NBA
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Kick Off Time: 07.30 pm, ET Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas SportsBoom previews the NBA inter-conference match between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Wednesday, 22nd January 2025. With the season approaching its mid-point, anticipation and excitement are building ahead of tipoff, and NBA betting fans are already diving into the odds and assessing both teams, hoping to find the best value. Be sure to check out our full preview and place your bets on the best betting sites for NBA.
Kyrie Irving and Anthony Edwards//Getty Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves will travel to Dallas to face the Dallas Mavericks in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference final. The two teams have already squared up twice this season, with each team claiming a win. The Minnesota Timberwolves have regressed from last season’s remarkable performance that saw them finish third in the West. The offseason departure of superstar big man Karl-Anthony Towns seems to have been a terrible trade that has set the franchise back. However, in hindsight, some would blame the new CBA for being responsible for tearing apart last season’s devastating core, as it contains punishing restrictions for teams that go well above the luxury-tax line. Chemistry issues have continued to rock the franchise resulting in an eighth-place rank on the Western Conference standings.
On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks have been terrible. After beginning the season in fantastic form, many expected them to be among the top teams in the conference, due to their strong additions in the offseason and continued roster development. However, they have been on free fall of late, with injuries to their franchise player Luca Doncic and his co-star Kyrie Irving, who has however returned, proving to be detrimental. The Mavericks are seventh on the Western Conference log.
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Minnesota Timberwolves: 7/5 (2.40) – 42%
Dallas Mavericks: 4/7 (1.57) – 63%
Forecast Odds – Betting available on Stake closer to event
Head-to-Head Record
The Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves have played 138 games in the regular season with 78 victories for the Mavericks and 60 for the Timberwolves. In the playoffs, they have played each other eight times, with the Mavericks been utterly dominant, claiming seven victories to the Timberwolves’ one.
Over a recent five-game stretch, the Mavericks have claimed two victories while the Timberwolves have claimed three.
LAST FIVE MATCHES
| Season | Date | Result |
| 2024/2025 | December 25th 2024 | Dallas Mavericks 99- 105 Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2024/2025 | October 29th 2024 | Minnesota Timberwolves 114-120 Dallas Mavericks |
| 2023/2024 | January 31st 2024 | Minnesota Timberwolves 121-87 Dallas Mavericks |
| 2023/2024 | January 7th 2024 | Dallas Mavericks 115-108 Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2023/2024 | December 28th 2023 | Minnesota Timberwolves 118-110 Dallas Mavericks |
HOW IS THE SEASON SO FAR FOR BOTH TEAMS?
Dallas Mavericks: Current Form – LLLWW
- Overall Record: 22-19
- Home Record: 12-8
- Away Record: 10-11
The Dallas Mavericks haven’t lived up to the billing so far this season, with a 22-19 record that sees them sit in seventh place in the Western Conference standings.
Much was expected from the team after making it to the NBA Finals last season, coupled with one of the best off-season roster shakeups. However, to say things haven’t gone to plan would be an understatement.
In last season’s matchup against the Boston Celtics, one of Maverick’s kryptonite was elite perimeter shooting and defense. To address this, they went out during the offseason and acquired Klay Thompson. However, this dynamic has emerged to be unexpectedly lukewarm.
Naji Marshall and Spencer Dinwiddie have ignited the rotation unit but still, the Mavericks are far from where they would like to be, mostly as a result of chemistry issues and injuries. Their franchise player Luca Doncic has missed games due to a wrist strain and a left calf strain, the latter of which coincidentally developed during their last match-up on Christmas day in Dallas. His backcourt star partner, Kyrie Irving has also been plagued with different injuries robbing the franchise of a chance to field their most potent lineup.
The role players for Dallas will have to get their act together, besides getting their full arsenal back on the court, if they are to avoid falling further into the brutal and vastly improved Western Conference standings.
Key Players to Watch
- Kyrie Irving: Kyrie Irving is one of the best point guards in the NBA. When on form, he is virtually un-guardable. Irving has a deep skillet and an array of moves in his bag that can’t be matched by anyone in the history of the game. Although he has been hampered by injuries this season, Irving has averaged 23.9 points per game.
- Klay Thompson: Klay Thompson hit 16,000 career points after the Sunday game against the Nuggets, in addition to leading his team with 25 points, six rebounds and two assists. The guard calms the storm in the Mavericks, and he stands out as a safe lineup option, given that he averages 14.2 points per game.
- Spencer Dinwiddie: Dinwiddie has consistently contributed to the Mavericks and in the absence of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, he has been a key support on the scoring front. He has excellent offensive skills and can perform impressively in the face of pressure. In recent matchups, Dinwiddie has improved his shooting skills and is key to helping the Mavericks withstand the injuries.
Dallas Mavericks Team News
Dereck Lively II is out with an ankle injury as is Luka Doncic who is rehabilitating his calf strain. Dante Exum who underwent wrist surgery will remain sidelined.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Current Form – LWLWW
- Overall Record: 21-19
- Home Record: 10-9
- Away Record: 11-10
The Timberwolves aren’t lighting the world on fire as they sit in eighth position in the Western Conference standings, with a decent 21-19 record. They were expected to become a juggernaut, especially considering they possessed one of the most balanced rosters in the NBA last season.
