The 6-seed Phoenix Suns'and 3-seed Minnesota Timberwolves'meet in Game 2 of a best-of-7 Western Conference, 1st-round series Tuesday. The Timberwolves lead the series 1-0. Tip-off from Target Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Suns vs. Timberwolves odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Timberwolves howled at the moon as they eclipsed the Suns 120-95 in Game 1 Saturday. The Suns led 28-27 after 1 quarter but were outscored in each of the next 3. F Kevin Durant did his part with 31 points and 7 boards. G Devin Booker had an off night with 18 points on 5-for-16 shooting.
The T-Wolves smothered the Suns defensively, outrebounding them 52 to 28. The Wolves also won the paint battle with 52 points to their 34. C Rudy Gobert was the difference with 14 points and 16 boards. He didn’t block a shot, but he altered several in the paint. G Anthony Edwards had 33 points, on 4-for-8 from distance, 9 boards and 6 dimes. G Nickeil Alexander-Walker was also a menace with 18 points and 4 steals.
It’s hard to fathom a team with KD, Booker and G Bradley Beal could fail to have the depth to compete with the likes of Minnesota, but that is exactly what happened.