The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to play against the Indiana Pacers in an inter-conference game between two teams aiming for the playoffs. The Pacers have a record of 41-29 overall and are strong at home with 22 wins and 10 losses, while the Timberwolves are 41-31 overall, with a 20-15 record when playing away. In their previous game on March 17, the Pacers won against the Timberwolves 132-130, ending Minnesota`s six-game winning streak in their head-to-head matchups. Against the spread in the 2024-25 NBA season, the Timberwolves are 33-38-1, and the Pacers are 32-37-1.
The game will start at 7 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Pacers are favored by 2.5 points, and the over/under for total points is set at 228.
Why the Pacers Could Cover the Spread
The Indiana Pacers are on a four-game winning streak, most recently defeating the Brooklyn Nets 108-103 on Saturday. Pascal Siakam was the top scorer with 26 points, and Tyrese Haliburton was close to a triple-double with 16 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds. Myles Turner contributed 22 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, also making 5 of 10 three-point shots.
The Pacers` offense is effective across the board, ranking among the top 10 in field goal percentage, 2-point percentage, 3-point percentage, and free throw percentage. They are eighth in points per game and tenth in offensive rating. Turner is second in the NBA in blocks per game with 1.9, and the Pacers are also effective at generating turnovers, ranking ninth with 8.5 steals per game. Bennedict Mathurin is questionable due to an ankle injury, but his presence would be a significant boost, as he has been averaging 21.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in his last four games.
Why the Timberwolves Could Cover the Spread
The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off a dominant 134-93 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, making up for a previous loss to the same team. Seven Timberwolves players scored 11 or more points, with Julius Randle leading the team with 20 points. The bench contributed 65 points. Anthony Edwards, who was listed as questionable for Monday due to a thumb issue but is expected to play, scored 17 points, along with five assists, three rebounds, and two steals in just 26 minutes of play.
The Timberwolves have a 7-4 record against the spread in their last 11 games. In contrast, the Pacers, despite their four-game winning streak, have been struggling against the spread recently, going 1-3 ATS during their win streak and failing to cover in nine of their last 10 games overall. Additionally, with strong players like Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Naz Reid, Minnesota is expected to have an advantage in rebounding against Indiana, who rank 29th in both total rebounds per game and offensive rebounds per game.
Game Prediction
Predictions suggest the game could go over the projected total of 228 points, with an estimated combined score of 229 points. One side of the spread is also predicted to have a higher probability of being successful.
