Timberwolves vs Mavericks Prediction, Odds & Best Bets | NBA Betting (Dec. 14): Expect Fireworks in Big D

Thursday, Dec. 14’s NBA schedule is loaded with seven matchups, including an 8:30 p.m. ET showdown between the Minnesota Timberwolves (17-5) and Dallas Mavericks (15-8) at American Airlines Center.

perfect opportunity to bounce back.

Wolves at Mavericks
7:30pm CT, American Airlines Center
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Preview » https://t.co/WMc9LbW0Cd pic.twitter.com/utibpcMtrP

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) December 14, 2023

The Timberwolves will try to return to the win column after Monday’s 121-107 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans ended their six-game winning streak. On the other side, the Mavericks are gunning for a fifth consecutive victory after overcoming the Los Angeles Lakers with a 127-125 effort two nights ago.

Both sides are seen as teams to be in the mix to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy once spring rolls around. After all, Bovada is giving the Timberwolves +2200 odds to win the 2023-24 NBA Finals (9th) while the Mavericks are right behind them at +2500 (10th).

Let’s not waste any more time and dive into my Timberwolves vs Mavericks prediction and best bets for tonight’s clash.

Timberwolves vs Mavericks NBA Game Tonight (Dec. 14)

Timberwolves vs Mavericks Matchup Information

• Matchup: Minnesota Timberwolves (17-5, 7-4 Away) vs. Dallas Mavericks (15-8, 7-4 Home)
• Venue & Location: American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX)
• Date: Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023
• Game Time: 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time
• Timberwolves vs. Mavericks TV Channel Info: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports North

Timberwolves vs Mavericks Odds & Spread

Timberwolves vs. Mavericks odds courtesy of Bovada as of Thursday, Dec. 14 at 11:40 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Timberwolves vs Mavericks Spread

• Minnesota Timberwolves +1.5 (-110)
• Dallas Mavericks -1.5 (-110)

Timberwolves vs Mavericks Over/Under

• Over 231 Points (-110)
• Under 231 Points (-110)

Timberwolves vs Mavericks Moneyline

• Minnesota Timberwolves (+100)
• Dallas Mavericks (-120)

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Timberwolves vs Mavericks Betting Trends

• Minnesota is 6-1 straight up in its last seven games.
• Dallas is 5-1 straight up in its last six home games vs. Minnesota.
• Minnesota is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games played in December.
• Dallas is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games vs. the Northwest Division.
• The total hit the Over in five of Minnesota’s last six road games.
• The total hit the Over in each of Dallas’ last five games.

Timberwolves vs Mavericks Prediction & Pick (Dec. 14)

The Mavericks are red-hot and their winning streak wouldn’t be possible with their high-power offense. After all, Dallas is scoring an average of 129.8 points on .518/.421/.827 shooting splits over the last four games.

Unsurprisingly, Luka Doncic has been the driving force behind this offensive success. During that stretch, the Slovenian superstar is averaging 35.0 PPG on 45.1% shooting and 11.0 assists, demonstrating his ability to both score and pass the ball. It helps that Doncic has had help from the likes of Tim Hardaway Jr., who’s coming off a 32-point effort against the Lakers.

The Mavericks’ recent offensive outburst has bumped them up to the sixth-highest-scoring team in the NBA this season. Having said that, it isn’t like the Timberwolves are scrubs on offense. While they don’t consistently average as many points as the Mavs, the T-Wolves have still scored at least 121 points in three of their last four road games.

Minnesota will also likely have an offensive boost in the form of Anthony Edwards. He missed Monday’s loss with a hip injury but has since returned to practice, boding well for his chances of suiting up tonight.

Anthony Edwards (hip) questionable for Thursday.

— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) December 13, 2023

While offense might not be their strength, the Timberwolves do have the defensive advantage in this matchup. They allowed the second-fewest points per game with the best defensive efficiency in the Association. That’s without mentioning how they hold opponents to an NBA-low 43.0% field-goal percentage while registering the third-most defensive rebounds.

The Mavericks are only ranked 15th when it comes to field-goal percentage, but that ranking improves to sixth from the three-point line. Unfortunately for them, the Timberwolves have one of the better perimeter defenses this season, allowing the seventh-fewest threes on the third-worst success rate.

Considering how Dallas averages the 12th-fewest offensive rebounds, it could be a struggle for Jason Kidd’s team to capitalize on any missed opportunities.

Doncic has shown that he’s more than capable of leading the Mavericks to victory in Kyrie Irving’s absence, but I’m taking the Timberwolves this time. Minnesota’s defense should pay off if Dallas doesn’t hit its early shots while Anthony Edwards’ (potential) return should further shift things in the visitors’ favor.

With that in mind, I will take the Over on the 231-point total as the best bet here. The Mavericks have been involved in some high-scoring affairs lately as each of their last five games finished north of 231 points. Additionally, the Over is 8-3 in the Timberwolves’ 11 road games thus far.

Considering how these teams combined for 245 points when they last met in February, I like the possibility of a shootout tonight.

Timberwolves vs Mavericks Prediction: MIN wins

Best Timberwolves vs Mavericks Bet: o231 Total Points (-110 on Bovada)

Best Timberwolves vs Mavericks NBA Player Prop (Dec. 14)

If you’re looking for a Timberwolves vs. Mavericks player prop tonight, go with Rudy Gobert to record over 12.5 rebounds.

After all, the Minnesota center has finished with 13-plus rebounds eight times this season. He’s also averaging 14.8 REB in his last six games, hitting the Over four times during that span. That’s without mentioning how he also has two 20-rebound performances in his last three outings.

Furthermore, the Mavericks allow the sixth-most rebounds to centers, as well as the third-most boards overall. In other words, Gobert is a good candidate to hit the Over again.

Best Timberwolves vs Mavericks Prop Bet: Rudy Gobert o12.5 Rebounds (-115 on Bovada)

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