The Minnesota Timberwolves head east to face the Milwaukee Bucks in an inter-conference clash on January 13, 2026. The Timberwolves are thriving atop the Western Conference standings with a stout defense and balanced scoring, while the Bucks are mired in a disappointing season, struggling with consistency and injuries in the Eastern Conference. This matchup could see Minnesota’s elite rim protection tested against Milwaukee’s star power, but with key absences on both sides, expect a gritty, potentially low-scoring affair. Minnesota enters as the road favorite, looking to extend their strong recent form.
Venue Location
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This 17,500-capacity arena, opened in 2018, is the Bucks’ home and features a passionate fanbase known for creating a tough environment for visitors.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT). The game will be broadcast on NBA League Pass, with regional options on Bally Sports North and Bally Sports Wisconsin.
Injury Report
Injuries are impacting both teams, particularly star players and depth pieces, which could lead to increased reliance on role players and altered strategies.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
G Anthony Edwards (right foot): Out for injury maintenance. A massive loss for scoring and playmaking; he’s averaged 26+ PPG this season.
G Terrence Shannon Jr. (left foot abductor hallucis strain/abdomen): Out indefinitely. Limits guard rotation and defensive versatility.
Milwaukee Bucks:
F Taurean Prince (neck): Out indefinitely after surgery; applied for Disabled Player Exception. Weakens wing depth and shooting.
G Alex Antetokounmpo: Out (G League assignment). Minor impact on roster.
These absences may force Minnesota to lean on secondary scorers like Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, while Milwaukee relies heavily on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Key Player Matchups
With Edwards sidelined, these battles shift focus to frontcourt dominance and guard play, potentially deciding control of the paint and perimeter.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL F) vs. Rudy Gobert (MIN C): Giannis’ explosive drives (30+ PPG) against Gobert’s rim protection (4x DPOY). Gobert could limit Giannis’ efficiency inside, but Giannis’ playmaking might exploit switches.
Damian Lillard (MIL G) vs. Mike Conley (MIN G): Lillard’s deep shooting and scoring (25+ PPG) vs. Conley’s veteran defense and steady facilitation. Conley’s experience could frustrate Lillard’s rhythm.
Khris Middleton (MIL F) vs. Jaden McDaniels (MIN F): Middleton’s mid-range game vs. McDaniels’ elite perimeter defense. McDaniels has held opponents to low FG% this season.
Brook Lopez (MIL C) vs. Julius Randle (MIN F): Lopez’s spacing and blocking vs. Randle’s physicality and scoring in the post.
Recent Team Forms
Minnesota is on a hot streak with strong defense, while Milwaukee has been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses.
Minnesota Timberwolves (Last 10 Games): 7-3
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 11 | vs SAS | W 104-103 |
| Jan 10 | @ CLE | L 134-146 |
| Jan 8 | vs POR | W (details not specified) |
| Jan 6 | @ MIA | W |
| Jan 4 | vs OKC | L |
| Jan 2 | @ DAL | W |
| Dec 31 | vs HOU | W |
| Dec 29 | @ SAC | L |
| Dec 27 | vs LAC | W |
| Dec 25 | @ GSW | W |
The Timberwolves have a +45 point differential recently, allowing under 105 PPG in wins but struggling in high-scoring losses.
Milwaukee Bucks (Last 10 Games): 4-6
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Jan 11 | @ DEN | L 104-108 |
| Jan 9 | @ LAL | W 105-101 |
| Jan 7 | @ GSW | L 113-120 |
| Jan 5 | vs LAC | L |
| Jan 3 | vs SAC | W |
| Jan 1 | @ POR | L |
| Dec 30 | vs UTA | W |
| Dec 28 | @ PHX | L |
| Dec 26 | vs DEN | L |
| Dec 23 | @ LAC | W |
Milwaukee has a -25 point differential, with poor road form but better at home (3-2 in last five at Fiserv).
Series History
Milwaukee holds a slim all-time edge with a 36-35 record against Minnesota in 71 regular-season games. In the last 10 meetings, the Bucks are 6-4, with an average point differential of +1.4 favoring Milwaukee. Recent games have been close, with five decided by five points or fewer, and the under hitting in six of the last eight.
Betting Trends
Spread: Wolves 22-18 ATS overall; Bucks 16-23 ATS.
Over/Under: Under has hit in 7 of Minnesota’s last 10 and in recent series games.
Other Trends: Timberwolves 6-4 ATS as road favorites; Bucks 3-7 SU in last 10. Over in 2 of Bucks’ last 5 home games.
Game Odds
Minnesota Timberwolves 228.5
Milwaukee Bucks – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 12, 2026
