The Indiana Pacers (35-28) host the Minnesota Timberwolves (43-19) on Thursday. This will be the second game of the regular season between these two sides. But in the first game, it wasn’t particularly close, as Minnesota beat Indiana by 18 points. Furthermore, the Timberwolves are tied for first in the Western Conference with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, the Pacers are one game behind the Miami Heat for an automatic spot in the NBA Playoffs.
Therefore, there is a lot to play for tonight in terms of seeding. Additionally, a couple of key injury updates may impact how this game plays out. Also, the latest injury news may explain why the spread is where it’s at. Regardless, this should be a good game, as both sides are coming off a win.
However, do you see the Pacers defending their home court against the Timberwolves tonight?
Indiana Pacers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Indiana | -1.5
-108 |
O 227.5
-110 |
-125 |
| Minnesota | +1.5
-112 |
U 227.5
-110 |
+105 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** | |||
Indiana Pacers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Game Details
- Fixture: Minnesota @ Indiana
- Date and Time: March 7, 2024 @ 7:00 pm EST
- Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana
Apex Tale of the Tape
|
Indiana Pacers |
vs. |
Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 35-28 | Record | 43-19 |
| 123.5 | Points Per Game | 113.3 |
| 50.6 | FG% | 48.7 |
| 37.8 | 3PT% | 38.9 |
| 41.0 | Rebounds Per Game | 44.2 |
| 122.0 | Points Allowed Per Game | 113.3 |
| 50.5 | Defensive FG% | 48.7 |
| 37.6 | Defensive 3PT% | 38.9 |
| 76.7 | Defensive FT% | 78.5 |
| 43.0 | Defensive Rebounds Per Game | 44.2 |
| 2-3 | Last 5 W-L | 3-2 |
| 104.7 | Team Pace |
99.8 |
Key Stats
Indiana Pacers
Bennedict Mathurin and Doug McDermott remain out, although they are expected back next week. Furthermore, the Pacers have lost three of their last five games. But their latest win came against a good Dallas Mavericks team on the road. However, trouble arises when their best player, Tyrese Halliburton, isn’t able to get himself going. Halliburton has only managed a game-high 19 points in his last six games.
Therefore, it will be important for him to get closer to his season average of 20.8 points per game. Moreover, Myles Turner is coming off a 20-point game against the Dallas Mavericks, but former New York Knicks player Obi Toppin needs to be a consistent contributor off the bench, as he only provided 14 points in limited action.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota has more aspirations than a regular-season game win. However, they need to be on the lookout for a good performance from the inspiring Indiana Pacers side. Additionally, this will be their first road game in a while. The last seven matchups were at home. Meanwhile, their last road game was in the middle of February, as they went on a four-game road winning streak. Therefore, it will be important to start this upcoming six-game road trip on the right foot.
However, Karl-Anthony Towns will be unavailable due to left knee soreness. Therefore, Rudy Gobert needs to step up his offensive production. Gobert averages 13.8 points per game. But he’s coming off a 25-point performance in their most recent home win. Furthermore, Anthony Edwards is coming off a 13-point performance and will look to get himself going again for the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.
Game Prediction
This line is set where it’s at due to Towns not being available. However, this should still be a secure and safe win for the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight. Although the Pacers could win this game, it’s unlikely given their most recent form. Notably, they have a bad loss to the Toronto Raptors at home, and while they have a couple of good games, this shows how undermanned this roster is.
Additionally, Halliburton continues to be in something of a slump. Therefore, until I see otherwise, this Indiana Pacers team cannot be trusted. Picking the Minnesota Timberwolves to win is easy, but the point total is a stay-away for me tonight.
Final Pick
Minnesota Timberwolves MoneyLine
About the Author
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