Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Brooklyn Nets: Odds, injuries, what to watch for

After a three-day break, the Minnesota Timberwolves will look to bounce back from a frustrating loss last time out as they play host to the Brooklyn Nets.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Brooklyn Nets: Odds, injuries, what to watch for

The Minnesota Timberwolves have had three full days since their disappointing road loss to the Atlanta Hawks last Wednesday. It’s the briefest of homestands, however, with just this one game at Target Center before heading to the West Coast.

The Brooklyn Nets remain the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, although Kevin Durant is out for an extended period of time with a knee injury. Since he went down, the Nets have largely treaded water over the last five games, beating the likes of San Antonio, Washington, and New Orleans while losing to Cleveland and Oklahoma City.

The Nets do have Kyrie Irving back, of course, and he’s played well in the six games since his return. James Harden is there, too, although the team is decidedly less scary with Durant unavailable.

Minnesota Timberwolves odds vs. Brooklyn Nets

Surprisingly, the Timberwolves are 2.5-point favorites over the Nets, according to WynnBet. Even without Durant, the Nets still have Irving and Harden, and the Wolves have been resting for three days, which feels like a classic setup to have a slow start to the game.

TV and streaming info for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Brooklyn Nets

• 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. Brooklyn Nets

In light of the line for this game, it’s important to point out that Durant was absolutely the reason the Nets won when these two teams matched up at Barclays Center in early December.

Remember, Karl-Anthony Towns missed that game after suffering a tailbone contusion in Washington two days prior. The Wolves were within three points in the final minute, but Durant hit a tough jumper to put the game way.

James Harden scored 20 points but shot just 4-of-11 from the field and committed six turnovers. Irving didn’t play, and it was Patty Mills who played the supporting role, putting up 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting and knocking down four 3-pointers.

The Nets won’t be able to provide much resistance against Towns, which is surely at least part of the reason the Wolves are favored. Brooklyn ranks No. 17 in opponent points in the paint, No. 26 in opponent fastbreak points, and No. 23 in opponent second-chance points — all categories in which the Wolves should be able to put pressure on Brooklyn.

Somewhat surprisingly, the Nets are middle-of-the-pack when it comes to free throw rate, although the re-addition of Iriving will help them in that category. Harden attempted 15 free throws the last time these two teams squared off, and the Wolves have traditionally struggled to keep him off the free throw line.

If Towns can have a strong game and the Wolves can at least somewhat limit the parade to the charity stripe, then the home team will have a solid chance to win this one.

Injury report for Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Brooklyn Nets

The Wolves are listing both Patrick Beverley (ankle) and Jordan McLaughlin (return to play reconditioning) as questionable. Beverley was injured six minutes into the loss to the Hawks but has had three days to rest since then and has a shot to play.

The Nets are without Durant (knee) and Joe Harris (ankle), both of whom are out for an extended period of time. Nic Claxton is questionable with a hamstring injury.

We’ll be back after the game with takeaways and player grades. Enjoy some hoops, and here’s to getting back to the .500 mark!