Minnesota Timberwolves vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction: Expect No Sensation

The Timberwolves and Nets have only won 1 game each in the current Summer League, and both teams are unlikely to make the playoffs. Who will slam the door one last time and emerge victorious in the upcoming encounter?

The Timberwolves have become much more ambitious over the last couple of years, and the development of young players has gone to the back burner. The team didn't pick in the 1st round in this year's draft, and players from the 2nd round, Josh Minott and Matteo Spagnolo, are coming off the bench at times in Las Vegas. Just as Minott was scoring 22 points, Minnesota picked up its only win of the tournament as the Wolves defeated Denver by 7 points. Minnesota lost twice more and fell short against Milwaukee in their last game, 75-87. Terrell Brown and Kevon Harris did well from beyond the arc, but the Timberwolves' three-point shooting overall suffered poorly. Their opponent committed over 20 turnovers, and it's entirely possible the game would have been a blowout had the Bucks not made so many mistakes.

The Nets had a decent offensive game in the Summer League, averaging 89.3 points but only 1 win in 3 games. Brooklyn's starting five has gained experience in the NBA: With Kessler Edwards, Day'Ron Sharpe, David Duke and Cameron Thomas the team has been able to do much better. By the way, Thomas, who shared last Summer League MVP honors with Davion Mitchell, is averaging 28.7 points in the current tournament. In the recent game against Memphis, Cam scored 29 points but Brooklyn lost 84-120. The Nets missed a lot from beyond the arc and their defense in the paint left a lot to be desired.

Minnesota has faced Brooklyn twice in the last four years in the Summer League and both times they were stronger. The last game was in 2019, and then the Timberwolves won 85-77.

The Timberwolves have assembled one of the weakest lineups of any team in the Summer League: not a single player from the 1st round of the last draft and many who are unlikely to ever make it to the strongest league in the world. Yes, Brooklyn's situation is similar, but the sophomores make up for it. Cameron Thomas is one of the best in Las Vegas, and Sharpe, Edwards and Duke are capable of assisting the club's leader. Minnesota will be easier to contain than Memphis, which has a lot of talented basketball players. I suggest you bet on the following outcomes:

• H2 (-4.5) for 1.769;
• TO (171.5) for 1.773;
• W2+TO (172.5) for 2.75.

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