The Minnesota Timberwolves (35-36) have suffered back-to-back losses and are 8th in Western Conference as they prepare to take on the Toronto Raptors (34-36) on Saturday evening.
The Timberwolves’ latest defeat came against the Chicago Bulls (139-131) in overtime. After leading in the first three quarters of the game, the Timberwolves surrendered their 10-point lead in the fourth. Anthony Edwards suffered an ankle injury after only eight minutes into the game and did not appear afterward. Mike Conley Jr. took the center stage along with Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, scoring 28, 21, and 25 points respectively. Their next opponent, the Raptors are 5-5 in their last 10 games, but on a two-game winning streak.
The Raptors defeated the Thunder (128-111) in their previous outing. Pascal Siakam was the leading scorer for the Raptors with 25 points, followed by Gary Trent Jr., who came off the bench and scored 23 points in the win.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Toronto Raptors: Match Details
Fixture: Minnesota Timberwolves @ Toronto Raptors
Date & Time: Saturday, March 18, 07:00 p.m ET
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Toronto Raptors: Injury Report
The two teams are dealing with a few injuries at present. Anthony Edwards has been listed as questionable for tonight’s game due to an ankle injury and Karl Anthony Towns is out due to a calf injury. Jaylen Nowell is out indefinitely with a knee injury.
As for the Raptors, Dalano Banton is out with a thumb injury while Christian Koloko is questionable due to a nose injury. Otto Porter Jr. is out for the season with a toe injury.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Toronto Raptors: Injury List
| Player | Team | Status | Injury |
| Anthony Edwards | Minnesota Timberwolves | Questionable | Ankle |
| Karl Anthony Towns | Minnesota Timberwolves | Out | Calf |
| Jaylen Nowell | Minnesota Timberwolves | Out | Knee |
| Dalano Banton | Toronto Raptors | Out | Thumb |
| Christian Koloko | Toronto Raptors | Questionable | Nose |
| Otto Porter Jr. | Toronto Raptors | Out | Toe |
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Toronto Raptors: Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | SPread | Over/Under |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | +375 | +10.5 (-110) | O 224.5 (-110) |
| Toronto Raptors | -500 | – 10.5 (-110) | U 224.5 (-110) |
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Toronto Raptors: Starting 5s
Timberwolves: F Kyle Anderson, F Jaden McDaniels, C Rudy Gobert, G Mike Conley Jr., G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Raptors: F Pascal Siakam, F OG Anunoby, C Jakob Poeltl, G Scottie Barnes, G Fred Van Fleet
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Toronto Raptors: Betting Prediction
The first encounter between the Timberwolves vs the Raptors was 128-126. They will be aiming to double the lead with another win. However, Anthony Edward’s absence might be a big problem for the Timberwolves. On the other hand, the Raptors are gaining confidence with a winning streak and the fact that they are hosting the game definitely gives them an added advantage. Offensively, the Timberwolves are a little better compared to the Raptors whereas defensively, the Raptors are doing a lot better, conceding only 112.1 ppg as to the Timberwolves’ 115.9 ppg. Expect the Raptors to come hard and cover the spread tonight.
