Minnesota Timberwolves Vs. Washington Wizards: Predictions, Starting Lineups (1/24/24)
On Wednesday (1/24/24), the Washington Wizards host the Minnesota Timberwolves. In this article, find a prediction for the game and the latest odds on the spread and total. In addition, find our best bet which is the Timberwolves to be leading after all four quarters at -122 on FanDuel.
Minnesota Timberwolves Vs. Washington Wizards Prediction
The last time we saw the Timberwolves take the court, it was a memorable game in a number of ways. Karl-Anthony Towns set the Minnesota franchise record with 62 points scored, but it shockingly came in a home loss to the Hornets with the Wolves as 13.5-point home favorites. Minnesota led by as many as 18 points against a rudderless Charlotte team, but wound up losing by 3.
Perhaps fittingly, Towns air balled a three-pointer at the buzzer to seal his team’s fate. Head coach Chris Finch didn’t mince his words in his postgame press conference, saying his team “totally disrespected the game” with “immature performances” and got what it deserved with the loss.
“We totally disrespected the game”
Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch was beyond disappointed with his team tonight… and confirmed KAT was simply “hunting a big number”
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 23, 2024
On Tuesday night, Oklahoma City topped Minnesota as the number one seed in the Western Conference with a win, and you know that won’t sit well with this Timberwolves team, especially after their home loss to OKC on Saturday. I expect to see an invigorated effort from the Wolves right out of the gates against a hapless Wizards team.
Washington has a dreadful defense, ranking 28th in defensive rating, and I expect Anthony Edwards to lead the scoring charge for the Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Washington is also the worst rebounding team in the NBA, so Towns and Rudy Gobert should feast on the boards.
I don’t think you can go wrong with laying the points with the Wolves in this game, and I’d rarely say that about a double digit favorite on the road in the NBA in January. However, we don’t have to wonder about this team’s motivation levels in this game, and they should make quick work of the Wizards.
I love the value on Minnesota to be leading after all four quarters at -122 on FanDuel, but if your book doesn’t have that offered, I also like the Timberwolves ATS in the first quarter. I’m seeing that right now at -4.5 on PointsBet. Ultimately, I’m betting on Minnesota starting fast and crushing any thought of a comeback after what happened in their last game.
Minnesota Timberwolves Vs. Washington Wizards Prediction: Timberwolves to be Leading After All Four Quarters (-122)
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Minnesota Timberwolves Vs. Washington Wizards Best Odds
At the time I’m writing this, the Timberwolves are priced as 11.5-point road favorites against the Wizards. The total is currently sitting at 230.5 points. Those numbers would indicate an implied score of around 121-109 in favor of Minnesota.
Minnesota Timberwolves Starting Lineup
PG: Mike Conley
SG: Anthony Edwards
SF: Jaden McDaniels
PF: Karl-Anthony Towns
C: Rudy Gobert
Washington Wizards Starting Lineup
PG: Tyus Jones
SG: Jordan Poole
SF: Deni Avdija
PF: Kyle Kuzma
C: Daniel Gafford
Minnesota Timberwolves Vs. Washington Wizards Injuries
Neither of these teams have any significant injuries worth monitoring for this game.
Minnesota Timberwolves Vs. Washington Wizards Key Matchups
The Timberwolves watched as Karl-Anthony Towns took 35 shots on Monday, and it clearly hurt the overall offensive efficiency in the second half as he was hunting for shots. Anthony Edwards in particular took a hit as he finished with just 9 points on 3-11 shooting overall and 1-5 from 3-point range.
I’m expecting a significant bounce back game from Edwards on Wednesday against a Washington defense that allows 23.8 points per game to shooting guards, the seventh-most in the NBA. Edwards admitted his team was “unfocused” against the Hornets, and I expect him to be aggressive in helping them bounce back.
If you’re looking to bet on Edwards in this game, I’d look for a line on his first quarter points. As I’m writing this, I’m seeing -140 odds on DraftKings on Edwards to score over 7.5 points in the first quarter. Edwards has played all 12 minutes in the first quarter in every game since December 20, and since then, he has 8+ points in eight of nine games where the Wolves win the first quarter.
Edwards is averaging 25.5 points per game, and he’s receiving some MVP buzz in his fourth season in the NBA. Whether it’s Tyus Jones, Jordan Poole, or Deni Avidja guarding him on Wednesday, there’s nobody on the Washington roster who gives me pause as to whether or not Edwards can light up the scoreboard. His ability to score is a huge reason why I love the Wolves in my Timberwolves vs. Wizards prediction.
ANTHONY EDWARDS YOU ARE RIDICULOUS
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 19, 2024
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