NBA Game Preview: Atlanta Hawks (26-28) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (32-22)

0
18

The Atlanta Hawks (26-28) face the Minnesota Timberwolves (32-22) in an interconference battle at Target Center. Atlanta seeks to end a recent skid, relying on Jalen Johnson’s all-around play, while Minnesota aims to leverage its strong home defense (holding opponents to 110.8 PPG at home) despite injury concerns. This matchup contrasts the Hawks’ fast-paced offense (17th in pace) against the Timberwolves’ elite defensive rating (112.7, 10th in NBA).

Venue and Time

  • Location: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Time: 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PST)
  • TV: FanDuel Sports Network North, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast

Recent Team Forms

Atlanta has struggled lately, going 4-6 in its last 10 with a 2-3 mark in the last five, averaging 114.6 PPG while allowing 119.4 (net -4.8). Minnesota is 5-5 in its last 10, including a 2-3 skid in the last five, but strong at home (18-9), scoring 119.5 PPG (3rd in NBA) and limiting foes effectively.

TeamLast 5 GamesKey Results
HawksL vs CHA (119-126), W vs UTA (121-119), W @ MIA (127-115), L @ IND (124-129), L vs HOU (86-104)Jalen Johnson averaging 27.6 PPG in last five; poor defense allowing 120+ in three losses
TimberwolvesL vs NOP (115-119), W @ TOR (128-126), L @ MEM (128-137), W @ MEM (131-114), W vs SAC (119-115)Anthony Edwards 32.8 PPG in last five; rebounding edge (45.0 RPG, 12th) key in wins

Injury Report

  • Hawks:
    • Dyson Daniels (G): GTD (Ankle)
  • Jonathan Kuminga (F): Out (Knee)
  • Onyeka Okongwu (C): DTD (Dental)
  • Ayo Dosunmu (G): DTD (Quadriceps)
  • Jalen Phillips (G): DTD (Wrist)
  • Trae Young (G): Questionable (Undisclosed)
  • Timberwolves:
    • Anthony Edwards (G): GTD (Back/Elbow)
    • Julius Randle (F): GTD (Thumb)
    • Terrence Shannon Jr. (G): Out (Foot)
  • Mike Conley (G): Out (Undisclosed)
  • Rudy Gobert (C): Questionable (Undisclosed)

Key Player Matchups

Injuries could alter dynamics, but frontcourt battles loom large. Minnesota’s efficiency (48.1% FG, 4th) tests Atlanta’s 23rd-ranked defense (116.2 PPG allowed).

  • Jalen Johnson (ATL) vs. Julius Randle (MIN): Johnson (23.4 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 6.8 APG) is a triple-double threat

Randle (20.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG) counters with post play if healthy

  • Anthony Edwards (MIN) vs. Dyson Daniels (ATL): Edwards (27.8 PPG, 5.3 APG) dominates scoring

Daniels (defensive specialist, 1.8 SPG) could disrupt if available

  • Rudy Gobert (MIN) vs. Jock Landale (ATL): Gobert (13.2 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 2.1 BPG) anchors defense

Landale (14.7 PPG, recent 26 PTS) stretches floor

  • Other Notables: If active, Trae Young (ATL, 24.1 PPG) vs. Mike Conley (MIN); Zaccharie Risacher (ATL) vs. Jaden McDaniels (MIN, defensive wing)

Expected Lineups (subject to injuries):

  • Hawks: Alexander-Walker (PG), Daniels (SG, if available), Johnson (SF), Risacher (PF), Landale (C)
  • Timberwolves: Conley (PG, if available), Edwards (SG), McDaniels (SF), Randle (PF), Gobert (C)

Series History

Atlanta leads the all-time series 43-27 in 70 games. The Hawks have won 6 of the last 10, including a 126-102 victory on Dec. 31, 2025. Recent games trend under (5-5 O/U in last 10), with Atlanta 9-1 ATS in the series

Betting Trends

  • Hawks Trends: 26-28 ATS overall; 9-1 ATS in last 10 vs. MIN; 27-27 O/U; 16-13 ATS as road underdogs
  • Timberwolves Trends: 22-32 ATS overall; 3-2 ATS in last 5; 5-5 O/U in last 10; 28-14 SU as favorites

Game Odds

Atlanta Hawks                                   238.5

Minnesota Timberwolves            – 6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 8, 2026