Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks: Match Preview and Predictions - 4th December 2019
Match details
Fixture: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks
Date & Time: Wednesday, 4 December 2019 (8:30 PM ET)
Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Last game results
Minnesota Timberwolves (10-9): 107-115 loss to Memphis Grizzlies (1 December, Sunday)
Dallas Mavericks (14-6): 118-97 win over New Orleans Pelicans (3 December, Tuesday)
Minnesota Timberwolves Preview
After winning two games on the trot, the Minnesota Timberwolves dropped one at home against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Despite Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns both averaging around 25 points per game, the T-Wolves have been unable to pick up wins on a regular basis.
They currently possess a 10-9 (0.526) record for the season and occupy the 7th spot in the stacked Western Conference standings. As a unit, Minnesota are in the top 5 in rebounds and blocks, but have only managed to win five of their last ten games.
Key Player - Karl-Anthony Towns
The Timberwolves have decided to hand over the keys of the franchise to Karl-Anthony Towns for the foreseeable future. Justifying his buff paycheque, the 24-year-old is averaging 5.9 points, 12.5 boards and 4.1 dimes per game to start his 2019-20 campaign.
The two-time All-Star is shooting 50% from the field and is also connecting on 43% of his three-pointers thus far.
Timberwolves predicted lineup
Robert Covington, Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns, Treveon Graham, Jarrett Culver
Dallas Mavericks Preview
The dismantling of the league-leading Los Angeles Lakers in their own backyard has served as a warning sign for those who have been sleeping on the Dallas Mavericks.
Luka Doncic and co. flew into LA with vengeance on their minds and left with a statement win. Not only is this team led by a generational superstar, but Coach Rick Carlisle has also done a phenomenal job of efficiently utilising the skillset that the rest of the roster possesses.
Boasting the best offensive rating in the NBA, the Mavericks have been rising in the West at a frenetic pace. Dallas is currently 14-6 (0.700) for the season and occupy the 4th spot after winning eight of their last ten games.
Key Player - Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic is not your run-of-the-mill 20-year-old. The Slovenian powerhouse has been on a tear of late. Doncic's near-triple-double averages of 30.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game have taken the league by storm and catapulted him into the early discussion for the MVP award.
Doncic is shooting 48% from the floor and making stepback jumpers from the perimeter in seamless fashion. Playing almost 34 minutes per game and attempting over 20 shots, Doncic has been the cornerstone for the Mavericks' recent surge.
Mavericks predicted lineup
Dwight Powell, Kristaps Porzingis, Luka Doncic, Dorian Finney-Smith, Tim Hardaway Jr.
Timberwolves vs Mavericks Match Prediction
There is no way the feisty Dallas Mavericks will let this one slip at home. Minnesota will have to dig deep to contain Doncic but are likely to come up short, just like so many of the other teams before them.
Where to Watch Timberwolves vs Mavericks?
There will be local coverage of the game on FOX Sports Southwest and FOX Sports North from 8:30 PM (ET). You can also live stream the game via NBA League Pass.