Timberwolves vs Suns Predictions: Can the Timberwolves Find a Bit of Shooting?

• The Minnesota Timberwolves look to continue their climb up the Western Conference table
• The Phoenix Suns look to establish themselves at the top of the West.
• The Suns swept their season series with the Timberwolves last year, 3-0.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns Predictions and Picks

Phoenix is missing a few players that would put out their strongest lineup, but they've still performed quite well. Minnesota's twin big-man concept has some legs, but their lack of shooting has been their downfall more than once.

Picks:

Phoenix Suns def. Minnesota Timberwolves

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Head-to-Head: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns

Injury Report

MIN: Can the Timberwolves find a bit of shooting?

The Minnesota Timberwolves knew that they were sacrificing some range in their offense when they acquired Rudy Gobert. However they've been well off the mark through this early phase of the NBA season, something they need to remedy to beat the Suns.

The Timberwolves are currently ranked 26th overall in three-point field goal efficiency, converting on just 31.8% of their makes. In comparison, they were first in three-pointers made and attempted per game last season, on 35.8% shooting.

Through seven games the Timberwolves have made more than 10 three-point field goals just three times, once being an outlying 20 of 34 night against the Spurs. The Suns are a disciplined defensive team who will collapse on rolling big men, Minnesota need to be clinical from three to win.

Timberwolves Key Player: (F-C) Karl-Anthony Towns

The Minnesota Timberwolves still aren't performing to their potential, but the promise is there. While all eyes have been on Gobert, it's Karl-Anthony Towns who needs to improve on his efficiency to help Minnesota win the day.

In his last game, a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, Towns' struggle to shoot the ball hurt the Timberwolves. He posted a solid line of 26 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. However, he was just 1 of 7 from three-point range and a team-low minus-22 on the night.

Towns needs to be locked in against the Suns, who are missing key big man DeAndre Ayton for this matchup. Given his ability to score in the paint, expect him to attack the rim early to open up his shooting.

Suns: Can the Suns' role players maintain their play?

The Phoenix Suns are a proven regular-season team. While the post-season may be a different story, what's important going into this game is that the Suns are succeeding to due the depth of their roster.

In their last game, a win over the lowly Houston Rockets, the Phoenix Suns had seven different players score in double-digits. Of those players, three of those scorers came off the bench and were led by Australian big man Jock Landale.

One of the league's best passing teams, second overall with 29.7 assists per game, the Suns thrive when the ball is moving. So long as their role players are converting on their opportunities, the Timberwolves don't have the depth to compete with Phoenix.

Suns Key Player: (G) Chris Paul

The Phoenix Suns continue to perform well and it's all behind the stellar guard play of Chris Paul. While he may not be an incredible scoring force, he showed in his last game that his playmaking can be a game-changer.

In Phoenix's 124-109 win over the Houston Rockets, Paul posted 10 points and 15 assists in 31 minutes of play. He wasn't great shooting the ball, just 3 of 17, but his ability to create for others was a difference-maker.

Against the Timberwolves' big men, Paul's ability to operate the pick-and-roll will be crucial to their success. Getting Minnesota's shot-blockers out of the paint will be key, but he'll still need to show he's a threat to score in screening movements.

How to Watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns.