Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves odds, starters, injury reports, predictions

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports)
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports)

At 21-9, the Utah Jazz are focused on their long term goal of winning the NBA championship. They have the best offense in the league, and with Rudy Gobert manning the middle, their defense can’t be underestimated either. The Timberwolves (15-16) find themselves in a significantly different position. This long downtrodden franchise would probably be content with a playoff berth. After all, they’ve had precisely one in the past 17 years.

These teams are radically different, and they’re different in a way that benefits the Utah Jazz. Nonetheless, between Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and some quality supporting players, the Wolves do have the potential to be dangerous.

Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves Odds Tonight

According to WynnBet, the Jazz are a 10 point favorite against the Timberwolves, and a -550 point favorite on the money line. Minnesota is a +425 money line underdog.

The over/under is presently at 225.5 points.

Utah Jazz Starting Lineup

Look for Quin Snyder to deploy his usual starting group of Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Bojan Bogdanovic, Royce O’Neale and Rudy Gobert

Utah Jazz Injury Report

The Jazz will be lucky to have all of their major rotation players onboard for this contest. However, Miye Oni is questionable with an ankle issue, while Malik Fitts (shoulder) and Udoka Azubuike (ankle) remain sidelined.

Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction

If the opening paragraph didn’t already give it away, we’re going to be predicting a Utah Jazz win here.

The Timberwolves may not be the easiest matchup for the Jazzmen. Karl-Anthony Towns has a strong case as the best three-point shooting center in NBA history. Either Rudy Gobert will be forced out of the paint, or the Timberwolves will create a mismatch.

Nonetheless, the Wolves put every team in that same bind, and their 107.4 Defensive Rating still ranks 22nd in the NBA. Meanwhile, their 107.5 Defensive Rating is surprisingly solid, but most likely not enough to stifle the best offense in the NBA.

None of which is to mention the extra motivation Rudy Gobert may feel to seal the interior for his Jazz teammates in this game.

The Wolves have a good chance to make this one competitive, but the safe money is on the Jazzmen prevailing with their 22nd win of the season.

Prediction: Jazz 119, Timberwolves 112

Make your pick now on WynnBet 

Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves TV Channel

Timberwolves fans should tune into BallySports North to catch this contest, while fans in Salt Lake City can go to AT&T Sportsnet Rocky Mountain to watch the Jazzmen in action.

Utah Jazz Schedule and Next Game

As deserving as the Jazz may be of a Christmas Day contest, they’ll enjoy a break instead. They return to the court on Boxing Day for a matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. They’re up against the Spurs on December 27, and the Portland Trail Blazers on December 29.

They’ll have a rematch with the Timberwolves on New Year’s Eve, before ringing in 2022 against the Golden State Warriors the next day. They’ll get a day’s rest before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 3rd.