Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Miami Heat: Odds, injuries, what to watch for

The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat on Thanksgiving Eve as they try to stretch their winning streak into five games.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Miami Heat: Odds, injuries, what to watch for

The Wolves are enjoying their first four-game winning streak since the end of April, and only their second since November 2018.

Minnesota has won all four games by double-digits, most recently defeating the New Orleans Pelicans by 14 on Monday. They’re back at Target Center for a one-game home stint before heading back out for a pair of games on the East Coast, and despite how impressive the 12-6 Heat have been this year, it’s a winnable game.

The Wolves should be at full strength, potentially minus the questionable Josh Okogie. Suddenly, the defense is No. 8 in the league and the offense and lineup combinations are largely clicking.

The Heat have won five out of their last six games and are currently No. 2 in the Eastern Conference.

Minnesota Timberwolves odds vs. Miami Heat

The Wolves-Heat tilt is now a pick ’em on WynnBet, which is fascinating given the Heat’s 12-6 record and their overall track record. Certainly, the line speaks to the Wolves’ recent hot streak and just how well they’re playing on both ends of the floor.

TV and streaming info for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Miami Heat

• 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. Miami Heat

While the Wolves are No. 8 in defensive rating, the Heat are all the way up at No. 4 in efficiency on that end of the floor.

Butler, Bam Adebayo, and PJ Tucker are all fantastic team and individual defenders. The Heat also don’t give up very many offensive rebounds, which is one of the Wolves’ biggest issues keeping them from becoming a truly elite defensive unit.

In addition to the potential rebounding disparity, the Wolves will need to do their best to stay out of foul trouble. Minnesota is dead-last in the league in both personal fouls per game and free throw attempts allowed per field goal attempts. Conversely, the Heat draw the most fouls per field goal attempt of any team in the league.

If the Wolves aren’t careful, Erik Spoelstra’s crew could be on a parade to the charity stripe in this one, and the Wolves will have to hit on 3-pointers at a much higher clip than they have to this point in the season in order to make up the difference.

Butler has been one of the best individual players in the league this season on both ends of the floor, and some combination of Jaden McDaniels, Jarred Vanderbilt, Patrick Beverley, and (hopefully) Josh Okogie will have their hands full.

Tyler Herro has been dynamite for the Heat and is third in minutes played and second in points per game despite coming off the bench.

Injury report for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Miami Heat

Josh Okogie is questionable for the Wolves but is the only player listed on the injury report.

The Heat are still without Markieff Morris as he recovers from whiplash suffered when fouled by Nikola Jokic last week.

We’ll be back after the game with some key takeaways. Enjoy it, and here’s to 9-9!