The Milwaukee Bucks (25-21) travel to the Minnesota Timberwolves (39-16) in a Friday night showdown. Despite both having winning records, the home team is considered something of a steady favorite. However, the line has shifted since first coming out.
Regardless, these two sides played before and it wasn’t even close. Tonight’s home team went into the Fiserv Forum and decimated their opposition, despite playing away from home earlier in the year. Meanwhile, the All-Star Break remains to be seen if it helped or hurt certain teams.
But do you see a repeat of the first game happening tonight?
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Milwaukee Bucks | +4 -112 |
O 226 -112 |
+142 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | -4 -108 |
U 226 -108 |
-170 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Milwaukee Bucks @ Minnesota Timberwolves
Date And Time: February 23, 2024 @ 10:00 p.m. EST
Location: Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Key Stats
Milwaukee Bucks (Averages)
Points: 122.0
Points Allowed: 118.8
Field Goal Efficiency: 44.1/89.3 for 49.4%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 14.2/37.9 for 37.5%
Free Throw Efficiency: 19.7/25.6 for 77.0%
Rebounds: 9.4 Offensive, 34.7 Defensive, 44.0 Combined
Assists: 26.7
Steals: 6.9
Blocks: 5.2
Turnovers: 12.5
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.1/93.0 for 47.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 12.2/34.3 for 35.5%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 18.4/22.8 for 80.8%
Rebounds Against: 10.7 Offensive, 33.6 Defensive, 44.2 Combined
Milwaukee is banking on the fact that their coaching switch will pay off. Despite some claiming improved defensive intensity, these observations are at best misleading. The Milwaukee Bucks continue to be a top-heavy team. Additionally, they are over-reliant on Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 25+ points in the points. Also, they depend on Damian Lillard going off from beyond the three-point line. Regardless, the defensive output continues to be an issue with this side. Moreover, they face a good Minnesota Timberwolves team tonight. Therefore, I see some aspects that work against teams with less talent to not work tonight.
Minnesota Timberwolves (Averages)
Points: 114.0
Points Allowed: 106.7
Field Goal Efficiency: 41.4/84.3 for 49.0%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.6/32.0 for 39.3%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.7/23.8 for 78.5%
Rebounds: 9.2 Offensive, 34.7 Defensive, 43.9 Combined
Assists: 26.4
Steals: 7.5
Blocks: 5.9
Turnovers: 14.0
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 38.9/87.1 for 44.6%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 11.4/32.3 for 35.2%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.5/22.2 for 78.9%
Rebounds Against: 10.1 Offensive, 30.1 Defensive, 40.2 Combined
Minnesota remains an overall balanced team. However, questions persist about their ability to find post-season success. But in the regular season, they will be able to compete night in and night out. They are led by a three-headed monster. Firstly, Rudy Gobert clogs the line against the opposition. Additionally, Karl-Anthony Towns uses his skillset to take advantage of matchups. Lastly, Anthony Edwards remains one of the best young emerging players in the NBA. Even if one has an off night, someone is usually able to pick up the slack for the Minnesota Timberwolves. But they get the job done on defense. Therefore, they will make things tough against a talented Bucks team.
Anthony Edwards yelling “Steph Curryyyy” as he shoots from deep 😂
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 24, 2024
Game Prediction
I see this game being a matchup nightmare for the Bucks. Especially defensively, the Minnesota Timberwolves have too many ways to exploit them and score. But until we see a consistent product from the Bucks, they are a team to stay away from and are not to be trusted. Particularly when you consider that Minnesota beat them up on the road, you have to favor the home side tonight. Furthermore, I expect the Bucks to struggle defensively a little more tonight than what they are used to. Therefore I am picking the Minnesota Timberwolves against the spread and taking the under.
Final Pick
Minnesota Timberwolves -4 and Under 226
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
