cup. He should blossom into an all-out superstar after averaging 24.6 PPG last season. The Timberwolves should have a better early-season identity having not lost any star power.
Minnesota was 8-5 straight up last season as a road favorite. Back it to come out on top and take TIMBERWOLVES (-120).
Against the spread
PASS.
With the Wolves on the road and Scotiabank likely rocking to star the season, pass on the tiny spread and play Minnesota to win outright.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 222.5 (-110).
Both teams have strong front court presences. The Timberwolves have C Rudy Gobert, and the Raptors have F Chris Boucher and C Precious Achiuwa on their bench. Both teams ranked in the top 11 in defensive rating last season as well and should see similar success this year.
The Raptors also ranked 25th in pace and didn’t add any high-pace players. Expect a slow game and the length of both front courts to play a factor defensively. Take UNDER 222.5 (-110).
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