Milwaukee Bucks (35-21) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (39-16)
February 23, 2024 10:00 pm EDT
The Line: Minnesota Timberwolves -4.5; Over/Under: +225
(Get latest betting odds)
The Milwaukee Bucks invade the Target Center to do battle with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Here’s a Bucks vs Timberwolves Prediction.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have been in a real slump as they’ve lost five of their last seven games overall and they will be hoping to snap a two-game skid after falling painfully short to the Grizzlies in a 113-110 road loss last Thursday. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with 35 points and 12 assists on 15 of 17 shooting, Damian Lillard added 24 points with seven assists, Bobby Portis added 15 points off the bench while Brook Lopez chipped in with 14 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. As a team, the Bucks shot 46 percent from the field and 11 of 44 from the 3-point line as they traded baskets with the Grizzlies in a close contest, until they went on a cold stretch in the fourth quarter to allow the Grizzlies to slip away in the end.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been in great form as they’ve won seven of their last nine games overall and they will be eager to build on their current four-game win streak after blowing past the Trail Blazers in a 128-91 road win in their last game before the All-Star break. Anthony Edwards led the team with 34 points, six rebounds and seven assists, Karl-Anthony Towns added 23 points while Jaden McDaniels chipped in with 17 points. As a team, the Timberwolves shot 51 percent from the field and 11 of 30 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with a 44-14 first quarter domination and just never took their foot off the gas to finish with one of their biggest wins of the season.
Minnesota Timberwolves Team Facts
- The Timberwolves have lost each of their last 11 Friday games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The favorites have covered the spread in each of the last seven games between the Bucks and Timberwolves at Target Center.
- Each of the Timberwolves’ last four games as favorites have gone OVER the total points line.
Milwaukee Bucks Team Facts
- The Bucks have lost each of their last 13 games as underdogs.
- The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 11 games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents.
- Eight of the Bucks’ last nine road games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Bucks vs Timberwolves Prediction
The Bucks could still be shorthanded for this one with Khris Middleton still listed on the injury report, while the Timberwolves are keeping an eye on Wendell Moore Jr who is dealing with a knee injury. The Bucks really stumbled their way into the All-Star break, they are struggling to build momentum and they just lost to the depleted Grizzlies who are missing almost all of their best players. In contrast, the Timberwolves are playing some of their best basketball of the season, they’re on a strong run and they will be full of confidence after blowing past the Trail Blazers in their last game. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Bucks pulled off the upset in this one, but the Timberwolves are clearly the team in better form and I think they earn the statement win at home to begin their run towards the playoffs.
