Minnesota Timberwolves vs
Utah JazzPredictions & Preview

Timberwolves to Face Jazz in Season Opener with Timberwolves Favored to Win

The upcoming 2024-25 NBA season will begin with a matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Utah Jazz on Thursday, January 30 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. The Timberwolves will be aiming for their sixth consecutive win against the Jazz as they kick off their four-game series. Minnesota is currently the betting favorite with a -7.5 opening line that has remained unchanged. For more details on this matchup and other NBA picks for Thursday night, continue reading.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Timberwolves -290 | Jazz +245
• Spread: Timberwolves -7.5 (-110) | Jazz +7.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 224.25 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Minnesota will win straight-up is 74%.

Minnesota vs Utah Stats

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been on a winning streak, with three consecutive victories against tough opponents. Anthony Edwards has been a standout player, scoring 34 points against the Nuggets and 23 against the Hawks. However, there are concerns about injuries to Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, as well as player availability for their upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns. Despite their recent success, the Timberwolves are ranked 22nd in offense and 4th in defense, with a record of 26-21 for the season. They have strong shooting percentages but struggle with turnovers. Overall, the Timberwolves have shown potential but still have room for improvement.

Utah Jazz Analysis

The Utah Jazz have struggled recently, winning only one of their last 11 games and riding a seven-game losing streak. They have allowed at least 123 points in five of those games and are 3-4 against the spread during that stretch. In their recent loss to the Golden State Warriors, despite holding the Warriors to 39.1% shooting from the field, the Jazz failed to cover the spread. They were missing several key players due to injuries, with John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler, and Johnny Juzang all listed as day-to-day. The Jazz currently have a power ranking of 21 and rank 20th in offense and 28th in defense in the league. They have an overall record of 10-35 and are 23-22 against the spread. In their last three matchups against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Jazz went 3-0. On offense, the Jazz shoot 45.57% from the field and 35.38% from three-point range, while averaging 45.33 rebounds per game. Defensively, they allow opponents to shoot 47.72% from the field and 35.62% from three-point range.

Timberwolves favored to secure victory and cover spread against struggling Jazz

I am favoring the Timberwolves to secure a victory and cover the spread in their upcoming game against the Jazz. Despite playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Timberwolves are expected to have sufficient energy to overcome Utah's defensive shortcomings. Utah has struggled defensively throughout the season, ranking near the bottom of the league in both adjusted defensive efficiency and defensive turnover percentage. In contrast, the Timberwolves have been solid defensively, allowing the fifth fewest points per 100 possessions in the NBA. Furthermore, recent head-to-head matchups have seen the Timberwolves emerge victorious, with the Jazz failing to cover the spread in their last three encounters. As a result, I believe the Timberwolves are well-positioned to come out on top in this upcoming game.

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