The Dallas Mavericks are battling injuries and leaning on rookie Cooper Flagg, while the Minnesota Timberwolves roll in with Ant fresh off an All-Star MVP and plenty of momentum. Can Dallas flip the script, or does Minnesota stay hot at home?

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AWAY: Dallas Mavericks (19-35, 5-18 ROAD)

Projected starting five:

  • Brandon Williams
  • Max Christie
  • Cooper Flagg (DTD)
  • PJ Washington
  • Marvin Bagley III

It’s been a brutal stretch for Dallas, which enters on a nine-game losing streak and still searching for stability. The injury bug has hit hard, stripping away depth and continuity, and the Mavs are 0-2 against Minnesota this season. This is a young team in the middle of a rebuild, and nights like these can feel like steep learning curves.

Obviously, the brightest spot has been rookie Cooper Flagg. The super prospect continues to show flashes of stardom, though he’s listed as a game-time decision. Naji Marshall has taken advantage of expanded opportunities and is quietly putting together a strong campaign, while Max Christie continues to grow into a reliable “3-and-D” option on the wing. If Daniel Gafford remains out, Marvin Bagley is expected to start, and Brandon Williams should continue seeing steady minutes as the rotation thins.

Klay Thompson provides veteran presence, but injuries have clearly taken a toll. For Dallas, development and resilience are the themes right now.

HOME: Minnesota Timberwolves (34-22, 19-10 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Anthony Edwards
  • Donte DiVincenzo
  • Jaden McDaniels
  • Julius Randle
  • Rudy Gobert

Minnesota is trending in the opposite direction, going 7-3 in its last 10 and handling Dallas convincingly in both previous meetings – by 24 and 13 points. Confidence is high, and the Wolves have found a rhythm on both ends of the floor.

Anthony Edwards returns from All-Star weekend riding the momentum of an MVP performance, and that swagger often translates into aggressive scoring bursts. Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and Rudy Gobert form a sturdy core capable of controlling pace and physicality, while Naz Reid remains a game-changer off the bench with his instant offense.

Ayo Dosunmu will be playing his fourth game since arriving via trade from Chicago, and he’s made an immediate impact at 14.7 points per game on 56.3% shooting. With balance, depth, and momentum on their side, the Timberwolves look primed to protect home court once again.

PICKS

Spread: Timberwolves (-13)
Over/Under: Over (238.5)