Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns: Odds, Injuries, what to watch for
By Ben Beecken
The Minnesota Timberwolves have now lost seven consecutive games, and things aren’t about to get any easier.
On the heels of a double-digit loss to the Washington Wizards, the Wolves return home following a four-game road trip for a pair of games against the 21-11 Phoenix Suns and the up-and-coming Charlotte Hornets.
The Wolves gave up a 44-point third quarter to the Wizards, who hold the No. 21 offensive rating in the league. Now, they welcome Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker and the NBA’s No. 7 offensive unit to Target Center.
Minnesota’s new head coach Chris Finch is 0-3 so far, but he’s yet to coach D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasly just served the first of 12 games due to suspension.
Finch is charged with generating offense around Karl-Anthony Towns with few ancillary offensive weapons. Outside of Towns and Jaylen Nowell, there isn’t a truly above-average 3-point shooter on the available roster, and Finch has to find a way to generate enough space for Towns to operate.
Minnesota Timberwolves odds vs. Phoenix Suns
The Action Network lists the Suns as nine-point favorites over the Timberwolves in this one, which seems about right — especially given the lack of competitiveness in the second half of Wolves-Wizards only 24 hours prior.
TV and streaming info for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns
- Television: Fox Sports North
- Radio: 830 WCCO
- Stream: Fubo.tv offers streaming options
What to watch for in Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns
The Suns are one of the best teams in the league, sitting at 21-11 and having won 13 out of their last 16 games. They’re No. 7 in offensive rating, No. 7 in defensive rating, and No. 10 in 3-point shooting percentage.
Phoenix is well-coached and has a perfect blend of young talent and effective veterans. On its face, this seems like a daunting matchup for a shorthanded Wolves squad.
But in reality, the matchup isn’t all too bad. The Suns play at the second-slowest pace in the league, and Minnesota should be able to speed them up with a consistent transition attack. It also means that Phoenix is perhaps less-suited to take advantage of the Wolves’ persistent live-ball turnover issues than, say, Washington.
One of the Wolves’ other major shortcomings is on the glass; they’re No. 29 in defensive rebound rate, compounding their defensive issues. Phoenix doesn’t crash the offensive glass, ranking No. 24 in offensive rebound rate, which will hopefully mitigate the second-chance point opportunities for the Suns.
The Wolves will also need both Ricky Rubio and Jordan McLaughlin to play much better against Chris Paul than they performed on Saturday in Washington.
Make no mistake, this is not an easy matchup for the Wolves. But if they play hard and compete defensively, they may have a chance to be in a close game down the stretch.
Injury report for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns
The Wolves are still without Russell (knee injury) and Beasley (suspension).
For the Suns, former Wolves big man Dario Saric missed Friday’s game with an ankle injury and is listed as questionable.
Next. 4 Wolves players who benefit from Beasley's absence. dark
Check back after the game for player grades. Enjoy Wolves-Suns!