76ers vs Timberwolves Prediction & Odds: Sixers Look To Stay Hot After Break

The Philadelphia 76ers (35-23 SU, 29-29 ATS) return to action after the all-star break as they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves (32-28, 31-28-1) at Target Center on Friday. The Sixers went 4-2 in their last six games prior to the break while the Timberwolves are 3-1 in their last four outings. Can the newly acquired James Harden give Philadelphia the boost it’s looking for? Find out in our 76ers vs Timberwolves prediction.

76ers vs Timberwolves Odds & Analysis

Sportsbook Odds

The Timberwolves opened as a slim 1-point favorite, but early action on the Sixers moved the line to Philadelphia -2.5 by Friday morning. The total also moved from its Sportsbook at 227 to 228.5 at most sportsbooks. The OVER is 14-4 in Minnesota’s last 18 contests while the UNDER is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings at Target Center. The 76ers have dominated the Timberwolves with eight wins in the last 10 meetings, and with Harden joining an already strong Sixers squad, there’s a lot to like about Philadelphia in a 76ers vs Timberwolves prediction.

Get the best 76ers vs Timberwolves odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Harden Set To Join Surging Sixers After All-Star Break

The Sixers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 123-120 in their last outing before the break. Joel Embiid led the charge as usual, piling up 42 points and 14 rebounds, while four others finished in double digits for Philadelphia.

The 76ers turned their season around after Christmas and should be even stronger now with the Ben Simmons saga behind them and an energized Harden set to take his place.

Embiid has put himself in position as the MVP favorite and everyone knows what a focused Harden is capable of. Sitting first in the Atlantic Division and three games back of the Chicago Bulls for first in the conference, the 76ers will certainly make a push for the top spot in the East.

Harden (hamstring) is probable for Friday’s game.

Timberwolves Pick Up Big Win Over Grizzlies In First Game Back

The Timberwolves were back in action Thursday as they picked up a 119-114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. D’Angelo Russell went off for 37 points to lead all scorers while Karl-Anthony Towns had a double-double with 22 points and 11 boards for the Timberwolves’ fifth-ranked offense.

Minnesota has had a middling season so far, sitting seventh in the Western Conference, though the Timberwolves have picked things up recently with seven wins in their last 10 games. The T-Wolves decided to stand pat at the trade deadline, but they’ll be looking for a strong final push from Towns, Russell and Anthony Edwards to secure a playoff spot.

McKinley Wright IV (elbow) is questionable for Friday’s contest.

76ers vs Timberwolves Pick & Insights

76ers: Keys To Cover

The Sixers boast an elite defense, allowing just 106 points per game (7th), and they’ll need to be strong in their half to contain a powerful Timberwolves offense. Philadelphia will also be hoping that Harden is good to go for Friday to give Embiid some offensive support.

Timberwolves: Keys To Cover

The Timberwolves will likely need another standout performance from one of their top players to beat a strong 76ers squad. If Russell can’t pop off for 30-plus points again, Minnesota will look to Towns, who is averaging more than 25 points per game over his last 10 outings. 

Odds Shark’s Computer 76ers vs Timberwolves Prediction: Timberwolves +2.5

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