The Minnesota Timberwolves are riding a wave of momentum with six straight wins, including a statement victory over Denver, as they welcome the Orlando Magic to Target Center in what promises to be an intriguing clash of defensive styles.
While Minnesota's Anthony Edwards continues his stellar season averaging 27.2 points per game, the Magic counter with their own dynamic duo of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, each putting up over 24 points per night - though they'll need to crack the Timberwolves' stingy defense that's holding opponents to just 109 points per game.
The Target Center crowd will be watching to see if the Timberwolves can replicate their January success against the Magic, where they dominated as road favorites in a 104-89 victory that showcased the defensive prowess of both squads.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic prediction: who will win?
For tonight's Minnesota Timberwolves vs Orlando Magic matchup, our predictive model gives the Wolves a 79% chance of defeating the Magic.
Pre-game probabilities
Minnesota Timberwolves
Moneyline
Win %
79%
21%
Orlando Magic
Minnesota Timberwolves: 79% win probability
- Red-hot momentum (Perfect 5-0 in last five games - WWWWW)
- Superior scoring efficiency (7561 points scored in 67 games vs Magic's 6995 in 67)
- Better defensive record (7304 points against vs Magic's 7093 despite playing same games)
Orlando Magic: 21% win probability
- Inconsistent form (Recent 2-3 record - WLWLL)
- Offensive struggles (League's third-lowest scoring team with 6995 points)
- Road game disadvantage (8th seed in East vs 7th seed in stronger West conference)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model brings together insights from top NBA experts.
Instead of searching through countless expert analyses online, you can rely on our predictions to capture the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing expert picks, data, and trends, while our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. These confidence levels are then averaged to generate an 'expert opinion' win probability—providing a data-driven reflection of the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NBA analysts.
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Orlando Magic | |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline |
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic preview
The red-hot Minnesota Timberwolves are looking unstoppable right now, riding a six-game win streak that includes an eye-catching victory over the Denver Nuggets.
While the T-Wolves' offense has been clicking, it's their lockdown defense - holding opponents to just 109 points per game - that's been the real game-changer, with Rudy Gobert patrolling the paint like a hawk.
Anthony Edwards continues to be Minnesota's offensive catalyst, putting up 27.2 points per night, but it's the supporting cast of Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels that's turned this team into a serious threat.
The Magic snapped out of their funk with a much-needed win against New Orleans, but they'll need more than just good vibes to handle this T-Wolves team that dominated them 104-89 in their last meeting.
Orlando's dynamic duo of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, both averaging around 24 points, will need to crack Minnesota's top-6 ranked defense if they want any shot at pulling off the upset.
The Magic's league-best defensive numbers (106.1 points allowed) haven't translated to wins lately, going 1-6 in their recent stretch before Thursday's victory.
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back at Target Center isn't doing Orlando any favors, especially against a Minnesota squad that's been money against the spread with rest advantage this season.
Keep an eye on the battle down low between Gobert and Wendell Carter Jr. - it could make or break Orlando's chances of staying competitive in this one.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic form
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic head to head
Minnesota Timberwolves
33%
Orlando Magic
67%
Jan 10, 2025
Orlando Magic
89 : 104
Minnesota Timberwolves
Jul 21, 2024
Minnesota Timberwolves
115 : 100
Orlando Magic
Feb 3, 2024
Minnesota Timberwolves
106 : 108
Orlando Magic
Jan 10, 2024
Orlando Magic
92 : 113
Minnesota Timberwolves
Feb 4, 2023
Minnesota Timberwolves
120 : 127
Orlando Magic
Nov 17, 2022
Orlando Magic
108 : 126
Minnesota Timberwolves
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