Wizards vs. Timberwolves prediction and odds for Thursday, February 16 (Expect plenty of points)

The Washington Wizards are looking to jump the Toronto Raptors for the No. 9 spot in the Eastern Conference with a win on the final day of games before the NBA’s All-Star break.

Washington is on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are now the No. 6 seed in the West.

The Wizards have been a streaky team this season, but they are coming off a win in their last game against Portland. Minnesota has a bit of a new look with point guard Mike Conley coming to the team at the trade deadline, but the team is still without star Karl-Anthony Towns due to a calf injury.

Rudy Gobert and Kyle Anderson are questionable for the Wolves, while the Wizards have a clear injury report as of this writing.

Can Washington pull off the upset as a road dog on Thursday?

Wizards vs. Timberwolves odds, spread and total

Wizards vs. Timberwolves prediction and pick

Both of these teams have struggled against the spread in this spot, so I’m actually looking to the total for my best bet in this game.

The Wizards have a healthy rotation with Kyle Kuzma back in the lineup, and I expect this game to be high scoring given how Minnesota has played as of late.

The Wolves have cleared 234.5 combined points in five of their last six games, moving to No. 5 in the NBA in pace.

Washington plays a lot slower (19th in pace), but I wouldn’t be shocked if Minnesota tries to push the action at home. The Wizards and Wolves already played this season, combining for 269 points in a 142-127 Washington win.

These teams average about 229 points per game between the two of them on the season, but given Washington’s below average defense (19th in defensive rating) and Minnesota’ penchant for pushing the pace, I like the OVER on Thursday night.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.