Milwaukee Bucks vs Minnesota Timberwolves Preview (11/4/22): Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds

The undefeated Milwaukee Bucks head to Minnesota to take on the struggling Timberwolves in a non-conference matchup. I cover this Friday night game below; check out the expected starting lineups, my game prediction, the current odds, and the extensive injury report!

Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Odds

Milwaukee is a 3.5-point road favorite against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that feels like they are not far from sinking. The Bucks have had a similar injury report all season; they will be without Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have two key players, Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, who are questionable due to sickness. Keep an eye on the injury report throughout the day to see the most updated status on Gobert and Edwards!

Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction

Minnesota has had a gross schedule thus far in the 2022-23 season; it has faced the San Antonio Spurs three times, the Oklahoma City Thunder twice, as well as the Lakers and the Jazz. Despite that schedule being arguably the easiest in the NBA, Minnesota could only come away with four wins out of seven games. Then, the T’Wolves finally had a formidable matchup with the Phoenix Suns and were comfortably handled by them, even with a colossal frontcourt advantage.

For this matchup, the Timberwolves could be without Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert, who are both battling illnesses, and they likely won’t be 100% healthy if they can play. Keep an eye on this as the day progresses to see their status, but I’d hammer the Bucks against the spread early, as this number will only widen if one or both of them are listed as out.

Milwaukee has started this season on absolute fire, winning every game so far and covering six of its first seven games, despite being without Khris Middleton. The Bucks received some criticism during the regular season last year due to their inconsistency, especially on defense; however, they have shown up in every game on that end of the floor. They rank first in defensive rating by a wide margin and first in opponent eFG% (effective field goal percentage.)

If the Bucks continue to play defense at this level, they will be tough to beat on any given night. This is not an ideal matchup for Minnesota; Jevon Carter and Jrue Holiday will force Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell into tough shots, while Karl Anthony-Towns will be chased around by the current favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, Giannis Antetokounmpo. I’ll stick with the Bucks against the spread and grab them at this discount; even if Edwards and Gobert play, they may not be at 100%.

Betting Trends

• Milwaukee is 1-0 ATS on the road in 2022-23
• Minnesota is 2-3 ATS at home in 2022-23

Key Matchups

A frontcourt dual between Karl Anthony-Towns and Giannis Antetokounmpo marks the key matchup between the Timberwolves and Bucks. I cover this matchup and dive deeper below, so take a look.

Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Karl Anthony-Towns

Giannis has taken a step forward this season; however, it wasn’t necessarily how people expected him to take that step. Antetokounmpo is a clear front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year, as he anchors the Bucks’ defense that ranks first in opponent eFG% and defensive rating.

Antetokounmpo is a matchup nightmare, and KAT will likely have to chase him around the floor. While KAT is mobile, he should tire quickly in this matchup due to the sheer physical demand of defending Giannis. Then, on the other side of the floor, KAT will have to try and create separation offensively against Giannis, who is longer, quicker, and more athletic. It’s going to be tough for KAT to get clean looks on offense, and he has the toughest matchup in the NBA on defense. Advantage: Giannis.

Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineups

PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Grayson Allen
SF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
PF: Bobby Portis
C: Brook Lopez

Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineup

PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Anthony Edwards
SF: Jaden McDaniels
PF: Karl Anthony-Towns
C: Rudy Gobert

Key Injuries

Milwaukee Bucks Injuries: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Q), Khris Middleton (Out), Pat Connaughton (Out), A.J. Green (Out), Joe Ingles (Out)

Minnesota Timberwolves Injuries: Rudy Gobert (Q), Anthony Edwards (Q)