NBA Game Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (45-29) vs. Dallas Mavericks (24-50)

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Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET
Venue: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Broadcast: KFAA-TV (Mavericks regional), FDSN Southwest, NBA League Pass (national)

This Western Conference matchup pits a Timberwolves squad still battling for higher playoff seeding against a Mavericks team that has been mathematically eliminated and is mired in a historic home skid. Minnesota arrives as clear road favorites with superior talent and motivation despite key injury questions; Dallas will lean on its remaining young pieces and any available veterans in what could be another lopsided affair.

Team

Recent Form (Last 5-10 Games)

Timberwolves (5-5 in last 10; 2-3 in last 5):

Mar 28: L 87-109 vs DET

Mar 25: W 110-108 (OT) vs HOU

Mar 22: W 102-92 @ BOS

Mar 20: L 104-108 vs POR

Mar 18: W 147-111 vs UTA
Minnesota has shown resilience in close wins but has been inconsistent without full health, averaging solid offense but struggling defensively in losses.

Mavericks (2-8 in last 10; 1-4 in last 5):

Mar 27: W 100-93 @ POR (snapped 5-game skid)

Mar 25: L 135-142 @ DEN

Mar 23: L 131-137 (OT) vs GSW

Mar 21: L 131-138 (OT) vs LAC

Recent prior: Heavy losses at home.
Dallas has been poor overall, particularly at home where they are on a 12-game losing streak.

Injury Report

Minnesota Timberwolves:

Anthony Edwards (SG) – OUT (right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome; multiple games missed, no clear return timetable)

Jaden McDaniels (SF) – OUT (right knee soreness)

Ayo Dosunmu (PG) – Questionable (right calf soreness)

Other rotation players (Randle, Gobert, etc.) expected available.

Dallas Mavericks:

Kyrie Irving (PG) – OUT for season (left knee surgery)

Dereck Lively II (C) – OUT for season (right foot surgery)

Daniel Gafford (C) – Questionable (right shoulder sprain)

Caleb Martin (SF) – Questionable (right heel/plantar fascia strain)

Naji Marshall (SG) – Probable (illness)

Marvin Bagley III (PF) – Questionable (left shoulder impingement)
Dallas is extremely thin in the frontcourt and backcourt.

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The injury disparity is significant—especially Edwards’ continued absence for Minnesota and Dallas’ season-long losses of Irving and Lively.

Key Player Matchups to Watch

Julius Randle / Rudy Gobert vs. Dallas frontcourt (Gafford/Bagley if active): Minnesota’s size and rebounding should dominate a depleted Mavericks interior.

Mike Conley / Donte DiVincenzo vs. Dallas guards (without Irving): Minnesota’s veteran backcourt experience vs. young or fill-in options.

Naz Reid / bench scoring: Wolves’ depth could exploit Dallas’ thin roster in the second half.

Pace and transition: Minnesota must control the glass and limit Dallas’ occasional fast-break opportunities.

Even without Edwards, Minnesota’s collective talent and defensive identity create multiple mismatches.

Series History (2025-26 Season)

2025-26: Timberwolves lead 3-0 (Nov 17: MIN 120-96; Jan 28: MIN 118-105; Feb 20: MIN 122-111).

Minnesota has dominated recent matchups and owns the season-series edge.

Dallas has struggled mightily against Minnesota at home in recent years.

Betting Trends

Mavericks are 0-12 in their last 12 home games and 1-4 SU in last 5 overall.

Timberwolves are 4-1 SU in last 5 vs. Dallas; totals have gone Under in 5 of Minnesota’s last 7 road games.

Road favorites like Minnesota have covered comfortably against depleted, eliminated home teams.

Game Odds

Minnesota Timberwolves            – 7.5

Dallas Mavericks                              235.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, March 29, 2026

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