The Minnesota Timberwolves hope to keep their three-game winning streak alive while hoping to avenge an earlier, last-second loss to the Miami Heat.

Catch the game tomorrow at 9 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Minnesota Timberwolves (35-29, 18-15 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • Donte DiVincenzo
  • Anthony Edwards
  • Jaden McDaniels
  • Julius Randle
  • Naz Reid

The Timberwolves are entering this matchup with a surge of momentum, having won three straight games by comfortable margins of 18, 14, and 15 points. Although they will be without Rudy Gobert, who remains sidelined, the return of Julius Randle has provided a boost for the squad. This will be Randle’s fourth game back, and he’s looked solid thus far, adding depth to a roster led by All-Star Anthony Edwards. Edwards will look to continue his strong play and carry the team offensively. 

Minnesota’s success has also been fueled by its well-balanced supporting cast. Mike Conley’s steady playmaking, Jaden McDaniels’ defense and scoring, and contributions from Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker make it difficult to pinpoint just one secondary scorer. The unpredictability makes the T-Wolves a tough matchup. They’ll be eager to avenge their narrow 95-94 loss to the Heat on November 11th, a game that featured a back-and-forth battle. With their recent form, Minnesota looks poised to extend their winning streak. 

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HOME: Miami Heat (29-32, 15-12 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Davion Mitchell
  • Tyler Herro (DTD) / Terry Rozier
  • Andrew Wiggins (DTD) / Duncan Robinson
  • Bam Adebayo / Haywood Highsmith
  • Kel’El Ware (DTD) / Bam Adebayo

The Heat are in a rough patch, going 4-8 in their last 12 games while averaging just 107.0 points per game with a -2.5 net rating. Injuries have compounded their struggles, with Andrew Wiggins, rookie Kel’El Ware, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. all questionable due to ankle and knee issues. Tyler Herro, the team’s leading scorer, is also day-to-day with an illness, leaving a significant void in the offense. Bam Adebayo may need to step up big time, though he struggled in their earlier win over Minnesota, shooting just 3-of-11 for nine points. Terry Rozier could see increased minutes, but he’s been off lately. 

Sharpshooter Duncan Robinson and defensive stalwarts like Haywood Highsmith and Davion Mitchell will need to play key roles to keep the Heat competitive. Miami’s depth and resilience will be tested as they try to snap their slump and defend their home court against a surging Timberwolves team.

PICKS:

Spread: Timberwolves (-4.5)

Over/Under: Over (216)

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