The Minnesota Timberwolves (28-19) visit the Dallas Mavericks (19-27) in a Western Conference matchup as the Timberwolves look to extend their road success against a Mavericks team fighting for consistency amid injuries. Minnesota, sitting 3rd in the West, has relied on elite defense and balanced scoring but faces challenges with perimeter shooting. Dallas, 12th in the West, boasts strong home rebounding but has been plagued by turnovers and defensive lapses. This game could hinge on three-point defense and fast-break points, with potential for a Timberwolves blowout if their defense locks in or a Mavericks upset if Luka Doncic exploits Minnesota’s occasional interior vulnerabilities.
Venue Location
The game will be played at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. This 20,000-capacity arena, opened in 2001, is the home of the Mavericks and known for its modern amenities and passionate fanbase during Western Conference clashes.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET (5:30 PM PT / 1:30 AM GMT on January 29).
Recent Team Forms
The Timberwolves have been solid, posting a 6-4 record in their last 10 games with a +4.5 point differential. They’ve won three straight road games, including a 106-103 victory over the Thunder on January 26, averaging 112 PPG while holding opponents to 107.5. Anthony Edwards (25 PPG) and Rudy Gobert (12 RPG, 2 BPG) lead the way, with elite defense (top-5 in opponent FG% at 45%) but three-point struggles (34%).
The Mavericks are struggling, going 3-7 in their last 10 with a -5.0 point differential. They’ve lost two straight at home, including a 139-106 defeat to the Clippers on January 25, averaging 110 PPG while conceding 115. Luka Doncic (32 PPG, 9 APG) carries the offense, with strong rebounding (45 per game) but turnover issues (15 per game) and poor three-point defense (38% allowed).
| Team | Last 10 Record | Points For (Avg) | Points Against (Avg) | Streak |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 6-4 | 112.0 | 107.5 | W3 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 3-7 | 110.0 | 115.0 | L2 |
Injury Report
Injuries are impacting both teams, particularly the Mavericks’ depth.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
Karl-Anthony Towns (PF, knee): Questionable (soreness; limited in practice).
Mike Conley (PG, hamstring): Day-to-day; expected to play but monitored.
Overall: Two veterans in doubt, potentially affecting spacing if Towns sits.
Dallas Mavericks:
Kyrie Irving (PG, thumb): Out 4-6 weeks (fracture).
Dereck Lively II (C, ankle): Questionable (sprain; game-time decision).
Dante Exum (PG, wrist): Out (fracture; indefinite).
Overall: Backcourt thinned, forcing reliance on Doncic and Hardy for playmaking.
Key Player Matchups
This Western Conference tilt features star-driven battles.
Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves SG) vs. Luka Doncic (Mavericks PG): Edwards’ athleticism (25 PPG, 5 APG) vs. Doncic’s scoring (32 PPG, 9 APG).
Jaden McDaniels (Timberwolves SF) vs. Klay Thompson (Mavericks SG): McDaniels’ defense (2 SPG) challenged by Thompson’s shooting (18 PPG, 38% 3PT).
Julius Randle (Timberwolves PF) vs. PJ Washington (Mavericks PF): Randle’s rebounding (10 RPG) vs. Washington’s versatility (14 PPG, 7 RPG).
Rudy Gobert (Timberwolves C) vs. Dereck Lively II (Mavericks C): Gobert’s rim protection (2 BPG) vs. Lively’s athleticism (10 PPG, 8 RPG) – if Lively plays.
Key X-Factor: Naz Reid (Timberwolves F) could exploit Mavericks’ frontcourt injuries with his spacing (15 PPG, 40% 3PT).
Series History
The Mavericks lead the all-time series 70-58 in 128 meetings. Dallas has won 4 of the last 5, including a 120-96 victory in 2025. Average total points: 225.4, with overs hitting in 3 of 5. In Dallas, the Mavericks are 3-2 in the last 5 vs. Timberwolves.
| Last 5 Head-to-Head Games | Date | Result | Total Points |
| Timberwolves @ Mavericks | 11/15/2025 | Mavericks 120-96 | 216 |
| Mavericks @ Timberwolves | 10/20/2025 | Mavericks 105-102 | 207 |
| Timberwolves @ Mavericks | 03/10/2024 | Timberwolves 120-118 | 238 |
| Mavericks @ Timberwolves | 12/05/2024 | Mavericks 112-108 | 220 |
| Timberwolves @ Mavericks | 02/28/2024 | Mavericks 115-110 | 225 |
Betting Trends
Spread: Minnesota is 14-11 ATS on the road; Dallas 12-13 ATS at home. Over/Under: The over has hit in 6 of Minnesota’s last 10 road games and 5 of Dallas’ last 10 overall. Trends: Timberwolves 4-1 in last 5 road games; Mavericks 2-3 in last 5 home. Models give Timberwolves 60% win probability.
Game Odds
Minnesota Timberwolves – 6.5
Dallas Mavericks 232.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026
