The Minnesota Timberwolves (27-16) and Utah Jazz (14-29) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:00 p.m. ET from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The game will broadcast live on FDSNX.
The Timberwolves are 12.5-point favorites over the Jazz on the spread (Timberwolves -12.5), with the over/under set at 244.5 total points. The Timberwolves are -600 favorites to win outright on the moneyline, while the Jazz are +450 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Timberwolves vs. Jazz predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, January 20.
Timberwolves vs Jazz Prediction, Picks
- Timberwolves vs Jazz pick: Timberwolves -12 (-115)
My Timberwolves vs Jazz best bet is on Minnesota to cover the spread, with the best price currently available at bet365. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Timberwolves vs Jazz Odds
| Timberwolves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-12 -115 | 244.5 -110o / -110u | -600 |
| Jazz Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+12 -105 | 244.5 -110o / -110u | +450 |
Timberwolves vs Jazz NBA Preview
Over the last few years, the Timberwolves have taken nine of the last 10 meetings against the Jazz. Eight of those games were double-digit victories, and Minnesota is a 12.5-point favorite tonight.
They had a couple of days off after dropping a back-to-back in Texas against the Rockets and Spurs.
On Saturday night, two of the league’s brightest young stars, Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama, delivered a duel for the ages. Edwards scored 26 of his season-high 55 points in the fourth quarter, while Wembanyama finished with 39 points and nine rebounds.
Edwards has also enjoyed playing the Jazz, averaging 35.8 points over his past eight games against them.
Meanwhile, the Jazz return home on the second night of a back-to-back after falling 123-110 to the Spurs last night. Keyonte George did not have his most efficient game, but still scored 30 points and added six assists.
Utah has been without Lauri Markkanen since last Monday as he battles an illness. Bryce Sensabaugh stepped up in his absence, scoring 25 points over his last three games, but he was also out with an illness last night.
Despite the loss of scoring punch from Markkanen and Sensabaugh, Utah’s bigger issues remain on the defensive end.
The Jazz have dropped eight of their past 10 games, allowing at least 120 points in each of those losses. They rank last in defensive rating this season, more than a full point worse than Washington.
Utah has also surrendered 120 and 137 points in its two losses to Minnesota this season.
Timberwolves vs Jazz Prediction, Betting Analysis
While Minnesota has won both meetings this season, each team has covered once. However, the Timberwolves have covered six of the last 10 meetings overall, including a 40-point victory earlier this season as a 12.5-point favorite.
Now they have a rest advantage, and despite Naz Reid being questionable, they still project as the healthier team in this matchup.
They should also be the team that gets more stops tonight. Minnesota ranks seventh in defensive rating this season and has averaged 121.3 points per game over the last 10 meetings with Utah.
The Jazz, meanwhile, are the worst defensive team in the league this season. I like the Timberwolves to make it 10 wins in the last 11 against Utah and cruise to another comfortable victory.
Anthony Edwards has scored 30 points in each of his last eight games against the Jazz and has knocked down five or more 3-pointers in six of those contests.
Utah allows the most 3-pointers made and attempted this season, and that shaky perimeter defense should also benefit Donte DiVincenzo.
DiVincenzo has made three or more 3-pointers in six of his last seven games. He hasn’t found his range against the Jazz specifically this season, but he has still hit three triples in five of his last seven games against them overall.
Meanwhile, Keyonte George has recorded six or more assists in four of his last six games against Minnesota, which ranks middle of the pack in assists allowed to point guards.
He has posted at least five assists in eight of his last 10 games and should see even more responsibility if Lauri Markkanen is out again.
Pick: Timberwolves -12 (-115)
Timberwolves vs Jazz Parlay Picks
- Anthony Edwards Over 29.5 Points
- Donte DiVincenzo 3+ Three-Pointers Made
- Keyonte George 5+ Assists
Parlay Odds: +228 via bet365
