Timberwolves vs. Mavericks prediction: NBA odds, pick, best bets

Two NBA division leaders in the Western Conference meet Thursday in the Lone Star State as the Dallas Mavericks host the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Not only are the Wolves (17-5) leading the Northwest Division, but they are tied with the Celtics for the NBA’s best record. 

Playing without leading scorer Anthony Edwards, Minnesota had its six-game winning streak snapped at New Orleans on Monday, losing 121-107 as a four-point underdog.

The Mavericks, with a makeshift lineup because of multiple injuries, hung on to beat the Lakers on Tuesday, 127-125, as three-point home underdogs.

Luka Doncic led Dallas with 33 points and 17 assists, while Tim Hardaway, Jr. scored 32 points off the bench.

Dallas is riding a four-game winning streak in spite of guard Kyrie Irving missing the past two contests with a right foot injury. He will be sidelined again Thursday, as will Maxi Kleber, a key reserve.

Minnesota owns a 3-3 record against the spread (ATS) as an underdog this season, with all three of the losses coming on the road.

The Mavericks have covered in eight of their last 11 opportunities as a favorite but are 3-4 ATS in their past seven games as a home favorite.

This is the first meeting between these two Western Conference foes this season, but the Timberwolves won two of three matchups against the Mavericks in 2022-23.

Minnesota has not lost consecutive games this season, going 4-0 in the game after a loss, with three of the victories by double-digits.

The Wolves hope to get Edwards back in the lineup after missing Monday’s loss with a hip injury.

He’s listed as questionable, but Minnesota might want to take it slowly with its star player as this has been a nagging injury since he first suffered it in late November.

Considering Minnesota has been strong off losses this season and the Mavericks due for a letdown after their big victory over the Lakers, let’s back the Wolves on the road to start a new winning streak.

Pick: Timberwolves +2 (-110, Caesars)