The Minnesota Timberwolves (19-17) travel to face off against the Orlando Magic (22-16) on Thursday, January 9th. This game will be played at Kia Center in Orlando and televised on NBA. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 7:00 ET.

Timberwolves vs Magic

The Timberwolves Are Coming Off A Win

With a 104-97 win over the Pelicans on Tuesday, the Timberwolves improved to 19-17 for the season. Minnesota, favored by 4 points, covered the spread with the victory. The game’s total score of 201 points fell well short of the 221.5-point over/under line.

After a 10-0 run by New Orleans put them ahead 53-45, the Timberwolves responded by taking control in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Pelicans 29-21. Minnesota entered the 4th quarter with an 83-75 lead and held on, despite being outscored 22-21 in the final period.

The Magic Are Coming Off A Win

The Magic improved to 22-16 this season with a 103-94 win over the Knicks on Monday. Orlando, who were +10.5 point underdogs, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread. The total points for the game finished at 197, falling short of the 207-point line.

After trailing 28-24 at the end of the 1st quarter, the Magic took control by outscoring the Knicks 29-23 in the 2nd quarter and 22-17 in the 3rd. Heading into the 4th with a 75-68 lead, Orlando edged New York 28-26 in the final period to seal the win.

Timberwolves Offense Breakdown

Anthony Edwards knocked down 7 threes at a 63.6% clip, finishing with 32 points and 9 rebounds in the Timberwolves’ win over the Pelicans. He scored 14 of his points in the 1st quarter, and Minnesota made 15 threes as a team, shooting 34.1% from beyond the arc.

Julius Randle contributed 16 points, while Naz Reid added 13 points and 12 rebounds, with 8 of his points coming in the 4th quarter. The Timberwolves shot 42.7% from the field overall, finishing with 104 points in the victory.

Magic Offense Breakdown

Cole Anthony’s 24 points and 7 rebounds led the Magic to a win over the Knicks, as he shot 50% from the field and hit 3 threes at 50% efficiency. Wendell Carter Jr. added 19 points, shooting 72.7% and going 3-for-3 from deep, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope contributed 15 points, also hitting 3 threes at 50%.

Orlando shot 50% from the field and made 11 threes at 35.5% efficiency. Carter scored 9 points in the 4th quarter, while Anthony added 6 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters.

Timberwolves Team Defense

After a rough 1st quarter, the Timberwolves tightened up defensively, allowing just 21 points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters to hold the Pelicans to 97 points. Minnesota’s defense was strong, limiting New Orleans to 37% shooting from the field.

The Timberwolves were particularly effective against the Pelicans’ three-point shooting, holding them to 29% from beyond the arc with only 12 made threes. They also sent New Orleans to the line 24 times, where the Pelicans converted 15 free throws. Minnesota finished with 9 steals and 8 blocks.

Magic Team Defense

After giving up 33 points in the 1st quarter, the Timberwolves tightened up defensively, allowing just 21 points in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters and 22 in the 4th, holding the Pelicans to 97 points. Minnesota’s defense was strong overall, limiting New Orleans to 37% shooting from the field.

The Timberwolves also excelled at defending the three, with the Pelicans hitting just 12 threes at a 29% clip. Minnesota sent New Orleans to the line 24 times, where they made 15 free throws. The Timberwolves finished with 9 steals and 8 blocks.

Timberwolves vs Magic Trends

• When looking at their past three road matchups, Minnesota has an ATS record of 1-2 while averaging 104 per game. The team went 1-2 overall in these games.
• Orlando has played well in their previous three home games, going 2-1 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 101 points per game while allowing 98. The team also performed well vs the spread at 2-1.
• As the betting underdog, the Magic have an ATS mark of just 1-2 in their last three games. Orlando posted a straight up mark of 1-2 in these matchups.
• Through their last three matchups as the betting favorite, the Timberwolves have a good straight up record, but their ATS mark is just 1-2.

Timberwolves vs Magic Prediction

The Timberwolves is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 122-83. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Timberwolves at -4.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 204 and our model has the Timberwolves and Magic finishing with a combined 205 points. Our pick is to take the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.