Sports Betting Picks

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks – NBA Preview – Jan 22, 2025

The Minnesota Timberwolves (22-21) head to the American Airlines Center to face the Dallas Mavericks (23-20) on January 22, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET. Both teams are jockeying for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, with the Mavericks holding a slight edge in the standings.

In their last meeting on December 25, the Timberwolves claimed a 105-99 victory in Dallas. This will be the third and final regular-season matchup between the two teams, with the series split 1-1 so far. Both squads enter this game needing a win to reverse recent struggles.

Minnesota Preview – Edwards Leading the Charge

The Timberwolves are coming off a 108-106 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, marking their fourth defeat in the last six games. Anthony Edwards continues to shine, scoring 32 points in the loss, his fifth consecutive game with at least 28 points. Minnesota’s struggles in clutch situations (12-16 in close games) remain a concern.

Rudy Gobert’s performance will be critical as coach Chris Finch called for better rebounding from the veteran center. Gobert managed only two defensive rebounds against Memphis, highlighting a team-wide issue with controlling the boards. The absence of Donte DiVincenzo due to a toe injury has also put pressure on the bench to step up.

The Timberwolves are 12-11 on the road this season and will look to repeat their strong defensive showing from the Christmas Day matchup, where they held Dallas to under 100 points.

Dallas Preview – Short-Handed But Resilient

The Mavericks have lost four of their last five games, including a 110-105 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets. Despite the struggles, Kyrie Irving has been a bright spot, scoring 33 points in the loss. Daniel Gafford added a career-high 31 points and 15 rebounds, filling the void left by injured players like Dereck Lively II and Luka Dončić.

Dallas has been hit hard by injuries, with several key players sidelined. Lively remains day-to-day with an ankle sprain, and Dončić’s absence has forced others to step up offensively. Gafford’s recent performances have been promising, but the team’s late-game execution remains a concern, as they managed just five points in the final six minutes against Charlotte.

The Mavericks will lean on their 13-8 home record and look to use Irving’s playmaking ability to exploit Minnesota’s defensive lapses in clutch situations.

Betting Prediction

Minnesota is a 2.5-point road favorite, with the total set at 216.5 points. The Timberwolves’ road success and Edwards’ recent form give them an edge, but Dallas has been competitive at home despite its injuries. The low total suggests a defensive battle, with both teams emphasizing rebounds and limiting turnovers.

Projected final score: Minnesota 109, Dallas 104. The Timberwolves should cover the spread, and the game is likely to go under the total as both teams prioritize defense.

Pick: Minnesota -2.5, Under 216.5

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