THE Minnesota Timberwolves will have a confrontation with the Indiana Pacers for the second and final time this season on Thursday. Minnesota, which won 127-109 in the first meeting, looks to remain undefeated in this head-to-head matchup and sweep the series. Doing the job will be more difficult than the first time because they will be on the road and without Cities of Karl-Anthony.
The Pacers have struggled since the All-Star break, compiling a 4-3 record during that stretch. But they are coming off a 137-120 demolition of the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday and are eager for another victory against another elite team. Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner and All-Star Tyrese Haliburton are expected to lead the home team.
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The Timberwolves shut out Town, but that’s probably no big deal since the team is about to begin a two-game set. Without Towns, Naz Reid will play an important role for coach Chris Finch. A victory for Minnesota (43-19) would put a little gap between them and the OKC Thunder (43-19) for the best record in the Western Conference.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Indiana Pacers: Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
The Pacers will host the Timberwolves on Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, starting at 7 p.m. ET. Bally Sports Indiana and Bally Sports North are the local networks that will cover the game. Streaming is also available by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.
Basketball fans can listen to SiriusXM, 93.5/107.5 The Fan and Wolves App/iHeart Radio
Money line: Timberwolves (-105) vs. Pacers (-115)
Spread: Timberwolves (+1.0) vs. Pacers (-1.0)
Total (P/U): Timberwolves (o228.0 -110) vs. Pacers (u228.0 -110)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change as the match approaches. The odds listed were consistent with information available at the time of writing.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Indiana Pacers: Game Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves are also 4-3 since the All-Star break, but they have lost those three games by a total of 10 points. These losses also came against the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers and the Sacramento Kings, all of whom are likely playoff-bound teams.
Minnesota is playing as well as ever. It could be argued that only interruptions in play cost them these losses. They should continue this momentum even without Karl-Anthony Towns on the road in the game against the Pacers.
The Indiana Pacers offense is the main reason they will likely make it to the playoffs. They just try to play decent defense in games and most of the time the offense gets them home. This might not be enough against the Timberwolves who are one of the better defensive teams. The offense could be limited, so Indiana’s defense will have to do its part to prevent another blowout victory for the visitors.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Indiana Pacers: Starting Lineups
VS – Rudy Gobert, VS -Naz Reid, PF Jaden McDaniels, PG -Mike Conley and SG – Anthony Edwards leaves for Minnesota.
PF – Pascal Siakam, SF -Aaron Nesmith, VS -Myles Turner, PG – Andrew Nembhard and PG – Tyrese Haliburton will open the game for the Pacers.
Editor’s Note: These are planned lineups, which could change depending on the availability of players uncertain to play.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Indiana Pacers: Betting Tips
Tyrese Haliburton gets a prop of 18.5 points over/under. The Indiana Pacers franchise cornerstone is averaging just 10.3 points per game in March. He’s shooting 31.6%, including a horrible clip at 13.6% from deep. Haliburton had 19 points against Dallas, but Minnesota’s defense will likely keep him below its scoring pillar.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has a prop 29.5 point plus/minus. Like Haliburton, “Ant-Man” is struggling this month, averaging just 17.0 PPG on 36.6% shooting, including 31.3% from behind the arc. With Towns inactive on Thursday, he should carry a heavier scoring load. The All-Star guard will likely rise to the occasion and exceed his points given Indiana’s inept defense.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Indiana Pacers: Prediction
Thursday’s showdown between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Indiana Pacers could prove to be the classic defense versus offense matchup. Unlike the Pacers, the Timberwolves have been consistently good throughout the season behind an elite defense and solid offense. This combination could be enough to allow them to come away with a victory in Indiana.
