Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction | 01.28.26

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 28-01-2026

Get ready for a compelling regular-season matchup as the Minnesota Timberwolves (28-19) travel to face the struggling Dallas Mavericks (19-27) on January 28, 2026, at 8:30 PM EST in the American Airlines Center, Dallas. This Western Conference clash pits a playoff-contending Wolves squad against a Mavericks team battling significant injury woes, setting the stage for an intriguing contest with major implications for both teams’ trajectories.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks Matchup Preview

Minnesota Timberwolves Key Stats & Trends

The Minnesota Timberwolves arrive with a strong 28-19 record, showcasing their contender status built on robust defense and dynamic offense. Their attack is spearheaded by the electrifying Anthony Edwards, who is averaging an impressive 29.7 points per game. Edwards isn’t just a scorer; his all-around impact is evident with a comprehensive stat line of 29.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 0.8 BPG. Inside, Rudy Gobert anchors the defense and dominates the glass, pulling down 11.3 rebounds per contest. Playmaking duties are often handled by Julius Randle, contributing 5.4 assists per game. The Wolves rely on their defensive prowess and Edwards’ explosive scoring, but their depth could be tested by recent injury concerns.

Injury Report Minnesota Timberwolves

• Anthony Edwards (Day-to-day): Edwards (foot) is questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Mavericks.
• Leonard Miller (Day-to-day): Miller is questionable for Wednesday’s game against Dallas due to lower-back spasms.
• Terrence Shannon Jr. (Out): Shannon (foot) has been ruled out for Monday’s game against the Warriors. (Expected to remain out for Wednesday).

Dallas Mavericks Key Stats & Trends

The Dallas Mavericks, currently 19-27, are navigating a challenging season, exacerbated by a rash of injuries that have severely impacted their rotation. Their offensive bright spot has been the promising Cooper Flagg, who leads the team with 18.8 points per game and provides a well-rounded contribution of 18.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, and 0.7 BPG. P.J. Washington is crucial on the boards, grabbing 7.2 rebounds per game, while Ryan Nembhard facilitates the offense with 5.1 assists. Despite individual efforts, the Mavericks’ collective performance has suffered, particularly with key veterans sidelined, forcing younger players into expanded roles.

Injury Report Dallas Mavericks

• Cooper Flagg (Day-to-day): Flagg (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday’s game against Minnesota.
• Moussa Cisse (Day-to-day): Cisse (illness) is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Bucks. (Expected to remain doubtful/out for Wednesday).
• Anthony Davis (Out): A second opinion revealed Davis (finger) won’t require surgery, and he’ll be re-evaluated in six weeks.
• Dereck Lively II (Out): Lively successfully underwent surgery on his right foot Sunday.
• Kyrie Irving (Out): Irving (knee) remains out indefinitely and doesn’t have a return timetable.
• Dante Exum (Out): The Mavericks announced Thursday that Exum will undergo season-ending knee surgery.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction & Best Bet

This matchup presents a fascinating dynamic heavily influenced by the extensive injury reports from both sides. While the Timberwolves are the superior team on paper, the potential absence or limited play of Anthony Edwards (questionable with a foot injury) significantly impacts Minnesota’s offensive ceiling. A home game for Dallas, even severely depleted, could see them rally to keep the score within a respectable margin against a Wolves team that might be looking ahead or struggling without their primary scorer. The Mavericks’ extensive list of sidelined stars, including Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and Dante Exum, undeniably weakens them, but a fighting spirit at home could keep them competitive against the spread.

Therefore, our definitive pick is: Dallas Mavericks +6.5 (Spread).

The total points line is set at 231.5. Despite Dallas’s extensive injury list, particularly impacting their primary offensive creators like Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum, the simultaneous absence of defensive anchors Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II leaves their interior defense severely compromised. This could lead to easier scoring opportunities for the Timberwolves, especially with Rudy Gobert dominating the paint. Furthermore, if Anthony Edwards plays, his scoring prowess will drive up the total. Even a depleted Mavericks team might get enough contributions from others, or the game pace could be elevated by Minnesota. Therefore, we lean towards the over.