Phoenix Falters Against Minnesota's Top-Tier Defense | Suns vs. Timberwolves | OSB

NBA Playoffs: (6)Phoenix Suns at (3)Minnesota Timberwolves

By Sam Batz

When: Tuesday, April 23rd at 7:30 PM EST

Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

Watch On: TNT

Matchup: Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The NBA playoffs are well underway and this Tuesday the Phoenix Suns will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of their first round series. The Timberwolves took Game 1, demolishing the Suns and setting the tone of the series with a 25-point victory (120-95). The Suns were actually favored in Game 1, but after a crushing defeat at the hands of the Timberwolves, Minnesota has taken over as the favorite to win both Game 2 (-155) and the series as a whole. The Suns struggled with consistency all season and they failed to crack Minnesota’s top-rated defense, leaving little room for error against a Timberwolves team that’s back to full strength. Anthony Edwards continues to lead the way, but after missing 20 games due to injury, Karl-Anthony Towns is now back on the floor, lending Minnesota a much needed boost. 

Predicting the NBA playoffs is no easy task, but we are dedicated to the cause. Here we are highlighting the Suns vs. Timberwolves, but we cover every team in every game. To learn more about paid picks, predictions, and props from across the NBA, visit us at OSB or follow us on Instagram, where we release free picks daily. 

Odds change quickly but you can stay up-to-date on the latest by visiting OSB’s odds page, and below you’ll find our Suns vs. Timberwolves Game 2 picks and predictions. We’ve included stats, scores, and betting advice to help you navigate the odds and ensure the best bets with the best payouts.     

Suns vs. Timberwolves Odds 

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Suns vs. Timberwolves Betting Trends

Phoenix Suns

• 36-46-1 ATS 
• 19-22-1 ATS on the road
• 37-46 O/U record 
• 20-22 O/U record on the road
• 9-12 as UNDERDOGS 
• 8-7 as UNDERDOGS on the road

Minnesota Timberwolves

• 41-39-3 ATS
• 19-22-1 ATS at home
• 42-40-1 O/U record 
• 19-22-1 O/U record at home
• 47-15 as FAVORITES
• 28-10 as FAVORITES at home

Suns vs. Timberwolves Stats 

Suns vs. Timberwolves Head-to-Head History

• Regular & Postseason Games: 128 (1989-2024)
• All-time Series: Suns: 83 wins; Timberwolves: 45 wins
• Season Series: Suns 3-0
• Playoffs Series: Timberwolves 1-0

Game 2 of the series will mark the 129th all-time meeting between the Suns an dTimberwolves, but just the second playoff game. This series is the first time Phoenix and Minnesota have gone head-to-head in the postseason, and so far it’s been all Minnesota. The Timberwolves recorded the biggest win of the first round so far, beating the Suns by the unexpectedly large margin of 25 points. Phoenix seemed to have Minnesota’s number, posting a perfect 3-0 record against the T-Wolves during the regular season, but when it mattered most the Suns went cold. 

Suns vs. Timberwolves Best Player Props

Rudy Gobert; Under 13.5 points (-101)

Rudy Gobert is on the court to do two things: rebound and block shots. He’s a decent scorer, averaging 14.0 points per game, but with KAT back, Gobert’s offensive touches will dwindle. During the regular season Gobert averaged just 9.7 points per game against the Suns, as scoring isn’t the Frenchman’s forte. Gobert’s impact comes from his unmatched rebounding ability, while the scoring will be left to his teammates. Take the under on Ruby Gobert’s 13.5 points player prop. 

Devin Booker; Over 2.5 threes (+100)

Devin Booker tied with KD for the highest scorer on the Suns, averaging 27.1 points per game, but Booker fell short in Game 1, recording just 18 points on 31.3% shooting. However, Booker has the ultimate green light, as the Suns want and expect him to take a majority of the shots. From Three-point range Booker is above average, shooting 36.4% with 2.2 3PM per game. He took 6 Threes in Game 1, burying  two, and in Game 2 I’m expecting an improvement. Take the over on Devin Booker’s 2.5 threes made player prop.   

Suns vs. Timberwolves Prediction

The Suns have all the talent in the world, yet they still can’t seem to find that winning formula. Phoenix had a late season push that kept them out of the play-in, but after Game 1 all that momentum went down the drain. The Timberwolves are the 3-seed but they could have easily won the West and they deserve our respect. Minnesota’s defense is the best in the NBA, allowing the fewest points per game during the regular season (106.5), and with Karl-Anthony Towns back in the starting lineup, the Timberwolves are not to be underestimated. 

In Game 1 Minnesota dominated the glass, securing 52 rebounds to Phoenix’s 28, and I don’t see how the Suns can fix that. Phoenix will have very few second-chance opportunities compared to Minnesota, who recorded 17 second-chance possessions in Game 1. What’s more, the Timberwolves are great at home, winning 73.2% of their home games, which has me leaning toward Minnesota in Game 2. 

Suns vs. Timberwolves predictions: 

• Moneyline Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves (-155)

If you take the Timberwolves Moneyline (-155): You risk $155 to win $100, for a total payout of $255, if the Timberwolves win straight up. 

• ATS Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves (-3.0)

If you take the Timberwolves to Cover the -3.0 Spread (-115): You risk $115 to win $100, for a total payout of $215, if the Timberwolves win the game by more than 3 points. 

• O/U Pick: Over (212)

If you take the Over on 212 total points (-105): You risk $105 to win $100, for a total payout of $205, if the Suns and Timberwolves combine for more than 212 points. 

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