The Charlotte Hornets (42-36) and Minnesota Timberwolves (46-31) will square off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The game will broadcast live on FDSSE.
The Hornets are 1.5-point favorites over the Timberwolves on the spread (Hornets -1.5), with the over/under set at 227.5 total points. Charlotte is a -130 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Minnesota is +110 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Hornets vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, April 5.
Hornets vs Timberwolves Prediction, Pick
- Hornets vs Timberwolves pick: LaMelo Ball Over 5.5 Rebounds (+128)
My Timberwolves vs Hornets best bet is on LaMelo Ball to record over 5.5 rebounds. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Hornets vs Timberwolves Odds
| Hornets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -114 | 227.5 -110o / -110u | -130 |
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -106 | 227.5 -110o / -110u | +110 |
Hornets vs Timberwolves NBA Preview
The Hornets visit the Timberwolves tonight in a matchup that features one of the most rebounding-active backcourts in the league.
While much of the defensive focus will be on the battle in the paint between Rudy Gobert and Charlotte’s young bigs, our Action PRO projections have identified a significant edge in the rebounding market for Hornets star LaMelo Ball.
Ball has been crashing the glass with intent lately, recording six or more rebounds in two of his last three games.
On the season, Ball is averaging 4.8 rebounds per game, but that number has ticked up significantly over the last month as the Hornets have leaned into a faster pace, creating more long-rebound opportunities for their lead guard.
Charlotte currently ranks 5th in the NBA in rebounds per game (46.2). Their strategy centers on their guards helping the bigs clear the glass to jumpstart transition opportunities.
Ball is the engine of Charlotte's transition game, and his "grab-and-go" mentality often leads to him snaring defensive boards that would otherwise go to his centers.
Minnesota is dealing with significant injury questions tonight. With Anthony Edwards (knee) questionable and Jaden McDaniels (knee) ruled out, the Timberwolves' offensive rhythm has been compromised.
Over their last seven games, the Wolves are just 2-5 when Edwards plays through his knee issue.
Inconsistent shooting often results in long rebounds that land right in the "guard zone" where LaMelo operates — and that's what we are expecting to see from Minnesota tonight.
Hornets vs Timberwolves Predictions, Betting Analysis
LaMelo doesn't have any minutes restrictions at the moment. He played 30 minutes in his last outing and has consistently pushed toward the 33-34 minute mark in competitive games.
With the Hornets listed as slight 1.5-point favorites, this game is expected to stay close, ensuring Ball sees full starter minutes.
Given his recent rebounding surge and a Minnesota offense that is prone to settle for the mid-range jumpers, the 5.5 line is undervalued.
Our model is signaling to take the Over here. Action PRO is projecting Ball to finish with 5.8 rebounds in tonight's matchup against the Timberwolves.
Pick: LaMelo Ball Over 5.5 Rebounds (+128)
