Minnesota Timberwolves vs Charlotte Hornets Betting Pick & Prediction 3/5/25
At 7:00 ET, the 14-46 Hornets will host the 34-29 Timberwolves in a non-conference matchup. Minnesota is currently favored by 8.5 points and the over/under line is set at 223.5.
Charlotte is on a seven-game losing streak and is 14th in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are 7th in the West and have won two straight.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES VS CHARLOTTE HORNETS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves -8.5
This game will be played at Spectrum Center at 7:00 ET on Wednesday, March 5th.
WHY BET THE MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 129-112 in favor of the Timberwolves.
- Our projections have Anthony Edwards finishing with 26 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
- From the field, we have the Timberwolves finishing with a field goal percentage of 45.5% and knocking down 17 threes.
Taking a Look at the Timberwolves Chances in Charlotte
With a 126-112 win over the 76ers on Tuesday, the Timberwolves improved to 34-29 for the season. Playing at home, Minnesota entered the game as -13 point favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game were 238, exceeding the over/under line of 223 by 15 points.
After a tight first three quarters, Minnesota led 83-80 heading into the 4th. They pulled away by outscoring Philadelphia 43-32 in the final period.
The Timberwolves shot 56.8% from the field and knocked down 18 threes at a 45% clip in their 126-112 win over the 76ers. Naz Reid led the way with 23 points, hitting 5 threes, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 20 points, shooting 72.7% from the field.
Anthony Edwards contributed 18 points, with 11 coming in the 2nd quarter. Alexander-Walker was key in the 4th, scoring 13 of his 20 points in the final period.
Despite giving up 112 points, the Timberwolves came away with the win against the 76ers. They had a strong 1st quarter defensively, allowing just 22 points, but gave up 31 in the 2nd. Minnesota allowed 27 points in the 3rd and 32 in the 4th.
The Timberwolves did well defending the three, holding the 76ers to 9 made threes on 28% shooting. They sent Philadelphia to the line 27 times, where they made 19 free throws. Minnesota finished with 30 defensive rebounds, 7 steals, and 5 blocks.
Can the Hornets Pull the Upset at Home?
Charlotte’s season continued to be a struggle, as they fell to 14-46 after a 119-101 home loss to the Warriors on Monday. The Hornets entered the game as +12.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total score of 220 points fell short of the 229.5-point O/U line.
Charlotte went on an 11-0 run early, briefly taking the lead, but the Warriors regained control and led 58-49 at halftime. The Hornets couldn’t close the gap, as they were outscored 33-24 in the 4th quarter.
In the Hornets’ 119-101 loss to the Warriors, Miles Bridges led the way with 35 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 55% from the field and hitting 4 threes at 44.4%. LaMelo Ball added 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, also connecting on 4 threes at 44.4%, though he shot just 38.1% overall. Mark Williams contributed 12 points and 13 rebounds, shooting 62.5% from the floor.
As a team, the Hornets struggled offensively, shooting 39.5% from the field and 27.5% from three, making just 11 threes. Bridges scored 15 points in the 2nd quarter and 14 more in the 4th, while Ball added 14 points in the 3rd.
Defensively, the Hornets gave up 119 points to the Warriors, allowing 28 points in both the 1st and 3rd quarters, 30 in the 2nd, and 33 in the 4th. Despite the loss, they held Golden State to 42% shooting from the field.
Charlotte struggled to contain the Warriors from beyond the arc, giving up 18 threes on 36% shooting. They also sent Golden State to the line 24 times, where they converted 21 free throws. The Hornets finished with 39 defensive rebounds, allowed 12 offensive boards, and recorded 3 steals and 6 blocks.