Franchise player Anthony Edwards has started the season on fire, as his game looks to take significant growth, although his production has waned as teams continue to double him up on defense. Last year’s Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert, is still on the same trajectory as last year but he continues to be limited on offense, mostly relying on lobs and clean-ups from offensive rebounds.
The 2024 Sixth Man of the Year, Naz Reid, continues to provide buckets in bunches from the bench as Jaden McDaniels continues to provide elite defense on the wing and consistent three-point shooting.
Chemistry has been the biggest issue for the Timberwolves, as new additions such as Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and rookie Rob Dillingham continue to adapt to coach Chris Finch’s schemes. This has resulted in inconsistent games from the trio, with some nights being great and others being poor.
This matchup is always a blockbuster and although it may deprive fans of the elite superstars' duel, which they are often accustomed to due to injuries, it remains an entertaining contest since both teams have a lot at stake.
Key Players to Watch
- Anthony Edwards: Anthony Edwards is the franchise player of the Timberwolves after Karl-Anthony Towns was traded to the New York Knicks. Anthony Edwards has been dubbed as the next face of the league and rightly so. This season he’s averaging 25.9 points per game and has taken his clutch performance to the next level.
- Julius Randle: Julius Randle was one of the best players for the New York Knicks and is credited for turning his former franchise into a playoff contender. In Minnesota, chemistry has been an issue for Randle, who is yet to fully get accustomed to being a sidekick to a dominant ball handler. However, he can destroy teams in an instant, as he has already showcased in some games.
- Rudy Gobert: Rudy Gobert is a defensive nightmare for opposing teams. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year is a lockdown paint defender and the defensive anchor for the Timberwolves. This season he is averaging ten points per game, 10.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.
Minnesota Timberwolves Team News
Donte DiVincenzo and Leonard Miller are questionable to suit up for this game due to a left big toe sprain and illness respectively. Terrence Shannon Jr. will miss the next 2-to-4 weeks after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 mid-foot sprain.
Predicted Lineups
Ensure that you closely follow up on these team lineups, as they might change based on injuries and other significant team dynamics.
Dallas Mavericks Lineup
- Point Guard: Kyrie Irving
- Shooting Guard: Klay Thompson
- Small Forward: Naji Marshall
- Power Forward: P.J. Washington Jr.
- Center: Daniel Gafford
Minnesota Timberwolves Lineup
- Point Guard: Mike Conley
- Shooting Guard: Anthony Edwards
- Small Forward: Jaden McDaniels
- Power Forward: Julius Randle
- Center: Rudy Gobert
Suggested Bets
These bets are subject to change since the actual bets will appear closer to the game date.
The Minnesota Timberwolves to Win: The Timberwolves are likely to secure a victory over the Mavericks, who lack their top guns due to injuries to Derrick Lively and Luca Doncic.
Over 210.5 points: Although both teams have strong offensive capabilities, the Timberwolves’ strong defense might hinder the Mavericks’ ability to make explosive scores. Therefore, the points may not cross over to higher levels.
Timberwolves to Cover the Spread: The Timberwolves are aggressive and highly competitive this season, hence they will most likely beat the Mavericks by a notable difference, particularly in the absence of Luka Doncic.
Value Bets
These bets are informed by players’ recent performances. The actual odds and betting lines will be available closer to the event. Keep track of upcoming matchups and injury updates as you place the bets.
Anthony Edwards – (Over 24.5 points): Edwards has been a pivotal scorer for the Timberwolves, given that he averages at least 25 points this season. With a high volume of minutes and shots, he is likely to go over 25 points.
Rudy Gobert – (Over 10 rebounds): This is a solid choice, given that Gobert has maintained consistency in being one of the leading rebounders in the league. He has been averaging at least 11 rebounds per game this season, making this a potentially productive pick.
Kyrie Irving – (Over 20 points): The Mavericks are in dire need of compensating for Doncic’s absence; hence Irving’s scoring capabilities will be heavily outsourced in this matchup. He is capable of scoring over 20 points without breaking a sweat, making this pick viable.
Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves to Win
Timberwolves are likely to carry the day in this match, as they have maintained a solid form in their recent matchups. They have openly and consistently exhibited depth on both offense and defense, unlike the Mavericks, who are struggling to maintain wins, partly because of Doncic’s absence.
Although Kyrie Irving’s return cushions the Maverick’s offense, he cannot carry the entire offensive weight of the team, given that he is sparingly appearing in matches.
The Timberwolves have an upper hand on this one. If you’re looking to back the Timberwolves or explore other betting opportunities, our list of betting sites is the perfect starting point.
Ian Mugo Wanyeki is based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is a sports enthusiast with vast knowledge of different sport disciplines. Ian is a graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Kenyatta University. He is a Kenyan journalist who’s worked as a sports analyst at Covenant Television Network, as a sports reporter at NTV and as a Sports Correspondent/contributor at Quartz Africa.
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