Phoenix Suns vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction: This can be a high-scoring affair

The NBA Regular Season has brought to us tough prediction scenarios. The results have been all over the place. For instance, the Warriors which began as the best defensive unit last season has given 120+ Points during more instances this early than they gave up during all of the last season, thus, we are in a topsy-turvy terrain thus far. But the Phoenix Suns have been far more consistent and they will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Suns come into this game after beating the Houston Rockets 124:109 as Devin Booker had another 30 points night. The Suns have now won five out of six games and continue where they left off during the last Regular Season. Despite losing Deandre Ayton, their team depth looks incredible and with Devin Booker at the helm, they have one of the most efficient offensive teams in the league while their defense has been on fire too. Like last season, the Suns are number in terms of field goal percentage(49.3%) at the time of writing. And just like last season, they are among the top five teams in the least points allowed per game(Around 106).

They have held teams to below 110 in Regulation during most games. Their only loss was an Overtime loss to the Trail Blazers while their last four wins have been in double-digits. They are a calculating team and are usually effective in the half-court settings, being among the bottom-five teams in terms of pace. However, with the way play their defense, they can take their time arranging offensive possessions. Devin Booker has led the scoring front whereas Chris Paul despite his reduced scoring brings a lot of value as the Floor General.

The assemblage is incomplete without Mikal Bridges whose elite defense means that the oppositions’ have a tough time whereas Cameron Johnson is finding his groove too. Bismack Biyombo fills in as the starting Center for Deandre Ayton, and although he is nowhere near the same player, he brings tough rebounding, defense, and can catch lobs. The bench has been graced with the presence of Jock Landale whose game has fit well whereas Cameron Payne leads the guard battalion off the bench.

The Timberwolves come into this game after suffering a 97:108 loss against the San Antonio Spurs despite Karl Anthony-Towns’ 26 points outing. They have now won four out of seven games, which means they have had a mixed start to the season. 97 points are way below the average of what is to be expected from this high-octane Wolves team. Like last season, their style is the same, play at a high pace, push the ball consistently and force teams into the shootout. They are top-five in terms of pace.

They have had some defensive issues, while they are allowing just 43% from the field(top-five), they have given up the fifth-most three-pointers on average. A shocking factor has been the rebounding and they have allowed close to 50 rebounds a game which has been the second-worst effort in this league. This is surprising considering they acquired elite rebounder Rudy Gobert while Karl Anthony-Towns is himself a superb rebounder. This is why the team has been lagging behind a bit

Anthony Edwards has developed into a superb all-purpose scorer while D’Angelo continues to provide steady dose of shooting, Anthony-Towns and Gobert made a formidable frontcourt while Jaden McDaniels has done well as a lane-filler. Jaylen Nowell brings strong shooting off the bench and the second unit is largely dependent upon his production after Malik Beasley’s departure. To be honest, the Timberwolves still need more depth to compete in the loaded West.

• Suns: OUT: Deandre Ayton, Ish Wainright, QUESTIONABLE: Torrey Craig;
• Timberwolves: QUESTIONABLE: Kyle Anderson, Jordan McLaughlin.

• Expected Scoring Ranges: Devin Booker-30+, Anthony Edwards: 20-25, Karl Anthony-Towns: 21-26, Mikal Bridges: 17-23;
• Expected Rebounding Ranges: Rudy Gobert-11-16, Karl Anthony-Towns: 8-13, Jock Landale: 7-10;
• Expected Assists Range: Chris Paul: 7-11, D’Angelo Russell: 6-10, Devin Booker: 5-8.

What jumps out is that without Suns’ Center Deandre Ayton, Gobert and Anthony-Towns can have the field day as they come in with more size. Perhaps to counter that size, the Suns may employ the services of Jock Landale off-the-bench for an extended run. However, this Suns team knows the core of team defense and it is not going to be a walk in the park for the two bigs.

Anthony Edwards can provide the offensive lift for the Wolves but Mikal Bridges is going to make it tough for him. I don’t see the Timberwolves containing Devin Booker too and I believe he will be in for a big scoring night. Overall, I’d still give the Suns the edge here and I believe they will win but in a close affair. I see a high-scoring affair with the points range exceeding 230.