Timberwolves at Bucks: Odds, injuries, and what to watch for

After winning two of their last three games, the Minnesota Timberwolves head to Milwaukee to take on the league’s best team on New Year’s Day.

Just when the arrow starts to feel like it’s finally pointing up for the Minnesota Timberwolves, they run smack into the league’s best team on the road.

The 30-5 Milwaukee Bucks have won three in a row and are relatively healthy. The Wolves are 12-20 and will be without their two best players and likely five key members of the rotation. To say that the Bucks are the favorites to win this game is an understatement.

The two teams squared off way back in October at Target Center. The Wolves were 4-1 entering the game but without Towns in what was the second of a two-game suspension following his scuffle with Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid earlier that week. Milwaukee won going away in what was a 134-106 final.

This game could have a similar feel, as the Wolves will once again have to face-off against Giannis Antetokounmpo without Towns on the floor, and this time without Wiggins as well.

Timberwolves odds against the Bucks

• Favorite: Bucks (-18)
• Over/under: 221
• Moneyline: -4500 Milwaukee/+1700 Minnesota
• Odds courtesy of The Action Network. Displayed odds current as of Wednesday at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets, TV and streaming info for Timberwolves at Bucks

• Television: Fox Sports North
• Radio: 830 WCCO
• Stream: Fubo.tv offers streaming options
• Tickets: StubHub offers ticketing options

What to watch for in Wolves vs. Bucks

The Bucks started the season 6-3 before winning 18 consecutive games. Since losing to Dallas, Milwaukee has won six of their last seven and three in a row, winning by double-digits against Atlanta, Orlando, and Chicago.

Milwaukee attempts the fourth-most 3-pointers per game and No. 12 in 3-point shooting percentage. Most of the Bucks’ rotation players are above league-average from deep, with Khris Middleton (40.1 percent 5.3 attempts per game) and Kyle Korver (40.7 percent on 4.1 attempts per game) leading the way.

The Bucks pull down the most rebounds per game of any team in the league, but nobody except Antetokounmpo (12.8 rebounds per game) averages six or more boards per contest. Part of the raw numbers are due to the pace the Bucks play at, which is fastest in the league, but they’re also second in the league in defensive rebounding as well.

The Wolves will have to stomach whatever Giannis is able to do, but must do a good job rebounding at all positions and getting back in transition. If they can do that, they’ll have a prayer to win this game down the stretch.

Injury Report

The Wolves are without Towns (knee), Jake Layman (toe), and Wiggins (flu-like symptoms) and may be without Jeff Teague, who is listed as doubtful with a knee sprain. Noah Vonleh (glut) and Treveon Graham (flu-like symptoms) are both questionable after both missing Monday’s win over Brooklyn.

The Bucks were missing Wesley Matthews on Monday due to a hip injury, but he’s the only player who was listed on the injury report.

We’ll be back after the game with player grades. Here’s hoping for a New Year’s miracle!