Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: Predictions, Starting Lineups (2/23/24)
It has not been a smooth transition for the Milwaukee Bucks since they fired former head coach Adrian Griffin, dropping seven of their past ten games. Can the Bucks stop their recent slide with a road win against the best team in the Western Conference? Find out in this Milwaukee Bucks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves preview, featuring our prediction, betting picks, and an in-depth matchup analysis!
Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction
The Milwaukee Bucks haven’t been dancing around quite as much as they were before their first game without former head coach Adrian Griffin. Instead, the Bucks have a 3-7 record through Doc Rivers’ first ten games at the helm, and their most recent loss came on the road against a Memphis Grizzlies team that was without Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., Luke Kennard, Derrick Rose, Brandon Clarke, John Konchar, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Jake LaRavia. Yeah, you get the point.
If any team has a frontcourt that can match Giannis’ physicality and length, it would be the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have collectively helped Rudy Gobert return to DPOY form this season. Karl Anthony-Towns has been widely criticized for much of his NBA career thus far for his mediocre defense, but he has done a good job of being serviceable for one of the best defensive teams this season (lowest defensive rating in the NBA.)
KAT can sag off Giannis and be physical with him on drives, forcing him to pull up or try and draw a foul to score. Minnesota is actually holding opposing power forwards to the fourth-fewest points, second-fewest rebounds, and fewest assists per game this season.
Minnesota has the third-highest average scoring margin and ranks first in defensive efficiency and opponent eFG% (effective field goal percentage) on its home floor. Additionally, the Timberwolves have a 13-9-2 record against the spread at home and boast the fourth-highest winning percentage there, too.
Milwaukee is too talented to keep playing at such a mediocre level, but this isn’t the optimal spot for it to find its groove. We will lay the points with Minnesota.
Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves -4.5 (-110)
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Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Best Odds
On Friday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves are five-point home favorites against the Milwaukee Bucks. Minnesota has Moneyline odds of -192 to secure its 40th win of the 2023-24 campaign and continue holding the Oklahoma City Thunder off for first place in the Western Conference, while the Bucks are +160 dogs to steal a much-needed road win after a shaky start to the Doc Rivers regime. The point total for this clash between two titans of the NBA rests at 225 points. The Over and the Under both have -110 odds as of Thursday night, but could change leading up to tip-off.
Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineup
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Malik Beasley
SF: Jae Crowder
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Brook Lopez
Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineup
PG: Mike Conley Jr.
SG: Anthony Edwards
SF: Jaden McDaniels
PF: Karl Anthony-Towns
C: Rudy Gobert
Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Injuries
Khris Middleton has still been unable to practice with the team due to a lingering ankle injury, so he is expected to miss this game and, possibly, the next few games. Danilo Gallinari is the only other player who might be sidelined, as he recently signed a contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Meanwhile, Minnesota continues to boast a healthy roster, with Jaylen Clark (Achilles) listed as the only player who will miss this non-conference matchup.
