This is an 8th vs. 7th matchup, with the Timberwolves on the road to Phoenix. Despite the trouble both teams have faced, this game will be massive to see who will rise in the Western Conference standings. With trade rumors flying around both teams, tonight could be a key deciding factor for the future of both franchises. Catch all the action at 6:00 PM PT.
Kevin Durant Questionable
Ryan Dunn Questionable
Naz Reid Questionable
Rob Dillingham Questionable
Donte DiVincnzo Out
Terrence Shannon Jr Out
Both of these teams will be scrapping for this game. Phoenix has managed to pull itself out of the death spiral but is still dancing with the play-in game. The Suns have struggled to find the right balance on the roster. It’s inherently flawed, but with some duct tape and MacGyvering, they've found pieces to help keep the season afloat. The addition of Nick Richards has helped stabilize the center position after a falling out with Jusuf Nurkic. Still, this team remains dangerously top-heavy and nearly out of tools to fix it.
The Timberwolves haven’t been much better. They’ve struggled to find consistency with the roster all year. They just don’t seem to have complementary pieces, which has led to some rocky times. They’re doing better now on a three-game win streak, but they’re right with the Suns on the edge of complete disaster.
The matchup between these two will be intriguing. With Kevin Durant questionable, this game will likely be over before it starts if he’s out. If he’s playing, this game gets interesting. With Durant, Phoenix can outscore the Wolves nine times out of ten, but the front-court difference might still give the advantage to Minnesota. They could steal plenty of points in the paint, with Naz Reid, Rudy Gobert, and Julius Randle.
Expect this game to turn into a rock fight. With Edwards and Booker battling on the perimeter and Durant trying to hold down the interior on defense. However, this game will likely come down to the three-ball, with Phoenix attempting to shoot Minnesota out of the building. I’m still leaning towards the Wolves, though. With their size advantage, Anthony Edwards, and superior depth, they’re the better team.
Money line: PHO (+100) / MIN (-120)
Total Points: 218
Spread: +1.5 PHO (-105) /-1.5 MIN (-115)
The Suns have been such a challenging team to call this year. However, with all the ongoing drama, the Wolves feel like the better team. With Anthony Edwards and the size down low, they’ll have a great chance to take out the Suns.
Considering this line has dropped nearly 10 points from its opening, the over feels more appealing now. With only 218 points on the total now, this is an easy line to take.
Honestly, with a one-point spread, you can take it over the money line. It’s not a massive value, but taking the extra few points on the line isn’t the worst. Either way, the spread is a wash for this game.
Devin Booker Over 25.5 Points (-125)
Booker has been the rock of the Suns. He has been averaging 27 points a game this month and isn’t looking back. The Wolves will be a tough matchup, but with the backcourt showing cracks, Booker can exploit them! Don’t be surprised if Booker has a massive game tonight!
Rudy Gobert Double Double Yes (+115)
With 19 double-doubles on the year, tonight will be an excellent opportunity for Gobert to snag another. With plus odds on the line and Phoenix’s lack of dependable centers, he’ll likely be able to squeeze over the double-double mark!
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 2.5 Assits (+124)
Alexander-Walker has not been a force when getting assists. He’s only averaging two per game this month. However, this could be a night he can grab a couple more. Facing off against an awful Phoenix bench unit, he’ll likely be able to find a back door pass or hit the open man on the perimeter all night. With plus money for only three assists, this is a tempting line!
Kevin Durant Over 5.5 Rebounds (-154)
This might be the most straightforward line of the night. There have only been four games this month Durant hasn’t had six rebounds. With the center rotation in Phoenix gone to hell, he’s been picking up a ton of the workload. Even with the addition of Nick Richardson, Durant has been a key player in securing the Phoenix boards.