The Phoenix Suns (24-21) and Minnesota Timberwolves (25-21) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. ET from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The game will broadcast live on NBA League Pass and AZFamily.
The Suns are 1.5-point favorites over the Timberwolves on the spread (Suns -1.5), with the over/under set at 219.5 total points. Phoenix is a -120 favorite to win outright, while Minnesota is +100 to pull off the upset.
Let's get to my Timberwolves vs. Suns predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, January 29.
Timberwolves vs. Suns Prediction
Spread
The spread for this game opened at Suns -2 and started taking some Timberwolves action right away. It got to a consensus Wolves +1, and then a report popped up that Kevin Durant was questionable with a thumb injury and the line then moved another few ticks to Wolves as a short favorite at -1. I think all of this is very valuable information and actually actionable on the Wolves side.
If Durant plays, we know the price will be Phoenix -1.5. We know the questionable label still carries some uncertainty in both directions, and if Durant is out, the Wolves will be -3.5 favorites on the road. Because of the info, the timing, and the value of all of those numbers, securing Wolves -1.5 now is a great grab.
If Durant does play, the -CLV position will be through relatively insignificant numbers and not that bad, but can be a great ticket to have if Durant misses.
We know sharp action started to come in even before Kevin Durant's thumb injury news, so I still believe this is a Wolves spot relative to the numbers regardless of Durant being in our out (but out would be NICE for Wolves bettors).
Moneyline
The moneyline is now out to -110 for both teams. That is a fair price to pay, and I would be fine playing either the moneyline or the spread at these prices.
I usually opt to buy the insurance when it is given at fair value, and moneylines are the most flexible option to work with if needed, so give me the Wolves -11o as my best bet.
Over/Under
The total for this game opened at 219.5. When the Durant injury news came down, it dropped to 216.5. If Durant is active, this goes back up to 218.5 or higher. If he is out, it drops another two points. It is truly sitting in the middle without much certainty either way.
This represents a stay-away spot for me, we had no movement in this market prior to the Durant news, so its clear the moves are because of the uncertainty on the injury reports, not sharp action coming in.
My Pick: Timberwolves ML (+100)
Timberwolves vs. Suns Odds, Spread, Over/Under
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 219.5 -110o / -110u | +100 |
| Suns Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1 -110 | 219.5 -110o / -110u | -120 |
- Timberwolves vs. Suns spread: Suns -1.5
- Timberwolves vs. Suns over/under: 219.5 points
- Timberwolves vs. Suns moneyline: Wolves +100, Suns -120
- Timberwolves vs. Suns best bet: Timberwolves ML (+100)
My Suns vs. Timberwolves best bet is on Minnesota moneyline, with the best line currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns NBA Wednesday Preview
I do wonder whether or not Kevin Durant hurt his thumb by spending too much time on twitter, LOL. Regardless of Durant's injury, there were market signals that this was shaping up to be a Wolves spot, and they are the side that I want to back.
The Timberwolves have been playing really well recently, the change to the starting lineup, the emergence of Rob Dillingham off the bench as a scorer, the better shooting from the Wolves role players has brought them back to a solid and definite playoff team.
The Suns are still disorganized, dealing with trade rumors involving Jimmy Butler, off-court drama with Bradley Beal and his family being heckled at a recent game, and tension between Jusuf Nurkić and Coach Bud, with Nurkić claiming they haven't spoken in two months — even though he was only benched two weeks ago!
The Suns are a team I do not want to back, the Wolves I do, and we get the benefit of a possible Kevin Durant absence.
Timberwolves vs. Suns Picks, Predictions
The best bet for this game is the Wolves ML. We already know they were the sharp side in the early betting market before the Durant questionable tag came in, and that number may go further if Durant does miss.
This is the right time to buy in on the Wolves as they are rounding into form, and I expect them to continue against a disorganized Suns team that as stated above, is clearly still shuffling things around.
For a small parlay, take on Jaden McDaniels under, as he should be working overtime on defense to deal with Devin Booker, Beal, Durant if he does play.
The Suns are loaded with wing scorers, so possible defensive minded game for McDaniels with a higher risk of foul trouble as well.
Best Bet: Timberwolves Moneyline (+100)
Timberwolves vs. Suns Same Game Parlay
- Timberwolves ML
- Jaden McDaniels Under 12.5 Points
Parlay Payout: +246
Timberwolves vs. Suns Betting Trends
