The Minnesota Timberwolves (21-12) and Atlanta Hawks (15-19) will face off in the NBA on Wednesday afternoon. Tipoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga. The game will broadcast live on FDSSE.
The Wolves are 4.5-point favorites over the Hawks on the spread (Timberwolves -4.5), with the over/under set at 243 total points. Minnesota is a -180 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Atlanta is +150 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Timberwolves vs. Hawks predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, December 31.
Timberwolves vs Hawks Prediction, Picks
- Timberwolves vs Hawks pick: Over 242.5 (-115)
My Timberwolves vs Hawks best bet is on the Over at 242.5 total points, with the best price currently available at bet365. However, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Timberwolves vs Hawks Odds
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -110 | 243 -110o / -110u | -180 |
| Hawks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -110 | 243 -110o / -110u | +150 |
Timberwolves vs Hawks NBA Preview
The NBA system titled "Contrarian Overs, Good Road Teams" in totals betting is built on the idea that strong traveling teams can drive pace and scoring in matchups where the market leans too heavily toward the under — which appears to be the situation entering Wednesday's contest between the Timberwolves and Hawks.
By focusing on regular season games outside of division play, the system avoids slower rivalry environments and taps into contests that tend to be more open and less physical.
It targets overs specifically when the betting public and money trends show a clear lean toward the under, creating a contrarian opportunity where expectations are suppressed but conditions for scoring remain strong.
The away team must be early enough in its season to still carry energy and identity, and it must also be coming off a decisive win, which the case for the Timberwolves entering Wednesday, a signal that its offense and confidence are functioning at a high level.
When these elements align, strong road teams often set the tone, push pace, and elevate scoring beyond market expectations, making the over more attractive precisely when it is being overlooked.
So, let's take Wolves-Hawks Over 242.5 total points on Wednesday afternoon.
Timberwolves vs Hawks Betting Prediction
- Over 242.5 (-115)
Spread
I'm not betting either side of the spread in this game.
Moneyline
No play on the moneyline.
Over/Under
My Hawks vs. Timberwolves betting prediction is on the Over at 242.5 total points.
