Indiana (37-29) at Minnesota (40-29)
- When: Mar 17 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- TV: FDSIN
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Indiana Pacers: Betting Preview and Prediction
Minnesota (-8.0) | Total: 229.0
Minnesota Timberwolves: Extending the Streak and Dominating at Home
The Timberwolves are rolling into this matchup with serious momentum, riding an eight-game winning streak, their longest of the season. Minnesota has been dominant during this stretch, securing six double-digit victories, including a 128-102 rout of Utah on Sunday.
Anthony Edwards continues to establish himself as one of the league’s elite scorers, dropping 41 points in the win over the Jazz and moving to third all-time in franchise scoring. With 8,731 points in just five seasons, he’s chasing down Kevin Garnett (19,201) and Karl-Anthony Towns (13,121).
Offensively, Minnesota has plenty of weapons beyond Edwards. Julius Randle has provided consistent scoring at 18.9 points per game, while Naz Reid (14.6 PPG) and Jaden McDaniels (12.7 PPG) add depth. Rudy Gobert’s defensive presence (11.1 PPG, 10.4 RPG) makes the Timberwolves tough to beat in the paint.
With home-court advantage and a Pacers team missing key players, Minnesota looks primed to continue its dominance.
Indiana Pacers: Key Injuries Could Be Costly
Indiana comes into this game following a 126-119 loss to Milwaukee on Saturday, which snapped a two-game win streak. The Pacers had previously beaten the Bucks and 76ers, showing they can hang with top-tier teams, but they’ll have a much tougher task in this one.
Pascal Siakam (20.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG) has been ruled out for personal reasons, and the injury report is concerning. Tyrese Haliburton (back), Myles Turner (hip), and Aaron Nesmith (ankle) are all listed as questionable, putting even more pressure on Bennedict Mathurin (15.9 PPG) to step up.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle admitted that the team needs to clean up its execution after the loss to Milwaukee, especially with defensive lapses and lineup adjustments causing issues.
Betting Prediction: Minnesota Rolls at Home
Minnesota is firing on all cylinders, while Indiana enters this matchup short-handed and on the second night of a back-to-back. The Timberwolves’ depth, defensive strength, and Edwards’ scoring ability should be more than enough to handle a depleted Pacers squad.
Expect Minnesota’s defense to limit Indiana’s efficiency, especially without Siakam, while Edwards and company control the tempo on offense.
Final Score Prediction: Timberwolves 120, Pacers 106
Best Bet: Minnesota -8.0
Lean: Under 229.0
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
