Sports Betting Picks

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns – NBA Preview – January 29, 2025

The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on Wednesday night in a key Western Conference matchup. Minnesota sits at 25-21, just ahead of Phoenix, which is 24-21. These teams met earlier in the season on November 17, with the Timberwolves winning 120-117.

Both teams enter the game on three-game winning streaks. Minnesota is coming off a 100-92 win over Atlanta, while Phoenix edged the Clippers 111-109. With both teams fighting for playoff positioning, this game carries extra weight.

Timberwolves Preview – Can the Defense Keep Rolling?

Minnesota has relied on its defense all season, holding opponents to 107.7 points per game, the fourth-best mark in the league. Against Atlanta, they held the Hawks under 100 points for the 13th time this season. Rudy Gobert anchors the defense, averaging 12.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.

Anthony Edwards continues to lead the offense, scoring 23 points in the last game. Julius Randle has also been a strong addition, putting up 20 points and 8 rebounds against Atlanta. The Timberwolves have struggled with turnovers, finishing with 18 in their last game, which could be an issue against Phoenix’s aggressive defense.

Minnesota could be without Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, both of whom left the last game with injuries. Their availability will be a key factor, especially in a physical game against Phoenix’s frontcourt.

Suns Preview – Can Booker and Durant Carry the Load?

Phoenix has won five of its last six games, with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant leading the way. Booker had 26 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds in the last game, while Durant added 24 points. Booker is closing in on franchise history, needing just 118 points to become the Suns’ all-time leading scorer.

Bradley Beal remains a question mark, both in terms of his health and his future with the team. He has been coming off the bench since January 6, averaging 16.9 points per game. Phoenix has gone 9-3 in that span, showing they can win without Beal playing a major role.

Nick Richards has stepped into the starting lineup with Jusuf Nurkic out. He has posted double-digit rebounds in three of his first five games with Phoenix. His battle with Gobert and Randle inside will be a key matchup to watch.

Betting Prediction

Minnesota is a slight 1.5-point favorite, with the total set at 217.5. The Timberwolves have been solid defensively but have struggled with consistency on offense. The Suns, meanwhile, have been one of the hotter teams in the West, winning five of their last six games.

Phoenix’s star power and home-court advantage give them an edge. If Booker and Durant continue their strong play, the Suns should be able to outscore Minnesota. Expect Phoenix to pull off the slight upset.

Pick: Suns +1.5

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