The Minnesota Timberwolves (16-19) battle the Milwaukee Bucks (22-12) Friday. Tip from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Timberwolves vs. Bucks odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Wolves lost 119-118 to the New Orleans Pelicans Wednesday, covering as 6.5-point road underdogs. Minnesota is without 3-time All-Star C Karl-Anthony Towns, who is out with a calf strain. Despite that, the Wolves have covered 4 of their last 7 games but are still just 14-21 against the spread (ATS) this season.
The Bucks lost to the Chicago Bulls 119-113 in overtime Wednesday, failing to cover as 2.5-point road favorites. Milwaukee is 17-15-2 ATS but has failed to cover 4 in a row and is just 3-6-1 ATS over its last 10 games. The Bucks’ strength is on defense, sitting 2nd in opponents’ field goal percentage (45.5%).
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Timberwolves at Bucks odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Timberwolves +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Bucks -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Timberwolves +6.5 (-118) | Bucks -6.5 (-102)
- Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Timberwolves at Bucks key injuries
Timberwolves
- G Jrue Holiday (non-Covid illness) doubtful
- G Khris Middleton (knee) out
Bucks
- F Kyle Anderson (back) questionable
- C Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Timberwolves at Bucks picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 112, Timberwolves 108
Moneyline
PASS.
I like the shorthanded Bucks (-240), who are 14-3 at home, to win. But they’re unplayable with such steep odds.
Milwaukee is down arguably its 2nd- and 3rd-best scoring options and that makes Minnesota (+200) an option, but I would rather take the points.
Against the spread
BET TIMBERWOLVES +6.5 (-118).
The Wolves may be without KAT, but they still have ample scoring options with G D’Angelo Russell and G Anthony Edwards. Minnesota has also covered 4 of its last 7 while Milwaukee has failed to cover 4 in a row.
F Jaden McDaniels and C Rudy Gobert have the size to limit 2-time MVP F Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Wolves rank 3rd in field goal percentage (49.2%) which should counter the Bucks’ strong defensive efficiency.
With 2 key players likely not playing for Milwaukee, back the TIMBERWOLVES +6.5 (-118) despite the juice.
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 226.5 (-110).
The Bucks are 17-17 O/U while the Wolves are 16-19 O/U. Minnesota has gone Under in 4 of its last 8. The Bucks will likely be without their 2nd-leading scorer, Holiday, who averages 18.9 per game.
That will leave more shots for G Pat Connaughton and G Jevon Carter, neither of whom have been as efficient. Considering the absence of KAT, Middleton and likely Holiday, back the UNDER 226.5 (-110).
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