Minnesota (32-29) at Phoenix (28-32)
- When: Mar 2 2025, 9:30 PM
- Where: PHX Arena, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- TV: ESPN
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Preview & Predictions
Phoenix is favored by 2.0 | Total: 231.5
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves are in free fall, having lost six of their last eight games and slipping to ninth place in the Western Conference standings. Once a team that looked like a playoff lock, Minnesota now finds itself just 3.5 games ahead of Phoenix and dangerously close to the play-in zone.
Their most recent loss came in heartbreaking fashion against Utah, as Walker Kessler’s late dunk sealed a 117-116 defeat. That game was played without Anthony Edwards, who was suspended for reaching 16 technical fouls this season.
While coach Chris Finch refused to speculate on how the game might have turned out with Edwards, the reality is clear—Minnesota isn’t the same team as last season, when they won 56 games. Even if they were to win out, they wouldn’t match that total.
Minnesota needs to rediscover its urgency, something Donte DiVincenzo addressed after the Utah loss:
“It’s not the panic button, but you look at the standings, and if you string four or five together, you climb four spots. You lose four or five, and you drop five slots. There has to be a higher sense of urgency.”
The Wolves have had Phoenix’s number this season, winning both previous matchups while Edwards torched the Suns for 28.5 PPG. Before his suspension, he had scored 20+ points in 18 straight games, though his last two outings (17 vs. OKC, 18 vs. the Lakers) were underwhelming. Expect Edwards to come out aggressive against a Phoenix squad that has been bleeding points all season.
Player Props to Watch for Minnesota:
Anthony Edwards Over 26.5 Points – Edwards has dominated Phoenix this season and will look to bounce back.
Naz Reid Over 10.5 Rebounds – Facing a Suns team that struggles on the glass, Reid should feast.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns’ struggles have been even worse than Minnesota’s, losing 10 of their last 13 games and sliding to 11th place, meaning they currently sit outside the play-in tournament.
However, they may have turned a corner in Friday’s 125-108 victory over New Orleans, snapping a 12-game streak of allowing 117+ points. Bol Bol exploded for 25 points (one shy of his career high), while Nick Richards contributed 19 points and 12 rebounds in the much-needed win.
Bol’s five made threes were a career best, and his growing confidence could give the Suns another offensive weapon:
“I’m feeling pretty good. My teammates are keeping my confidence up, and they tell me to shoot when I’m open and stay aggressive,” Bol said.
The Suns have dealt with off-court distractions, including reports of a toxic locker room and a rumored request from coach Mike Budenholzer to Devin Booker to soften his critical comments.
Booker, however, has made it clear that the team can’t keep making excuses:
“It’s time to draw a line and stop with the ‘get them next time’ mentality,” Booker said after Thursday’s 124-116 loss to New Orleans.
Budenholzer backed his star guard, saying Booker’s intensity and expectations to win are exactly what the Suns need to turn things around.
Phoenix has also been banged up, with Bradley Beal (calf) missing the last two games, and Grayson Allen (foot) sitting out on Friday. Their status remains uncertain heading into Sunday.
Player Props to Watch for Phoenix:
Devin Booker Over 26.5 Points – With the Suns desperate for wins, expect Booker to take over offensively.
Bol Bol Over 1.5 Made Threes – Coming off a career-best five triples, Bol will have the green light again.
Betting Predictions
Spread Pick: Minnesota (+110) – The Wolves have already beaten Phoenix twice this season, and Edwards should return with a vengeance.
Over/Under: Over 231.5 – Both teams have been struggling defensively, and the Suns have allowed 100+ points in 17 straight games.
Final Score Prediction: Minnesota 119, Phoenix 115 – The Wolves regroup and hand Phoenix yet another tough loss.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
