Indiana Pacers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 07/03/2024, 06:30  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Indiana Pacers will play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the NBA on Thursday night. The hosts are 35-28 and eighth in the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are 43-19 and lead the Western Conference. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been in impressive form, securing victories in eight of their last 11 games overall. They will now aim to maintain their winning streak after narrowly defeating the struggling Trail Blazers with a 119-114 win on Monday. Rudy Gobert stood out, leading the team with 25 points and 16 rebounds, while Mike Conley contributed 19 points along with seven assists. The Timberwolves rank 19th in scoring in the NBA with an average of 113.3 points per game, while the Indiana squad ranks 28th defensively in the league, conceding 122 points per game. Interestingly, Minnesota scores fewer points at home, averaging 111.7 points per game, compared to 115 points per game on the road. Defensively, they have shown improvement, allowing 105 or fewer points in three of their last five games and conceding an average of 106.5 points per game, leading the NBA in this aspect. There are concerns regarding the availability of Jordan McLaughlin, Josh Minott, Jaylen Clarke, and Karl-Anthony Towns for their upcoming match. 

Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers have been showing promise, winning five of their last eight games and will be determined to maintain their momentum following a commanding 137-120 road victory over the Mavericks on Tuesday. Myles Turner led the charge with 20 points, while Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin each contributed 19 points. The Pacers currently lead the NBA in scoring, averaging 123.5 points per game, while the Timberwolves boast the league's best defense, allowing only 106.5 points per game. Notably, Indiana's offense performs significantly better in home games, where they average 126.3 points per game compared to 120.6 points per game on the road. However, they have encountered defensive challenges, conceding at least 120 points in three of their last five games and allowing an average of 122 points, placing them 28th in the league in this regard. Doug McDermott and Bennedict Mathurin's availability for the upcoming match remains uncertain.