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Bucks vs. Timberwolves NBA expert prediction and odds for Friday, Feb 23 (Target total)

By Reed Wallach

Feb 12, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9), center Brook
Feb 12, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9), center Brook / Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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Two teams at the top of both the Eastern and Western Conference start the second half of the season against one another on Friday.

The Bucks will hope to round into its title contending form against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Minnesota on Friday night. Minnesota is in pole position to secure the top seed in the West behind its league best defense, will it hold up against an elite offense in the Bucks?

Let's preview Friday's marquee matchup:

Bucks vs. Timberwolves Odds, Spread and Total

Timberwolves vs. Bucks Betting Trends

  • The Bucks are 21-35 against the spread (ATS) this season
  • The Timberwolves are 29-24-2 ATS this season
  • The Bucks are 1-5 ATS as an underdog this season

Bucks vs. Timberwolves Injury Reports

Bucks Injury Report

  • Pat Connaughton - questionable
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo - probable
  • Khris Middleton - OUT

Timberwolves Injury Report

  • Jaylen Clark - OUT

Bucks vs. Timberwolves How to Watch

  • Date: Friday, February 23rd
  • Game Time: 10:00 PM EST
  • Venue: Target Center
  • How to Watch (TV): ESPN
  • Bucks Record: 35-21
  • Timberwolves Record: 39-16

Bucks vs. Timberwolves Key Players to Watch

Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo: While he won't get an MVP consideration, Antetokounmpo is still playing like one, averaging nearly 31 points per game while almost grabbing 11 rebounds per game and dishing out six assists. He'll be matched up against a talented frontcourt of the Timberwolves, led by Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner Rudy Gobert, can the Greek Freak shine again?

Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards: The Bucks defense has been below league average all season as it lacks the dynamic play on the perimeter to slow down lead guards, meaning Edwards may be in for a big outing. Averaging a career best 26 points per game, Edwards will look to jumpstart the T'Wolves press for the No. 1 seed in the West with a big showing.

Bucks vs. Timberwolves Prediction and Pick

The Bucks defense has underwhelmed all season. The acquisition of Damian Lillard in place of defensive stalwart Jrue Holiday has left the unit vulnerable on that side of the ball, 17th in points allowed per 100 possessions, per NBA.com.

However, the offense remains dynamic as Lillard has stretched the floor and opened easy lanes for Antetokounmpo to drive through. This season, the Bucks are fifth in points per 100 possessions while playing at a top-five pace.

While the T'Wolves have the best defense in the league by a considerable margin, the team won't suffocate Milwaukee's offense. There is simply too much firepower, setting up an over bet in this one.

Minnesota is a league-average offense, but has more than enough weapons to take advantage of a leaky Bucks defense.

Take the over in this battle of postseason clubs.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Track Reed's bets here!

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