On January 27, 2025, the Atlanta Hawks (22-23) will face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves (24-21) at Target Center in Minneapolis, marking yet another challenging crossroads for the Hawks as they enter this contest on the heels of four consecutive losses.
The Hawks, currently ninth in the Eastern Conference, are struggling to find their footing. They recently endured two back-to-back losses to the Toronto Raptors, capping off their dismal run with a 117-94 defeat on Saturday. Coach Quinn Snyder noted, "We need to make some adjustments and find ways to maintain our early leads. It’s tough when we don’t get contributions from everyone on the roster.”
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are riding high after celebrating their 133-104 triumph over the Denver Nuggets, showcasing their offensive prowess. Anthony Edwards starred once again, racking up 34 points with 9 assists, demonstrating why he's been the talk of the town lately. According to NBC Sports’ analysis, Minnesota has been solid at home, with a record of 11-10 this season.
While the Timberwolves boast the league’s third-best defense, allowing only 108.1 points per game and holding opponents to 45.4% shooting, the Hawks have exhibited struggles of their own. Atlanta finds itself ranked 28th for points allowed (118.9 per game) and is known for turning the ball over excessively. “The Hawks allow 118.9 points to opponents, and with their current roster issues, we’re unsure how they plan to shore up their defense,” the NBC Sports report emphasized.
One of the most concerning aspects for Atlanta is their injury woes. Key players Trae Young, who’s grappling with hamstring problems, and Jalen Johnson, alongside Kobe Bufkin, are all out for this game. They will also be without Coddy Zeller (personal reasons) and have De’Andre Hunter and Zaccharie Risacher listed as day-to-day. Snyder is hopeful for Hunter’s recovery, saying, “He plays a pivotal role, and we need his experience.”
The Timberwolves will be without two of their own with Donte DiVincenzo and Terrence Shannon Jr. missing due to injuries. Yet, their depth has been evident, as Rudy Gobert provides not only scoring but also invaluable rebounding efficiency—averaging 10.3 rebounds per game.
Betting odds reflect this disparity, with the Timberwolves opening as heavy favorites at -10, surging from their initial -7 line upon the news of Atlanta’s extensive injury list. The over/under is set at 219, reflecting confidence in Minnesota's ability to command the pace of the game and score heavily. The Hawks’ implied team point total sits around 108, highlighting the challenges they face without key contributors.
“Minnesota has covered the spread twice in its last three games against Atlanta, and with the Hawks dropping four straight ATS, it’s tough to see them turning this around tonight,” BetMGM’s insights revealed.
Historically, this rivalry has leaned toward the Hawks, who have won seven out of their last ten matchups against Minnesota. Their last face-off saw Atlanta comfortably clinching victory, finishing at 117-104 back on December 23, 2024. Whether they can replicate this success at the Target Center remains to be seen as they face their mounting challenges.
With the odds stacked against the Hawks and so many key players absent, questions loom large. Will players like Dyson Daniels or Bogdan Bogdanovic step up to carry the scoring load for Atlanta? The coaching staff remains hopeful, but concerns about the team’s offensive output without their offensive leader are palpable.
The matchup this evening promises to be riveting as the Hawks look to make adjustments, regain their confidence, and halt the spiral of defeats. With the Timberwolves wanting to build on their recent success, all eyes will be on the players’ performances and how they can capitalize on each team's strengths and weaknesses. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. ET, and fans can expect exciting basketball as both teams vie for much-needed wins.