Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic: Odds, injuries, what to watch for

The Minnesota Timberwolves look to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night with a winnable home game against the Orlando Magic.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic: Odds, injuries, what to watch for

There have been a couple of overarching takeaways from the Wolves’ first five games this season.

Perhaps the easiest themes to identify are the impressive defensive, currently No. 6 in the league in defensive rating, and the sputtering offense, which has scored under 100 points in a game three times already and is No. 24 in offensive rating.

On Saturday, the Wolves were held to just 91 points by the Denver Nuggets — but they gave up only 93 points in a one-possession loss that saw a potential game-tying layup from Malik Beasley layup blocked in the open floor by Will Barton.

In some ways, the final minute of the loss to Denver was a microcosm of the season to this point: fantastic defense and a timely steal led to a transition opportunity that the Wolves promptly kicked away.

For their part, the 1-6 Magic have lost four consecutive games, most recently against the Detroit Pistons, who are now just 1-5 themselves.

Minnesota Timberwolves odds vs. Orlando Magic

The Wolves are favored by 8.5 points against the Magic, according to WynnBet. Once again, an entirely healthy Wolves roster playing at home is favored by multipole possessions.

TV and streaming info for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic

• Tip-off: 7:00 CT
• Television: Bally Sports North
• Radio: 830 WCCO
• Stream: Fubo.tv offers streaming options

What to watch for in Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic

The Wolves’ 24th-ranked offense should have an opportunity to improve in a hurry against the Magic, who are currently No. 30 in defensive rating.

The Magic’s only truly dynamic individual offensive threat is second-year guard Cole Anthony. Anthony was an exciting rookie who struggled with efficiency at times, but through the first seven games this season, he’s shooting 44.4 percent from the floor and 42.2 percent from beyond the arc. (Although he did beat the Wolves on a crazy buzzer-beater last season at Target Center.)

Despite sitting No. 21 in offensive rating, the Magic are sixth in 3-point attempts per game and seventh in 3-point shooting percentage. For what it’s worth, the Wolves are yielding the second-lowest 3-point shooting percentage in the league — opponents are shooting a paltry 27.7 percent against the Wolves so far in the young season.

Also of note: the Magic are No. 9 in offensive rebounding rate, while the Wolves are dead-last in defensive rebounding percentage. It will be important for head coach Chris Finch to get Jarred Vanderbilt on the floor for more than the 16 minutes he played in the loss to Denver.

As long as the Wolves don’t let Anthony go bonkers and limits second-chance opportunities for the Magic, they should be okay in this one.

Injury report for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic

The Wolves still have an empty injury report, save for McKinley Wright, who is away with the G League team in Iowa.

The Magic are without Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz, who are both recovering from torn ACLs. Veteran guards Michael-Carter Williams and E’Twaun Moore are both out, while guard Gary Harris is questionable to play.

We’ll be back after the game with takeaways and thoughts. Here’s to 4-2!